Practical Cleaning Schedule For a Working Mom

Last Updated on 11/19/2024 by Nell Marie

Having a cleaning schedule for a working mom, and a routine that makes sense, has been an absolute game-changer for me and my home.

It’s not just about keeping the house clean (though that’s definitely a big perk), but it’s also about reducing the stress that comes with trying to juggle a million things at once.

Knowing what needs to be done and when has made my life so much easier—and honestly, it’s helped me feel more in control of my space and my time.

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That’s why I’m so excited to share the tips and tricks that have worked for me.

I know how overwhelming it can be as a busy working mom, trying to balance work, family, and everything else life throws at us.

If my routines can make even a small difference in your day-to-day life, I’ll be so thrilled.

These are simple, practical ideas that don’t require hours of effort—because who has time for that?

Let’s make keeping a clean home feel doable and less stressful!

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Prepping the House for Cleaning Tips

Getting ready to clean the house can make the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming and way more productive.

Here are some practical tips to help you prep for cleaning day:

1. Make a Cleaning Playlist

Pick your favorite upbeat tunes or a podcast you love to keep you motivated. Cleaning is always better with a little entertainment!

2. Gather Your Supplies

Grab everything you’ll need: cleaning sprays, microfiber cloths, mop, vacuum, trash bags, etc. Put them all in a caddy or basket so you’re not running back and forth looking for stuff.

3. Declutter First

Spend 10-15 minutes picking up clutter like toys, clothes, or random items lying around. Cleaning is so much easier when you’re not working around piles of stuff.

4. Dress the Part

Put on comfy clothes and sneakers to stay energized. Bonus: you won’t slip or feel sluggish in slippers.

5. Set a Timer

If you’re short on time, set a timer for each task or room. It keeps you focused and prevents burnout.

6. Open Windows or Light a Candle

Fresh air or a nice scent can make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a refreshing reset for your home.

7. Make a List of Priorities

Decide what really needs to get done today. Focus on those tasks first so you feel accomplished even if you don’t finish everything.

8. Hydrate and Snack Up

Cleaning can be a workout, so grab a water bottle and a quick snack to fuel up before you start.

9. Get the Family Involved

If possible, assign small tasks to other family members. It’s amazing how much faster things go when everyone pitches in!

10. Mentally Prepare

Take a deep breath and remind yourself how amazing it will feel to relax in a clean, tidy home when you’re done. That motivation goes a long way!

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Having the right cleaning supplies on hand can make tackling household tasks much easier and more efficient.

Here’s a comprehensive list of essential cleaning supplies to keep at home:

General Cleaning Supplies

• All-Purpose Cleaner – Great for most surfaces like countertops and tables.
• Microfiber Cloths – Reusable and excellent for dusting and wiping.
• Sponges – Use different ones for dishes, sinks, and tough scrubbing.
• Paper Towels – Handy for quick cleanups.
• Trash Bags – Keep multiple sizes for different bins.
• Broom and Dustpan – For sweeping floors and small messes.
• Vacuum Cleaner – Ideally with attachments for furniture and crevices.
• Mop and Bucket – For deep cleaning hard floors (or a spray mop for convenience).
• Rubber Gloves – Protect your hands from harsh chemicals or grime.

For Bathrooms

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner – Keeps your toilet fresh and clean.
• Toilet Brush – A must-have for scrubbing the bowl.
• Glass Cleaner – For mirrors and glass surfaces.
• Tile and Grout Cleaner – Helps tackle tough bathroom grime.

For the Kitchen

• Dish Soap – For hand-washing dishes.
• Dishwasher Detergent – If you use a dishwasher.
• Degreaser – For stovetops, range hoods, and sticky messes.
• Disinfectant Spray/Wipes – For sanitizing surfaces.

Floor-Specific Cleaners

• Hardwood Floor Cleaner – Gentle formula for wood floors.
• Tile or Laminate Cleaner – Designed to protect and clean these surfaces.
• Carpet Cleaner or Stain Remover – For spot treatments.

Specialty Items

• Furniture Polish – To keep wood furniture shiny and protected.
• Air Freshener or Essential Oils – To freshen up your space.
• Window Cleaner – Streak-free cleaning for windows and glass doors.
• Lint Roller – Handy for pet hair and small messes on fabric surfaces.

Tools and Extras

• Scrub Brushes – For tough stains and grout cleaning.
• Squeegee – For windows and shower doors.
• Cleaning Caddy – To organize and carry your supplies room to room.
• Old Toothbrushes – Perfect for small, detailed cleaning jobs.

Clear the Clutter First

Clearing the clutter before cleaning makes the whole process smoother and way more efficient.

Here are some easy tips to get the clutter out of the way so you can clean like a pro:

1. Start Small

Pick one area to tackle first, like a countertop or a coffee table. Clearing a smaller spot gives you a quick win and motivates you to keep going.

2. Use a “Catch-All” Basket

Grab a basket or box and quickly collect items that don’t belong in the room. Once the cleaning is done, take a few minutes to put everything back where it belongs.

3. Sort Trash and Donate Items

Keep a trash bag and a donation box handy. Toss anything that’s broken or useless and set aside items you no longer need but are still in good shape to donate.

4. Declutter Room by Room

Focus on one room at a time instead of trying to clear clutter all over the house at once. It keeps the process manageable and helps you stay on track.

5. Set a Timer

Give yourself 10-15 minutes to declutter each space. This keeps you from overthinking and makes the task feel less overwhelming.

6. Go Paperless

If you’re buried in mail and paperwork, create a quick “to-file” or “to-shred” pile. Digitizing bills and statements helps cut down on paper clutter long-term.

7. Ask Yourself the Big Questions

When deciding whether to keep something, ask: Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it belong here? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.

8. Contain It

Use baskets, bins, or storage boxes to contain loose items like toys, magazines, or cords. Everything looks neater when it has a home.

Once the clutter is out of the way, you’ll have clear surfaces and open spaces, making it so much easier to dive into the actual cleaning!

Cleaning Schedule Example

Creating a weekly cleaning schedule with specific tasks for each day keeps everything manageable and prevents cleaning from piling up.

Here’s an example breakdown:

Monday: Bedrooms

• Strip and wash bedding.
• Dust surfaces like nightstands, dressers, and shelves.
• Vacuum or sweep floors.
• Declutter and put away clothes, shoes, or items lying around.
• Freshen the air with a spritz of fabric spray or an open window.

Tuesday: Bathrooms

• Scrub the sink, countertop, and mirror.
• Clean the toilet, shower, and tub.
• Wipe down cabinets and switch out towels.
• Empty the trash and restock essentials like toilet paper.
• Mop or wipe down floors.

Wednesday: Kitchen

• Wipe down counters, cabinets, and appliances.
• Clean out the fridge, tossing expired items.
• Scrub the sink and polish fixtures.
• Sweep and mop the floor.
• Take out the trash and clean the bin if needed.

Thursday: Living Room/Family Room

• Dust furniture, shelves, and decor.
• Fluff cushions and vacuum couches or chairs.
• Vacuum or sweep floors and rugs.
• Tidy up toys, books, or other clutter.
• Clean screens and remotes with a disinfectant wipe.

Friday: Entryway and Hallways

• Sweep or vacuum floors.
• Wipe down walls, baseboards, and light switches.
• Organize shoes, bags, and coats.
• Shake out or vacuum entryway rugs.

Saturday: Deep Cleaning/Project Day

• Choose one deep-cleaning task like cleaning windows, wiping baseboards, or organizing a closet.
• Rotate tasks weekly to keep everything in good shape without feeling overwhelming.

Sunday: Rest & Reset

• Do a quick tidy-up: dishes, laundry, and putting things back where they belong.
• Plan for the week ahead by making a cleaning supply list or preparing your schedule.

This routine spreads the workload throughout the week, leaving your weekends more free and your home consistently clean!

Final Cleaning Schedule Tips

Having a clean and organized home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you’re prepared with the right tools, a plan, and a bit of motivation.

By keeping essential cleaning supplies on hand, creating a simple weekly routine, and tackling clutter first, you can make the process smoother and even enjoyable.

Remember, cleaning isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space where you feel comfortable and happy.

Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate the little wins along the way.

You’ve got this!

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