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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Hints and tips for a busy household

8 replies

SerotoninCanEatTomorrow · 30/09/2013 13:16

I know this has been done and I am lazy for not looking but I thought it would be good to share tips. Am living with my parents, partner, sister and BIL in a teeny house and never seem to keep on top of things. The ironing pile stretches to 3 baskets at the moment and I am procrastinating... Grin

OP posts:
fleacircus · 30/09/2013 13:16

My top tip is lower your standards. Ironing schmironing.

lightningstrikes · 30/09/2013 14:17

I cook in bulk once a month and freeze. I don't iron. I do a load of laundry or two and tidy the house daily so that it doesn't build up. I rely on a dishwasher and tumble dryer. I invite people over regularly to ensure that I address any disgusting items that I'm likely to ignore otherwise Grin.

nowthenmardybum · 30/09/2013 14:22

The best one I have read and used is- never leave a room empty-handed

As simple as taking clothes back upstairs when you nip up to the loo, or bringing the washing back down again etc

Katienana · 30/09/2013 15:20

Wipes. Flash wipes in the kitchen/bathroom, Pledge in the lounge/bedrooms. Saves you arsing on with a spray bottle. Also microfibre cloths are brilliant. They bring taps up lovely. I too have stopped ironing except for special occasions and we seem to manage. Lots of boxes/baskets for throwing rubbish into which you can then sort through at your leisure.

starfishmummy · 30/09/2013 16:31

I know it is reminiscent of student shares but have a meeting to decide what needs doing and draw up a rota of who does what and how often

delasi · 30/09/2013 17:13

Practical cleaning solutions for your home. Eg, we have a lot of lino/laminate, the main issue is dust and crumbs daily with needing a wash maybe weekly - I found that a vacuum cleaner followed by a mop and bucket took much longer, was more cumbersome, and ultimately less likely to get done because of the hassle whereas using an E-Mop for dusting + washing is easy, quick and therefore I also do it more. The same theory applies to things like using wipes, and microfibre clothes are great for lots of things.

Throw bleach down the toilet regularly. If you keep it nearby then it's even easier. Even if you don't get all into scrubbing, it keeps it in good condition. If you have a shower then spray the cubicle/screen with shower spray after each shower - more effective than squeegee, cuts down cleaning time massively, minimal effort.

Dry clothes that need ironing on hangers - the creases largely fall out whilst drying so then they usually don't need ironing. Everything else - doesn't need ironing anyway!

Agree with not leaving a room without something (unless it's the bathroom, I rarely have things to remove from the bathroom!) - eg empty mug into the kitchen, put unnecessary receipt into the bin, coat on a peg, etc. Always put things back in their place by the end of the day. Deal with washing (be it dishes or clothes) as soon as it's dry, don't leave it on the side/in baskets.

The key is: use super quick and easy methods for cleaning and when you see stuff that needs doing do it then as it's easier than leaving it to when there are 10 things needing doing.

Nojustalurker · 30/09/2013 20:28

Get a kitchen timer, and set if for 10 mins and do as much cleaning as you can in one go. Get a washing basket each for white and dark or one with one of those dividers down the middle. Do 30 mins of ironing a day until you get back on top of it.

LovePotatoes · 30/09/2013 20:36

Brilliant tips on here. I also love the 'don't leave a room empty handed'. Also, whilst waiting for kettle to boil or whilst cooking etc empty dishwasher or washing machine or fold clothes from tumble dryer..
I love house keeping tips :-)

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