As a working parent, keeping a clean home can feel like an impossible task. With my hectic work schedule and busy family life, I’ve struggled to find the right cleaning routine. However, after much trial and error, I’ve crafted a manageable cleaning schedule that keeps my home tidy. Here’s what has worked for me as a working parent trying to keep a clean house:
Set Realistic Expectations
As a working parent, I’ve had to adjust my standards for what constitutes a “clean” home. Perfection is impossible – and a path to frustration. Instead, I’ve set realistic goals for what I can accomplish. Dishes may sit in the sink sometimes. Toys may not always get put away. I’ve had to let go of deep cleaning every room weekly. The goal is keeping a relatively tidy home, not a showroom.
Focus on What Matters Most
I prioritize visible areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. These high-traffic spaces make the biggest impression. I make sure to wipe counters, sweep floors, tidy living spaces, and scrub bathrooms weekly. The kids’ playroom and bedrooms I hit less frequently. Out of sight, out of mind. I also focus on clutter – papers, mail, shoes by the door, and coats. Clutter makes a home feel dirty fast. I clear it daily.
Communicate with Family
Keeping a clean home is a group effort. I sit down with my family regularly and make cleaning responsibilities clear. Who takes out trash and recycling? Who handles dishes? Who sweeps and mops? With clear expectations, everyone does their part. I also explain the importance of cleaning – it keeps our home functional and sanitary.kids take this more seriously when they understand the why behind it.
Block Time on Your Calendar
If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. I block out time for cleaning tasks on my work calendar. Monday I always tackle bathrooms. Friday is floors and surface scrubbing. Sunday I do laundry and linens. Putting chores on the calendar makes me accountable. I also schedule blocks for general pick-up – putting toys, clothes and clutter away. This takes just 10-15 minutes but prevents big weekend cleanings.
Tackle a Little Each Day
Trying to clean everything in one big weekend push is exhausting! Instead, I do smaller cleaning tasks daily. Wiping counters, sweeping, doing dishes, and laundry takes just 10-15 minutes a day. Little daily tidying keeps cleaning manageable. I also have a quick clean checklist before bed – wash dishes, wipe counters, take out trash. This resets the kitchen daily.
Outsource What I Can
Some cleaning tasks I outsource to help. A cleaning service comes every other week to do heavier scrubbing like bathrooms, floors and dusting. A lawn service handles yardwork. I’ll also have a babysitter tackle organizing when watching the kids. Outsourcing provides breathing room when I’m overwhelmed.
Be Flexible
With two kids and a demanding job, I can’t always stick to my schedule. When life gets crazy, I cut myself some slack. Dishes may pile up, laundry wait an extra day. I just catch up when I can. Perfection is impossible – I just aim to keep a relatively clean and livable home.
The path to cleanliness looks different for every parent. But with strategic scheduling, open communication, and flexibility, it is possible to keep a tidy home, even with a packed work schedule. Setting realistic standards and blocking time for quick daily tasks makes all the difference. It takes effort, but a relatively clean home is absolutely achievable for working parents.
