Does anyone have a house cleaning schedule for a working mom?

Answer 1

I don't really, I stink at it... but... my sister in law is amazing her home seems like is always in terrific shape. Here is what she does and she does have a cleaning schedule. Don't know how old your child(ren), is(are), but her kids are expected to help, they each have their "help mommy" job and their own responsibility.

Every evening, they take 5-10 min max and pick up the loose items in the house, each person getting their stuff and getting it to their room, she also runs the vacuum through the livingroom and hallways every couple of nights.
Monday evening she takes 30 min and cleans the kitchen, fridge, mops the dining that sort of thing, family helps.
Tuesday is dusting day
Wed nothing
Thursday is bathrooms, (she keeps separate cleaning supplies in the bathrooms so she doesn't have to tote them back and forth)
Friday is bedrooms (super quick clean)
2 Sat. a month the family spends @ an hour to 2 hours doing a thorough house cleaning. (including bedrooms)
She's done it this way for so long that they just whip through everything very quickly.
And if you keep on top of the nightly pick up it all goes really fast.
I'm am getting better at it and I'm using her methods.

Answer 2

First of all, you need to include the kids (and dad, if he's around) in the process. My husband was raised by a woman who did everything for the whole family, and it has been detrimental to him as an adult. I have had to teach him how to clean things, and it would have been better for him for many reasons, if he had these skills before we met.

You don't say how old your kids are, but even little ones can get involved. It's not that hard to fold towels, or sort socks (that can actually be a good lesson in matching!). They can also take out the trash, sweep the kitchen floor, feed the pets, and make their beds.

That said, I work on a plan of doing two things every evening after work. Sometimes, this is wash a load of laundry and clean out the cat box. Sometimes, it's vacuum the living room, and wash the dishes. My house is almost never perfect, but it's always decent.

If everyone comes home at the end of the day with the same plan to get a couple of chores out of the way, it can be quick. Also, if your kids feel like it's something you're all doing together, it feels like family fun time.

While you're starting dinner, have someone else start a load of laundry, and someone else can be folding the stuff that got washed yesterday. Then, while you're taking out the trash, someone can be feeding the dog, and someone else can be dusting the living room. Next thing you know, you've got six chores done, spent time with the family, and it only too half an hour!

Answer 3

Yahoo groups has a group called the "The Cleaning Lady", check it out. She has lots of advise to give.... Including scheduling your housework.

Aside from that, I'd recommend doing something on a daily basis (like after dinner or just before going to bed)and then tackle the bigger stuff on a Saturday or Sunday mornings.

I used to work as a maid in a hotel and could clean our house....esp the bathrooms--daily--and in record time. The key was learning a routine and doing it repeatedly. Once you've done that, it all becomes very, very easy.

And yes! By all means, have the kids help. Assign chores out and keep a record of who is doing what. Reward them for doing what they're assigned to do. Aside from good parenting....It's an excellent way of keeping your help from going awole on you!

Answer 4

I'm not even a mom and I have trouble keeping on top of the house cleaning! What I've started to do is to give myself small tasks that I have to do EVERY DAY. For instance, I have to fold at least 6 pieces of laundry every day, I have to wash whatever dishes are in the sink every day, and beyond that, our house is pretty much a pig stye. I do larger projects, like cleaning the bathroom or mopping floors, for the weekends.

Also, get a Roomba! It's fantastic!

Answer 5

I'm not a mom, but I work. Here's what I consider adequate to maintain:

Load of laundry every day
Keep up with dishes as needed.
Swiffer floors every other day, vacuum once a week (carpets) mop once a month.
Bathrooms every other week.
Dust once a month, more often if needed.
Thorough kitchen cleaning once a week.

Get the hubby and kids to help. Kids really like to help. Assign each one a task, and hold them accountable.

Answer 6

I'd like to recommend a website that deals with cleaning as well as organizing. It's called Flylady.net. She's a breath of fresh air when you are feeling totally overwhelmed by clutter in your home. Check it out. It might not be exactly what you are looking for, but it's a start!

Answer 7

I choose one room a day (or every other day) to dust, sweep, pick up and wipe off. The fact that you are limiting yourself to one room, doesn't seem so overwhelming.

Answer 8

Yes, on Saturdays have the whole family pitch in and get it done!

Answer 9

Go to Flylady.net She's wonderful!

Answer 10

I do.
The first thing you need is a Car. You don't want kids anywhere around.
Then dynamite. It's just faster to and easier to rebuild, then to try and clean.
Hope this helps.