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Keeping It Clean: Plan Your Cleaning

Mary N. Harrison, Randall A. Cantrell, and Amanda Griffin
Figure 1. 
Figure 1. 
Credit: JackF/iStock/Thinkstock

 

Clean as You Go

The clean-as-you-go plan makes it easy to have a clean and orderly home.

  • Develop a basic cleaning schedule. Keep it simple and stick to it.
  • Plan projects that you can complete in the time allotted.
  • Involve your family. All members working together help make it easier to keep your home in good condition.
  • Keep all cleaning supplies and equipment in one place. Store supplies in a container that is easily transported from job to job.

Tasks to Do Immediately

The following tasks should be done immediately.

  • Hang up clothing and coats as soon as you take them off.
  • Put dirty clothes in the hamper.
  • Clean dishes as soon as you finish eating.
  • Make your bed when you get out of it.
  • Put items back in their place after you use them.
  • Vacuum or mop spills so they do not leave stains on carpet.

Tasks to Do Less Often

Examples of tasks that you do less often:

  • Change the bed sheets weekly.
  • Do the family laundry weekly or more often if needed.
  • Wash windows each spring (or as needed).
  • Dust weekly.
  • Clean bathrooms weekly: toilets, sinks, counters, mirrors, and tubs.
  • Change the filter in your furnace/air conditioner monthly (or as recommended by the manufacturer).
  • Clean out the refrigerator of spills and outdated foods/drinks.
  • Clean out the cabinets of outdated foods.

Remember: Scheduled household tasks are manageable unless the schedule is neglected!

Publication #FCS5232-02

Release Date:October 7, 2021

Related Experts

Cantrell, Randall A.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Harrison, Mary N

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Griffin, Amanda

University of Florida

Related Collections

  • Critical Issue: Families and Communities
Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is FCS5232-02, is one of a series on Home Cleaning and Repairing from the Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. This material was prepared with the support of the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Energy Office. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Original publication date June 2002. Revised December 2005, May 2014, October 2017, and July 2021. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Mary N. Harrison, retired professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension; Randall A. Cantrell, associate professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences; and Amanda Griffin, former Extension agent I, UF/IFAS Extension Jackson County; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Randall Cantrell