As a busy mom, I know how overwhelming it can be to juggle the demands of homemaking, parenting, and personal time. Finding a cleaning routine that works for my family has been a game-changer. Today, I want to share practical daily cleaning routines that have helped me keep our home in order while staying true to my faith and values.
Morning Routine: Start the Day Right
Mornings at my house start with the sound of an alarm (or whenever the good Lord wakes me). Here’s how I kick off the day:
- Make the Beds: First thing in the morning, I make the beds. I also open my windows because I love to hear the birds chirping and seeing the sun shining. This sets a positive tone for the morning and instantly makes my bedroom look more inviting.
- Quick Kitchen Clean-Up: Before breakfast, I will either empty or start the dishwasher. After breakfast, I spend a few minutes wiping down countertops, wipe down and sanitizing the appliances, and sweeping the floor. A clean kitchen makes me happy!
- Tidy Living Areas: I do a quick sweep of the living room and entryway, putting things back in their place. This helps keep the main areas of our home presentable and clutter-free.
- Non-Toxic Products: I love using non-toxic products like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils for my morning clean-up. They are safe for my home.
Afternoon Routine: Keeping the Peace
Once the morning rush is over, it’s time to slow down and pace myself but also keep the momentum going:
- Laundry Load: I aim to do at least two loads of laundry a day. This keeps mount laundry from erupting and consuming us all.
- Bathroom Quick Clean: A quick wipe-down of the bathroom sinks, door knobs, power outlets and mirrors keeps them from looking like a science experiment.
- Prep for Dinner: Around 4 PM, I start prepping for dinner. (Much earlier if I'm cooking in my crockpot). Chopping veggies or marinating meat in the afternoon makes the evening rush a bit smoother. It also prevents me from resorting to cereal for dinner (again).
Night Routine: Finding Peace Before Bed
- Final Kitchen Sweep: At night, after dinner, I retire and go upstairs. My husband supervises the kids while they all pitch in to clean the kitchen, making sure the dishwasher is running and counters are clear.
- Bath Time & Journaling: At around 7 PM, I am fast away upstairs to relax If the laundry from earlier is dry, I fold it and put it away. This keeps the piles from turning into a laundry monster that threatens to eat us alive.
- Personal Prayer and Reflection: Before bed, I spend some quiet time in prayer and reflection. It’s my chance to recharge and refocus, keeping my heart centered on God.
Tips for Moms with Older and Busy Teens
If you’ve got older kids and teens, here’s how to get them in on the action:
- Assign Chores: Teens can be a big help! Assign them specific tasks like vacuuming, taking out the trash, or helping with dinner prep. It teaches responsibility and lightens your load.
- Create a Chore Chart: A visual reminder can work wonders. It helps keep track of who’s responsible for what and ensures tasks are evenly distributed.
- Encourage Clean-Up After Themselves: Teach your teens to clean up after themselves, whether it’s putting away their laundry or cleaning up the kitchen after making a snack. It fosters independence and keeps the house tidy.
- Weekly Family Cleaning Time: Set aside a specific time each week for a family cleaning session. Everyone pitches in to tackle bigger tasks like deep cleaning bathrooms or organizing the garage. It’s a great way to bond and keep the house in top shape.
Creating a daily cleaning routine that fits into a busy mom’s schedule is essential for maintaining a peaceful and orderly home. By breaking down tasks into manageable chunks throughout the day, involving the family, and using non-toxic products, we can keep our homes clean and inviting. Remember, our goal is not perfection but creating a space where God’s presence can be felt and our families can thrive.
I hope these routines inspire you to find a rhythm that works for your household. Let’s embrace the journey of homemaking with joy and grace, and have fun.