The 20/10 cleaning method, developed by organizer Rachel Hoffman, breaks cleaning into manageable 20-minute focused work sessions followed by 10-minute rest breaks, preventing overwhelm and burnout by tackling tasks in small, achievable chunks with built-in rewards. It's a flexible system to make cleaning less daunting, allowing you to build momentum and form lasting habits without marathon cleaning sessions, and can be adapted for various tasks from decluttering to deep cleaning.
The 20/10 rule is simple: spend 20 minutes cleaning followed by 10 minutes relaxing. This method is great because it's easy to follow and remember. By committing 20 minutes to cleaning, you can stay focused and accomplish more by knowing there is an end goal in sight: relaxation.
Work for Twenty, Rest for Ten
Created by Rachel Hoffman, a professional organizer and author, the 20/10 method could truly not be more straightforward. Basically, you clean, declutter, or organize for twenty minutes and then you reward yourself with a ten minute break. Want more cleaning and organizing tips?
The 20/10 cleaning method consists of 20 minutes of cleaning followed by a 10 minute break. The idea is to break down the cleaning process into manageable chunks of time and build in moments to relax. The method takes attention span into consideration and uses the reward concept to help boost energy and productivity.
The 12-12-12 decluttering method, created by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist, is a simple, manageable system where you find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to return to their proper place in a room, totaling 36 items, which helps to quickly reduce clutter without overwhelm and build momentum. It's a quick, repeatable process for any area, focusing on immediate results by tackling trash, donations, and misplaced items in small, achievable steps.
If the 5x5 method is as new to you as it was to me, allow me to explain. Coined by Steph of The Secret Slob, this technique requires nothing but a timer and twenty-five free minutes. Pick five rooms or zones and dedicate five minutes per area. In twenty-five minutes, Steph promises a cleaner, less cluttered home.
The 333 method philosophy revolves around one simple rule: you choose 33 items to wear for 3 months. This includes clothing, accessories, outerwear and shoes, but excludes essentials like underwear, sleepwear or workout gear.
Daily
The Foundation: The 1% cleaning rule method is based on the idea that tiny, consistent improvements compound over time – think wiping down one counter, organizing one drawer, or tackling one small mess daily rather than marathon cleaning sessions.
The 50% rule for clutter is a decluttering method that challenges you to remove half the items from any given space (closets, drawers, rooms) to create instant space, reduce overwhelm, and achieve a more organized, functional environment by keeping only what truly adds value. It's a powerful technique for making significant progress quickly, forcing intentional decisions about what to keep versus what to let go of, making finding and using items easier.
The Core 4 Method was created by professional organiser Kayleen Kelly. It's designed to keep things simple and strip decluttering right back to the basics. The four steps — Clear Out, Categorise, Cut Out and Contain — give you a structured plan that says exactly what it does on the tin.
Recommended Order for Cleaning a House
Non-food-contact surfaces
The 2017 FDA Food Code has many recommendations for cleaning such surfaces. For example, iced tea dispensers and consumer self-service utensils that do not come into contact with TCS foods (tongs, scoops, ladles, etc.) should be cleaned at least every 24 hours.
The golden rule of cleaning is simple: clean from top to bottom. This basic principle ensures that dirt and dust don't settle on already cleaned areas. Understanding this rule can transform your cleaning routine. It saves time and effort, making the process more efficient.
More than any other room in the house, the kitchen needs to be kept clean at all times. Why is that? That's because food scraps and particles can end up all over the kitchen from mealtime or food preparation.
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However, this can occur when heavy rainfall meets blocked drains, and the drainpipes are unable to handle the volume of rainwater due to an outside drain blockage. That's why households are being encouraged to pour vinegar into their drains to help keep them clear.
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It can repel spiders. So if creepy crawlies are keeping you inside, this household staple to banish spiders from your porch or patio is undoubtedly worth a try.
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home, the 1% rule involves doing just one small thing to make your home better. The habit definitely leads to a more tidy home, but, more importantly, it also creates a more peaceful emotional state.
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