There are some cleaning tasks we always seem to keep up with, no matter how busy we get. Things like swishing the toilet or dusting a relatively clear flat surface only take a second, and because we notice they need to be done, we do them.
When was the last time you thought about cleaning your stove hood filter though? Yeah… me too. (Especially considering I’ve been renting for the last year and a half.) What about the floors and walls in your pantry? Have you washed your curtains lately?
Because these things need to be done, but only periodically, they are easy to overlook. That’s why I was so (strangely) excited when I found RealSimple’s “Elements of Cleaning.” (ugh, they took it down) It’s in the style of a periodic table, because the items on it need to be done periodically. Each period of time is represented by a different color, and has two columns of household tasks that should be done during that time.
I printed mine out on card stock and plan to laminate it and put it on my refrigerator. Then, I’ll be able to use a vis-a-vis marker (wet-erase) to check off when I’ve done the things on the chart. For the longer periods of time (like refrigerator interiors need to be cleaned every 3-6 months, or drapes should be professionally cleaned every year or two) I can mark the date on it too.
How do you keep track of your periodic cleaning tasks?
If you didn’t have a good way to do it before, hopefully this will help!
Hi! I'm Emily. I'm a Navy wife and brand new stay at home mom. I cook simple, delicious, grain-free recipes, do crafts, decorate on a budget, and keep a happy home. I breastfeed, babywear, cloth diaper, and co-sleep, but I'm not a hippie.
Is there any way you could scan and post your copy of the chart….. I can’t find it anywhere.
This is simply superb…..hopefully it should work for me! thank u
Hello,
What a smart idea! But, I am afraid it would only make it EVEN more obvious how much I needed to clean my house!
Best,
Sylvia C.
Your Mother used to do the Sidetracked Home Executive thing – probably before you were born. (HOW TIME Flies!) I thought it was great…
This sounds good, though. And check out FlyLady.com, too.
So great… I just hung it up in my kitchen. But, as it said, lifestyle is a major determinant. I feel like I don’t clean enough as is, and with 4 dogs and 3 cats I already do a lot of these chores far more often than this list recommends.
This is such a cute idea!!!
My favorite idea is the 3 by 5 card box the the Sidetracked Home Executives book talked about. I love that idea… I’m just not great at checking the box yet!
What a smart idea. I’m so terrible of cleaning and then I get totally overwhelmed. I think I’m just going to take your idea of laminating the chart. Thanks!