Q: This is probably cheating somehow, but say I only have the energy or the inclination to clean five minutes at a time. And those times aren’t really close together. What can I do that will make the most difference?
A: That’s not cheating, my friend. That’s life. We’re busy people who really don’t want to clean, and anyone who says differently is selling something.
So, what can you do in five minutes that will actually make a noticeable difference? Here are some tasks that should only take about five minutes each:
- Collect all of the dirty dishes in the house and load them into the dishwasher or put them in the sink to soak.
- Clear off one very visible surface, like a coffee table or cluttered kitchen counter.
- Wipe down all the surfaces in the bathroom and give the tub/shower a quick spray and rinse. (I’m partial to a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water and a small amount of dish soap.)
- Put away whatever clothes or shoes you can find in those five minutes.
- Run a quick vacuum, mop, or broom over the most high-traffic floor in your home.
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