Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 My bf thinks I am just a cleaning freak. Honestly, I think it's because I am not a clutter type person and she is. I don't have a ton of knick knacks, I do have a big plastic tote for every holiday with decorations so I do have stuff...lol I must clean the bathrooms every day, toilet, tubs, windex glass and faucets, the whole shebang. I must sweep and mop my kitchen, bathroom and dining room floors every day. The beds are made as soon as everyone gets out of them, they all make their own beds, it's a habit now. Rooms are picked up and laundry sent downstairs. I must do ALL the bedding weekly. I must do my laundry daily, folded and put away. I go to bed with an empty hamper and I have been know to creep out of bed at 1 am to fold and put it in the kids rooms if I left a load in the dryer. Dusting, vacuuming, gets done 2 x's weekly as well as a closet a week. I truly spend about 45 minutes a day cleaning, if that. It doesn't take up my entire day. Am I insane???;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Am I insane???;) Um... yes. But, you sound very efficiently insane. ;):lol: (It does sound like a lot of daily cleaning, but I suppose that keeping on top of it each day is what makes it a 'quick' clean each day -- more maintenance rather than regular cleaning.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 I'm impressed that you can do that all in 45 minutes. By my standards you are insane, but if that makes you happy I certainly wouldn't call you insane. ;) LOL....we have 3 kids in competitive sports and I don't have evenings and weekends to get it done. On the kids breaks and lunch is when I can do it and if I have been extra efficient I can come here and ask if you think I am insane...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 You might possibly be a little cracked, but I'm really in no position to judge. ;) Must clean: my kitchen every night before I go to bed. But, that's pretty much it. My general rules of thumb are: if it's full, empty it; if there is visible dirt, wipe/vacuum it up; if there are piles, I tell the kids over and over again to remove them... That sort of thing works until people come over (like MIL) and I actually notice all the cobwebs and dust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Pongo, I don't think you're insane. It sounds like you have found a system that works for you and requires minimal maintenance. I bet you feel great going to bed knowing it's all done. I wish I was like that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 I think I like that better efficiently insane.....I'll have to tell my bf she can call me insane if she prefaces it with efficiently.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 But if it works for you and your family then who cares? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 Pongo, I don't think you're insane. It sounds like you have found a system that works for you and requires minimal maintenance. I bet you feel great going to bed knowing it's all done. I wish I was like that! I just tend to get more accomplished when it's done. The house cleaning is one of those things that when it's not done it is like a dark cloud over my head, and when it's done I don't even think about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 n Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4kiddies Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I wish I was insanse like you!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Buckin' Longhorn Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Uhm . . . I do think you're a tad bit insane . . . but it sounds like a heavenly insanity to me. Can you do all that on video and post it so we can see how you do all of that in 45 minutes? I've just GOT to see that for myself . . . you must move like Bewitched or something, LOL. I MUST have a clean kitchen. I literally CANNOT sleep if there are dirty dishes in the sink. The guest bathroom gets thoroughly cleaned (by DS) once a week, mine gets cleaned as needed and I usually sweep/mop/vacuum once every week or two. I actually thought my house was pretty clean, until I heard your lineup, now not so much :lol:. Luckily I only have one child, who's older and pretty neat and we don't get guests very often . . . or ever . . . because I don't like house guests, LOL, because it means I'll have to clean. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Tell me you have a house 1800 square feet or smaller? Only 2 kids? Yeah, you are insane. I like it since it doesn't take a lot of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rookie Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 We could be best friends! I keep and clutter-free and clean house. It makes me feel great. Friends like to come over and sit because they say the house feels so fresh and calm. :001_smile: Good for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I don't think you're insane. You just like things neat, tidy, and organized. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 If it works for you and takes under an hour a day, who cares! Quit getting up at 1 am though. The clothes will still be there when the sun rises. Yes. I purchased a dollar store spray bottle to keep on the dryer. In the morning, simply mist the dry clothes and tumble for a few minutes to get the wrinkles out. No probs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inactive Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 HOW do you do ALL that in 45 minutes or less? :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoboys Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 What is a must clean for me??? Ummm (embarrassed to say this). . nothing!:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 We could be best friends! I keep and clutter-free and clean house. It makes me feel great. Friends like to come over and sit because they say the house feels so fresh and calm. :001_smile: Good for you! Yaaaa, I knew you were out there:D I just ran upstairs to finish the floors...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 Yes. I purchased a dollar store spray bottle to keep on the dryer. In the morning, simply mist the dry clothes and tumble for a few minutes to get the wrinkles out. No probs. Clever, I very much dislike wrinkled clothing! Go figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 My bf thinks I am just a cleaning freak. Honestly, I think it's because I am not a clutter type person and she is. I don't have a ton of knick knacks, I do have a big plastic tote for every holiday with decorations so I do have stuff...lol I must clean the bathrooms every day, toilet, tubs, windex glass and faucets, the whole shebang. I must sweep and mop my kitchen, bathroom and dining room floors every day. The beds are made as soon as everyone gets out of them, they all make their own beds, it's a habit now. Rooms are picked up and laundry sent downstairs. I must do ALL the bedding weekly. I must do my laundry daily, folded and put away. I go to bed with an empty hamper and I have been know to creep out of bed at 1 am to fold and put it in the kids rooms if I left a load in the dryer. Dusting, vacuuming, gets done 2 x's weekly as well as a closet a week. I truly spend about 45 minutes a day cleaning, if that. It doesn't take up my entire day. Am I insane???;) 45 min. of cleaning a day doesn't sound unreasonable and you sound like you're efficient. However, all the "musts" sound obsessive. If you can't not do it , then it's obssessive not just a helpful habit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Wow -- I thought I was crazy! I like things clean, but I just don't feel the need to clean our shower/bath everyday, etc. The boys clean the tub once a week and the bathroom twice a week. I wipe down the toilet with a Lysol wipe almost daily and the sink when I go to bed. I do laundry every evening after everyone is ready for bed, and I run the dishwasher every night when I go to bed. I wash towels once a week because we all have our own towel, and sheets are definitely not done weekly. I also wash small rugs (the ones in front of sinks and the back door weekly). Kitchen towels are washed nightly. The house is all picked up every night (the boys have to put all toys and stuff away), and I vacuum the living area and hallway every night after that. The kitchen is neat and tidy as well. So, we start the day with everything being in its place. I sweep the kitchen a couple of times a day but only mop about once a week. All beds are made in the morning by the person who slept in it, and the laundry is put away. I usually fold it and put it on the table before I go to bed, but everyone grabs his own and puts it away in the morning. I dust while I'm waiting for the boys to finish their math or such. We have a small house, though. (1,100 sq ft) PS -- I am a fanatic about paperwork, mail, etc. being dealt with or filed away. I cannot stand clutter or junk drawers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 My daily must-do's: Laundry, since DH only has 2 wearable pair of pants. Dishes, at least every other day (usually only 2 people making the dishes mess). Um...the kitchen floor when I notice stuff sticking to my feet? Seriously, I could really use someone like you living with me, to keep me on track! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2a&z Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I don't think you are insane, I'm just insanely jealous. :001_smile: If your system works for you and brings peace into your home, then you go girl!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 Tell me you have a house 1800 square feet or smaller? Only 2 kids? Yeah, you are insane. I like it since it doesn't take a lot of time. We actually just added on. It's 2600 sq. feet. 3 Kiddos, 1 dog (who gets bathed and groomed every month, nails clipped, ears cleaned every other week.), 1 guinea pig we just got him(He got his first bath and will get them once a month, and the cage is spot cleaned daily and completely cleaned and sprayed down every 4th day) If I left it even for a few days it would take hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 45 min. of cleaning a day doesn't sound unreasonable and you sound like you're efficient. However, all the "musts" sound obsessive. If you can't not do it , then it's obssessive not just a helpful habit. I can rarely let it go, so maybe a bit obsessive. I have to be bed bound to not do it. I was vacuuming 2 days after my third c-section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 Hey, your pretty tidy too!:) About the clutter, and junk drawers.....just thinking about it makes me shiver;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 We actually just added on. It's 2600 sq. feet. 3 Kiddos, 1 dog (who gets bathed and groomed every month, nails clipped, ears cleaned every other week.), 1 guinea pig we just got him(He got his first bath and will get them once a month, and the cage is spot cleaned daily and completely cleaned and sprayed down every 4th day)If I left it even for a few days it would take hours. Wow. I have just recently crossed over to making my home a higher priority, and you're right it doesn't have to take a lot of time, just consistency. I will never be as clean as you though. My baths get wiped down almost daily by the kids. I try to clean the tubs once a week. My kitchen is clean every night now and the whole house is picked up. I love it. The key for me has been not to leave a room empty-handed and leaving a room better than I left it. Anyway, if you are all happy that's what counts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cougarmom4 Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Wow...I only wish I was able to keep on top of things as well as you do! But actually making it happen...well, that's another story! You've inspired me to try harder though! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 My bf thinks I am just a cleaning freak. Honestly, I think it's because I am not a clutter type person and she is. I don't have a ton of knick knacks, I do have a big plastic tote for every holiday with decorations so I do have stuff...lol I must clean the bathrooms every day, toilet, tubs, windex glass and faucets, the whole shebang. I must sweep and mop my kitchen, bathroom and dining room floors every day. The beds are made as soon as everyone gets out of them, they all make their own beds, it's a habit now. Rooms are picked up and laundry sent downstairs. I must do ALL the bedding weekly. I must do my laundry daily, folded and put away. I go to bed with an empty hamper and I have been know to creep out of bed at 1 am to fold and put it in the kids rooms if I left a load in the dryer. Dusting, vacuuming, gets done 2 x's weekly as well as a closet a week. I truly spend about 45 minutes a day cleaning, if that. It doesn't take up my entire day. Am I insane???;) You could be my long lost sister! Only I do laundry twice a week. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 wow. My MUSt do is wash enough dishes to eat the next meal off of lol I wish I could get things as organized as you do to be able to do all that in 45 minutes. It takes me that long just to clean the livingroom after the kids have been playing for 1 hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputterduck Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Yes you are insane! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciyates Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I must have clean underwear and socks :lol: The rest we can make do as necessary. Sorry cleaning isn't our top priority. I certainly wish it was but not enough to redo my life and make it so. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunflowerlady Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 My only "must clean" is laundry. We don't have enough towels , washcloths and such to last long without me doing daily laundry. Also dh does not have many jeans or socks. So laundry has to be done daily. Other than that, I am pretty relaxed. Relaxed sounds better than lazy or messy.:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 My bf thinks I am just a cleaning freak. Honestly, I think it's because I am not a clutter type person and she is. I don't have a ton of knick knacks, I do have a big plastic tote for every holiday with decorations so I do have stuff...lol I must clean the bathrooms every day, toilet, tubs, windex glass and faucets, the whole shebang. I must sweep and mop my kitchen, bathroom and dining room floors every day. The beds are made as soon as everyone gets out of them, they all make their own beds, it's a habit now. Rooms are picked up and laundry sent downstairs. I must do ALL the bedding weekly. I must do my laundry daily, folded and put away. I go to bed with an empty hamper and I have been know to creep out of bed at 1 am to fold and put it in the kids rooms if I left a load in the dryer. Dusting, vacuuming, gets done 2 x's weekly as well as a closet a week. I truly spend about 45 minutes a day cleaning, if that. It doesn't take up my entire day. Am I insane???;) Yes, you do sound like a cleaning freak. But that's not necessarily a bad thing! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oak Knoll Mom Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I wish I was insanse like you!:) :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I am considered a clean-and-neat freak here, and I don't clean this often. My musts are: Kitchen counters must be cleaned immediately after they are dirtied. I become very cranky if this is not done. Regular dishes need to be done after every meal. Hand-washing dishes must be done at least once a day. House must be picked up daily--no clutter allowed. Cobwebs are gotten rid of immediately after I notice them. All other cleaning gets done once a week, unless there is a mess and I need to spot-clean. Honestly, I think this is enough, because I have been very deliberate about teaching the children to clean up after themselves as they go. Laundry gets done when there's enough for a load or two, which I guess is 2-3 times a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 What is a must clean for me??? Ummm (embarrassed to say this). . nothing!:lol: Me too! But I'm not embarrassed a bit. Well, unless company comes and then I might get embarrassed for a minute. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I am considered a clean-and-neat freak here, and I don't clean this often. My musts are: Kitchen counters must be cleaned immediately after they are dirtied. I become very cranky if this is not done. Regular dishes need to be done after every meal. Hand-washing dishes must be done at least once a day. House must be picked up daily--no clutter allowed. Cobwebs are gotten rid of immediately after I notice them. All other cleaning gets done once a week, unless there is a mess and I need to spot-clean. Honestly, I think this is enough, because I have been very deliberate about teaching the children to clean up after themselves as they go. Laundry gets done when there's enough for a load or two, which I guess is 2-3 times a week. I could have written this. I don't think you are insane BTW, just efficient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Wow -- I thought I was crazy! I like things clean, but I just don't feel the need to clean our shower/bath everyday, etc. The boys clean the tub once a week and the bathroom twice a week. I wipe down the toilet with a Lysol wipe almost daily and the sink when I go to bed. I do laundry every evening after everyone is ready for bed, and I run the dishwasher every night when I go to bed. I wash towels once a week because we all have our own towel, and sheets are definitely not done weekly. I also wash small rugs (the ones in front of sinks and the back door weekly). Kitchen towels are washed nightly. The house is all picked up every night (the boys have to put all toys and stuff away), and I vacuum the living area and hallway every night after that. The kitchen is neat and tidy as well. So, we start the day with everything being in its place. I sweep the kitchen a couple of times a day but only mop about once a week. All beds are made in the morning by the person who slept in it, and the laundry is put away. I usually fold it and put it on the table before I go to bed, but everyone grabs his own and puts it away in the morning. I dust while I'm waiting for the boys to finish their math or such. We have a small house, though. (1,100 sq ft) PS -- I am a fanatic about paperwork, mail, etc. being dealt with or filed away. I cannot stand clutter or junk drawers. This sounds like me. My list of musts: 1. Wipe down bathrooms - sinks, toilet. Just with a washcloth though. Once/week, I do it with vinegar/water and get the showers/baths. 2. Vacuum main living area - that includes our kitchen and family room and entryway. The kids mop the kitchen/entryway 3x/week. The rest of the house gets vacuumed 2x/week and mopped 1x/week. 3. Laundry - I throw in a load every morning and get it hung up. The next day, I take that load down for the next load to go up. I only fold every 3 - 4 days because when I folded daily, the kids wore the same two outfits! 4. Kitchen - Dishes are done as they're used. Counters wiped down constantly!! 5. Clutter - as long as it's picked up once/day, I don't mind toys out. 6. Junk drawer - I have one, but it's very organized! 7. Dusting - once/week. This includes the ceiling as we have a TON of spiders and need to get their webs/eggs! Yuck. 8. Organizing - I spend Lent going through every closet and cabinet in my house. I think that's it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 This sounds like me. My list of musts: 3. I only fold every 3 - 4 days because when I folded daily, the kids wore the same two outfits! Sometimes this happens, when I told my mom, she (to whom I aspire to be like) said she rotated all of our clothes. So when she would put our clothes away (which I make my kids do) she would put the new laundered on the bottom, undies, socks, t shirts and such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 My bf thinks I am just a cleaning freak. Honestly, I think it's because I am not a clutter type person and she is. I don't have a ton of knick knacks, I do have a big plastic tote for every holiday with decorations so I do have stuff...lol I must clean the bathrooms every day, toilet, tubs, windex glass and faucets, the whole shebang. I must sweep and mop my kitchen, bathroom and dining room floors every day. The beds are made as soon as everyone gets out of them, they all make their own beds, it's a habit now. Rooms are picked up and laundry sent downstairs. I must do ALL the bedding weekly. I must do my laundry daily, folded and put away. I go to bed with an empty hamper and I have been know to creep out of bed at 1 am to fold and put it in the kids rooms if I left a load in the dryer. Dusting, vacuuming, gets done 2 x's weekly as well as a closet a week. I truly spend about 45 minutes a day cleaning, if that. It doesn't take up my entire day. Am I insane???;) No you are not insane. You can do all that in 45min a day. I am impressed. It seems to take me about 2 hours + to do all you mentioned. I guess I'm flakey and get side tracked:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyOwl Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I wish I was insanse like you!:) Me too :lol: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Ummmmm....me. I must have a shower every day. :D Or some form of washing...bath, sponge, etc. Other than that....yep, I'm pretty relaxed. As long as the floors, counters, dishes, and laundry are reasonable, I'm good. I can certainly sleep with dishes in the sink. and I'm waaaaaaaaaay better at keeping things tidy than I used to be. The ONLY reason I might get out of bed to tidy is if someone like the President was coming for a visit. I'd do laundry in the wee hours only if I were getting on a plane for Europe the next day. Life's too short for me to do too much housework. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Pongo, I don't think you're insane. It sounds like you have found a system that works for you and requires minimal maintenance. I bet you feel great going to bed knowing it's all done. I wish I was like that! :iagree: However, I don't even sorta thing it is NECESSARY to clean baths and floors every day. I just think it's a waste of time. I clean our baths and floors weekly and it's just fine with us. I need to sweep everyday, but just spot mop between cleanings. The Laundry thing I agree with as long as you are not washing half loads and wasteing energy. In addition, I have a TINY house and there is no way I could clean my 1 bathroom and sweep and mop my tiny kitchen and one bath floors and do the laundry, plus vac and dust 2X week my tiny living room in just 45 minutes a day. That's amazing. That all being said, to each, his own. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 If it works for you then do it!! I must wipe down all flat surfaces daily, but that is to help keep my little guy healthy. Basically everything else gets done when it gets done, but that is more laziness than anything. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I clean the kitchen daily, clear and wipe down all flat surfaces, everything must be tidied, that's about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Yes, absolutely insane! I wish I was that kind of insane though. You want to come to my house?:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pongo Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 HOW do you do ALL that in 45 minutes or less? :001_huh: I do the bathroom when I shower, the other one I do while the kids are getting breakfast. 10 minutes each, tops. I sweep before I go to bed, so I mop right after breakfast 10 minutes. That leaves me 15 minutes to fold laundry (always only 1 load) so it takes much less time.A few minutes here and there gets the other stuff done, it really isn't much time at all.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyOwl Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 8. Organizing - I spend Lent going through every closet and cabinet in my house. Oooh - I love this! I'm going to try it this coming Lent :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepymommy Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Wow, I wish I could be like you! For me the only must is the kitchen at night before bed. I do the dishes, wipe down the counters and stove, and sweep the floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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