Today I want to chat about the clean as you go principle – a simple but oh so effective way to keep on top of things in your life. By applying this principle in my home I’m able to keep on top of housework in a stress-free, easily achievable way. Plus, you can apply it in other facets of your life as well!
The clean as you go principle is exactly what it says on the box – rather than doing one giant clean of your home, you do a little bit at a time. The idea really is that it is easier to keep up than to catch up, which I really love. It helps you stay on top of everything, saving you time and reduces stress. It almost sounds too good to be true, but it’s not!
How I apply the principle to tidying up
There are lots of easy ways to clean as you go – here are some of my favourites:
- While waiting for something to cook, get started on the dishes you used in preparing the food
- Put things back where they belong once you have used them, rather than letting them pile up
- Wipe down counters and sinks once you have finished using them – such as after brushing your teeth or doing the dishes
- Sweep up any crumbs as they are created
- Empty the dishwasher before you start cooking so you can put dirty dishes in straight away
- Put your clothes away the once they are folded or ironed
Each of these tasks only takes a few minutes at the time, and can often be done while waiting for something else to happen. However, if you let them pile up then all of a sudden you have 3 days worth of dishes to deal with which can get overwhelming and take even longer after the food has dried on. I particularly like to do a kitchen tidy up while I wait for the kettle to boil – much more efficient than scrolling through instagram!
My top tip for aiding the clean as you go approach
If you want my one key tip to make the clean as you go approach super easy to apply, here it comes!
Keep your cleaning products near where they are used – your kitchen cleaner in the kitchen, your bathroom cleaner in the bathroom – that way you’re more likely to grab them when you have a spare minute or two
Applying the principle to other parts of your life
Now, keeping your house tidy is definitely the most obvious way to use this approach, but it’s definitely not the only one! Here are some ways I use it, and I’d love to hear your ideas too:
- whenever you are checking your emails, do a delete/move of any you no longer need to have in your inbox
- when you finish a task at work put the files away, and tidy your desk
- if small things break around the home, repair them straight away rather than let them pile up
- file paperwork as soon as you deal with it
Do you use the clean as you go approach? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Share the Love
I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!