Saturday, February 15, 2014

Cleaning Schedule

I have been following Angela at A Typical English Home for a while now. She recently posted here, a suggested schedule for cleaning.



As you can see, her schedule is good in general, but for my household, I needed more. So, I tweaked it a bit and came up with this:


CLEANING SCHEDULE

Repeat every four weeks

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
WEEK 1
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Clean bathrooms.
Wash my sheets.
Clean out purse.
Dust, also cobwebs
Clean air filters
Clean one drawer
Vacuum and sweep
Wash rugs.
Clean tables/counters
Mop floors
Do filing
Wash shower curtain
Clean Oven.
Clean Microwave.
Clean Refrigerator.
Night
Night
Night
Night
Night
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.






WEEK 2
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Clean bathrooms
Wash K's Sheets
Wash trash cans
Dust, also cobwebs
Clean air filters
Clean one drawer
Vacuum and sweep
Clean fan blades
Do some mending
Mop floors
Sweep porch
Do filing
Wipe down walls,
baseboards, doors
Clean out truck
Night
Night
Night
Night
Night
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.






WEEK 3
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Clean bathrooms
Wash J's sheets
Clean out purse
Dust, also cobwebs
Clean air filters
Clean one drawer
Vacuum and sweep
Clean out closet
Destash
Mop floors
Sweep porch
Do filing
Clean window/blinds
Wash truck
Clean upholstery
Night
Night
Night
Night
Night
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.






WEEK 4
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Morning
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Make up beds.
Wash dishes.
Wash 1 load.
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Clean bathrooms
Wash kids sheets
Clean under sink
Dust, also cobwebs
Clean air filters
Clean one drawer
Vacuum and sweep
Clean stash closet
Wash curtains
Mop floors
Do filing
Destash
Wipe down cabinets
Clean under sink
Clean inside washer
Night
Night
Night
Night
Night
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.
Fold/put up laundry.
Wash dishes.
Sweep kitchen floor.


Of course this looks pretty intense, but if you look close, you will see that every morning and night is the same. They are just basic routines. It's the day parts that are different. Some things are repeated each week, and some things every 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, you should have taken care of the entire house. At that time, you just start back at week 1.

I have this schedule in an excel format that you could make changes to if anyone is interested in a copy. I've done all the work. You can leave it as is, or tweak it to fit your household.  Just leave a comment with a contact email and I'll be sure to get it to you.


UPDATE:  I was able to upload the chart into googledoc, so anyone who wants it can go here and download it.  One thing though...the preview that you will see shows it on 2 pages, but when you print or download it, it will be correctly on one page. I hope that helps.


88 comments:

  1. Wow, that's intense. Looking at it makes me look uber tired. You are an inspiration. Maybe if I visit this blog long enough, it will rub off.

    I can't imagine how much time this all takes you.

    Thanks so much for participating in the 100 day blog challenge.

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    1. Thanks Lisa. Just looking at it does make it look like a lot of time spent, but in reality it's not much when done each day. And my actual spreadsheet looks so much better than this. I just couldn't get it to upload right on the post.

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  2. What a great list! You're so organised! I have been meaning to make some sort of a schedule for my house, but still haven't gotten around to it. I think I'll have to tweak this a bit for our home, but it looks like it could work!
    Thank you for posting this!

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    1. I'm glad I could help. But I'm more glad you think I'm organized. Ha, that's a crock. I try to be but you wouldn't think that if you saw my desk. I guess I need that on the list. Oh wait, it is. lol

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  3. I love this list, I struggle with finding the time to clean my house like I should, is it ok if I use this list?
    New Follower
    http://ramblingmomma03.blogspot.ca

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    1. You most certainly can. I'm honored that you want to. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Life became much smoother around here (at least cleaning wise) when I came up with a weekly schedule.

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    1. It does help, doesn't it? The problem then is just keeping the schedule. Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. I have never actually used a cleaning schedule, but this makes so much sense! Thanks for letting us have access to it!

    (Visiting today from the BYB 100 Day challenge)

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    1. You're welcome. It's nice to have, even if you don't follow it totally.

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  6. I have never used a cleaning chart but I need to start. I find myself getting off track every time I make a mental list of what I should clean each day. Thanks for this post.

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    1. Hopefully, this is the push you needed. Thanks for stopping by ChanTell.

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  7. I used to have a homemaking binder before my daughter was born and it basically got thrown out the window. I was thinking I needed to get something else figured out now that she's older and you have inspired me and lit a fire under me ;)

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  8. I love the idea of a cleaning chart. I really need to be more organized in my cleaning schedule; it might make it easier to get the small people involved. Stopping by from Boost Your Blog.

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    1. I'm sure we all need to be. When it comes to cleaning, the more organized, the better! Thanks TaMara.

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  9. Hi! Stopping by from the 100 Day Blogging Challenge! Love the cleaning schedule!

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    1. Thanks Bonni. Glad you stopped by. Thanks for participating in the challenge.

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  10. Looks like you put a lot of thought and planning into your schedule. I, unfortunately, am not good with schedules. I start off well, but then drop the ball.

    Stopping by 100 Challenge.

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    1. But that's the good thing about this schedule...even if you miss some of it, or even a day or two, nothing is hurt. You can just start with the next day. I have misses so many days before, that I just started the 1st week over.

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  11. Ugh, there's still snow on the ground here. Surely I don't have to think about spring cleaning yet?! lol! Then again, if cleaning means spring will maybe be here sooner, I'll all aboard! :)

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    1. Think of it this way Emma...if you get the cleaning out of the way, there will be more time for outdoors when it warms up, right? Always think positive!

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  12. That is quite the cleaning schedule! Good of you to share it!

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  13. Whew! I love lists but I've avoided the scheduled cleaning one because it just seems so daunting! Hope it works well for you and if I ever decide to give it a go, I'll know where to come and get one!

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    1. That's ok Alanna. I know it's not for everyone. Thanks for stopping by.

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  14. I gotta say a year a go I would have said you're crazy to put so much time into a cleaning schedule but since having a baby and the class and playdate schedule filling up, on top of the blogging schedule, you REALLY do need a cleaning schedule! Love thus one, it is clear, concise and doable! Thanks for tweaking it for us!

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    1. You're so welcome. Thanks. I'm so glad my cleaning schedule is helping everyone. It has made my day.

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  15. I so need a cleaning schedule! I need some sort of tool to keep me on track. Thank you for providing. Though I think you are right, if we wrote down what we did day to day we'd be surprised at what we actually accomplish.

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    1. You're so right. And also sometime we just need to see it to feel like we've accomplished it. Thanks Scarlett.

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  16. That's a great schedule! I've been taking a parenting class with Shirley Solis that talks about kids doing chores, and I know we need some kind of a regular schedule. I think I will download yours, and tweak it a bit for my house, but really, I don't think many changes will be necessary. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You're welcome Beth. I'm so glad that it'll help your household. Thanks for your visit.

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  17. I was thrilled with the schedule and your willingness to share...and then I was uber-happy that you had a document where I could just download! Thanks so much!

    -Cristyl @ www.MyCHillThoughts.com

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    1. I'm glad you like my schedule. Download all you want! Thanks for stopping by Cristyl.

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  18. I've tried following cleaning schedules before and for some reason it never works for me. Other things always seemed to get in the way. I suppose if I would set time for each task, I would get things done, but I can't stick to a routine. I really need to try harder, I do get my home cleaned and laundry is always done, but I do things as I think about them, instead of following the schedules.
    Debbie :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. And that's the way some people roll. To each his own, they say. Yea, I have things get in the way too. It's not so much a schedule to me as it is a written chart to see. I have days I don't worry with it. And then other days, I can look back or ahead and get things done that didn't get done. Thank you Debbie.

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    2. Now that's a good way to look at it, instead of fretting about following a schedule I would know what needs priority and work on those first. I like that idea, that makes more sense to me. Thanks, Julie! :)

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    3. There you go! I guess I just had to explain myself differently, lol.

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  19. I really like your schedule. I am not too great at following a schedule but having it all written down usually helps. Thank you for the printable version.

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  20. I have a similar schedule and it works pretty well for the most part. Holidays, shopping, visiting etc. get in the way quite often and mess things up but I eventually get back on schedule again.

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    1. That's the beauty of this chart. If you miss any, it really doesn't matter. Just pick up where you left off. Thanks Kimberly.

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  21. Ah yes, the struggle of when to clean what and with what time?! lol Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. You are right there. It's a struggle. Thanks Jen.

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  22. I'm in the process of tweaking my cleaning schedule to make it more effective in terms of time and I like your idea of dividing your cleaning into morning, day and night - I only had my cleaning tasks written out by days.

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    1. I actually started out doing it that way because otherwise I only thought about it as doing it all together, and that was too much and it didn't get done. This way helps me to see that I have finished in different phases.

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  23. I have been working on getting more organized this year and I am going to have to take a closer look at your cleaning schedule, thanks so much for sharing.

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    1. You're welcome. I think everyone could use it. Thanks for stopping by.

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  24. What a great schedule. It makes me tired and want to hire a maid. Since that isn't possible, I appreciate your list even more. One step at a time for us here. We look at it as what we get done is more than we had done when we started.
    Thanks again for a great list! What a help.

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  25. I need to come up with a schedule it seems like I try to do it all on Friday evening and I really need to spread it out. Thanks for the ideas. Stopping by from BYB

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    1. Welcome Kirsten. I do the same thing. Every day I'll say tomorrow, then on Friday it's like No, I gotta get this done. Thanks for stopping by.

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  26. My schedule these days is that my family does it...praise God! Stopping by from BYB.

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    1. You are so blessed. I need to know your secret. Thanks Marya.

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  27. I am exhausted just looking at the list, but it is great to be organized and on top of things! I have a routine I like to follow -but, sometimes I let laziness or procrastination get the best of me.

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    1. I think we all do Meeghan. Thanks for stopping by.

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  28. It is a nice idea of setting up your daily schedule. The cleaning of the house is really part of the whole routine.

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    1. Yes, it is. And a schedule helps keep you on track.

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  29. Great cleaning printable! I think having a system to remind you is really helpful to creating a more organized life. Thanks for sharing!

    ~Honey
    #BB100

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    1. You are so right. Thank you for stopping by Honey.

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  30. I am totally "borrowing" your schedule! It is so easy to follow and hits upon everything~~Thanks!!

    #BB100

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    1. I thought so too. And anything you think of later can be added here or there.

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  31. I have my schedule and it really saves my life. Even if I lose track of it, I can pick it up and soon everything is back to tidy. http://anotherdayanothermom.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/link-round-up-the-housekeeping-schedule/

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    1. Your cleaning schedule looks pretty good too. I love those toy boxes.

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  32. I so need a schedule. I put things off so badly and its just hubby and I. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I don't think it matters how many in the household. We are all procrastinators when it comes to house cleaning. Thanks Tammy.

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  33. I really need to create a cleaning schedule. I really like how you took one and adapted it to your own needs. I need to come up with one that delegates to the other people occupying space in this house a bit :)

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    1. Haha Jean, I like the way you put that. Thanks so much.

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  34. I have a schedule that I follow as well. Some people need that structure (Me) and some don't. I actually just wrote a post about cleaning during your baby's nap time. I used to clean like a crazy person when my baby went to nap. Now that he is three I know how long things take, so I can clean while he plays. :)

    Erica
    We Three Crabs

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    1. We've all been there. I enjoyed reading about your Alaskan adventures. Thanks for stopping by Erica.

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  35. Thanks for the schedule. Hmm. I wonder if I can get my children to follow it. :)

    Blessings,
    Angie
    H.O.P.E Home School Consulting Blog

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    1. Angie, that's a question that everyone thinks about for sure.

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  36. I'll definitely be using your schedule to spruce up mine! I'm plagued with that feeling I'm sure we all are of being torn in 10 different directions...this will help with some of that (I hope! I hope!)!

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  37. Julie, great plan! I know this would get tons of pins on Pinterest if you gave me a .jpg or graphic to pin from your site. If you need help with that, just ask. :-) Thanks for commenting via BYB.

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  38. This is awesome! I realized that I need to redo my chore lists because my oldest son is away at college (sniff, sniff). Some of the things on his list have fallen into the "but it's not on my list" zone. This helps me greatly as I rethink chores again!

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    1. I'm glad I could help you Bekki. Have a great day.

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  39. I follow Angela too and have modified her chore chart but without the sheet changing as that completely slipped my mind so thank you for sharing your version! I also like that you clean out your purse :)

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    1. Lauren, I definitely have to clean the purse. It's like a kitchen counter and collects everything. Thanks.

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  40. I like this layout, Julie. I totally agree -- if you get on a schedule, the house is much more manageable. We get the kids involved in cleaning, too.

    Great to find you via the BYB!

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  41. Thanks so much Julie. It falls into the category of "just on time" as I attempt to de-clutter my life amidst a schedule with little available time in it. Also, I'm taking part in the BYB challenge so here is my photography blog: http://beaconoflightphotography.blogspot.com/ ATM I am a hobbyist photographer, but hope to grow into a part time business as soon as I have learned enough about the business side of things -- and hoping to find more of that help in the BYB.

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    1. Welcome Jean. You'll have to tell me how good it helps you when you've had time to test it. Good luck in your business.

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  42. This is great! I am not super organized with this stuff. I get into "cleaning moods" and then do everything in one day and then repeat that every few days. LOL
    I've been on a big decluttering/give stuff away kick for a while to, it seems like a never ending process

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    1. That's basically what I do. At least with this list, even if I do it all in one day, I can mark it off and in a few days come back and do what didn't get marked off. That way, I do get around to the infrequent stuff. Thanks Kristina.

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  43. Wow! Yes, it does look overwhelming but I so like that you broke up the chart into 4 weeks! Happy house cleaning!

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    1. Thanks Kristina. Doing it all in 4 weeks does help.

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