Is year-end deep cleaning really necessary?
"I'll try my best to do a deep clean at the end of the year," you think, but every year you find yourself frantically cleaning in a rush.
Chasing work, chasing childcare, and before you know it, the day is over. For us modern people, it's not easy to set aside a large block of time for cleaning.
In such circumstances, the concept of "cleaning while doing other things" is quietly gaining widespread attention.
What is "cleaning while doing other things"?
"Cleaning while doing other things" literally means "cleaning while doing something else."
For example, lightly wipe the washbasin while brushing your teeth in the morning. Pick up dust on the floor while watching TV. Wait for the water to boil, then quickly wipe around the stove.
By continuing these small habits, the following changes will occur:
Reduced burden of household chores
There is no need to set aside special time for cleaning. Since it's naturally incorporated into your daily routine, there's no need to psych yourself up with "Alright, let's clean!"
Always maintain a clean state
The longer dirt sits, the harder it is to remove. By cleaning a little every day, you can tackle dirt before it sets in, effectively making year-end deep cleaning mostly unnecessary.
Reduced mental burden
By breaking down the large task of cleaning into small actions, psychological pressure is eased. You are freed from the burden of "I have to do this."
In this article, we'll introduce specific methods for effortlessly continuing "cleaning while doing other things," along with location-specific ideas that many people actually put into practice.
3 ways to make "cleaning while doing other things" a habit
We'll tell you the important points for making "cleaning while doing other things" a part of your daily life, not just a temporary activity.
1.Place cleaning tools where they are used
This is the most important point for successful "cleaning while doing other things."
The slight effort of going to get cleaning tools. This is actually a big hurdle to forming a habit. If the tools are readily available the moment you think of cleaning, that convenience is key to continuation.
For the washroom,keep small sponges and microfiber cloths within reach. Even under the washbasin or in a small space next to the mirror.
For the living room,place a hand duster or lint roller in an inconspicuous yet accessible spot, such as next to the sofa or behind the TV stand.
For the kitchen,create a designated spot for alcohol spray and cloths right near the stove. Ideally, they should be within arm's reach while you're cooking.
2.Pair it with an existing habit
The most reliable way to acquire a new habit is to combine it with an action you already do habitually.
|
Existing Habit |
Concurrent Cleaning |
Benefits |
|
Waiting for water to boil |
Wipe up oil splatters around the stove |
Prevents dirt from setting in |
|
Drying hair with a hairdryer |
Use a lint roller to pick up hair on the bathroom floor |
Prevents drain clogging |
|
Brushing teeth |
Wipe the mirror and washbasin |
Prevents water stains and splatters |
Like making coffee in the morning, taking a bath at night, or brushing your teeth.
3. Finish within 5 minutes
"Cleaning while doing other things" is not about a full-scale cleaning. For the time being, it's about "daily maintenance."
Limit each session to within 5 minutes. If you spend too much time, it becomes stressful and difficult to continue.
Setting a timer for 5 minutes will help you focus and proceed efficiently. The ease of thinking "it's only 5 minutes" supports the habit.
Location-specific cleaning-as-you-go ideas you can start today
Here are location-specific ideas that many people actually put into practice and achieve results.
Bathroom "Rinse as you go"
After bathing, the last person to leave the bathroom quickly sprays the entire walls and floor with the shower.
This alone significantly reduces soap scum residue and mold growth. Spraying cold water instead of hot water removes heat from the bathroom, making water droplets dry more easily and making it even more effective.
Just 30 seconds at the end of your bathing routine. For the time being, you can significantly reduce the frequency of bathroom cleaning.
Toilet "Quick wipe"
Keep disinfectant wipes or cleaning sheets in the toilet and lightly wipe around the toilet seat and floor after use.
This is a classic method that many people use as part of cleaning while doing other things.
"Wipe the floor while wiping the table"
After a meal, use the same cloth or wet tissue you used to wipe the table to pick up any crumbs or debris on the floor.
While walking to the trash can after standing up, wipe any気になる parts of the floor. This alone can reduce the frequency of floor cleaning.
Why not start with a small step today?
Cleaning while doing other things doesn't require special tools or a lot of time.
All it takes is a little ingenuity and small, consistent efforts every day. By doing so, you can naturally move away from the frantic year-end deep cleaning.
Start today, even if it's not 5 minutes. Brush your teeth while cleaning the sink.
Surely, a calm scene, different from your usual year-end, awaits you.
