THE KING AND QUEEN OF SPEED-CLEANING

The ultimate duo (self-proclaimed!)

Boy have I been busy! I won't forgive myself if I can't get at least one blog post out before this month comes to an end. I have some pretty exciting news to share soon related to my business and some super awesome projects (see recent Instagram post). Until then, how about a topic under personal lifestyle and home-decor? For newlyweds or marrieds who are trying to figure out a system to keep your home clean and organized, I hope some of these tricks and tips come in handy.

I think I can safely say that my husband and I have turned into the king and queen of speed-cleaning. Okay, the title is totally self-proclaimed and we are far from perfect! I thought the post might inspire you at the least. I try to keep my home reasonably clean at all times. Although hubs likes to put off cleaning for as long as he can, he does appreciate a clean home and can be a pretty fast cleaner and as a team, we try to make the process effective. It's a daily practice and take lots of tweaking and revisiting, which is why it's important to start from the first year of marriage. When it comes to deadlines, it means my mind, body, and heart work ten times faster (under reasonable pressure). We'd like to believe that we've mastered the art of speed cleaning or touching-up the entire house, even the bathrooms, within 30-35 minutes, right before dropping dead (jk)! ​So, I wanted to share some house cleaning tips on how-to-clean-house or rather speed-clean-house. 

We’ve been striving to establish a system which helps us stay organized quite well… most of the time. But, like any other person, we struggle with the laundry that piles up at the blink of an eye - I'd never solve this mystery! - and all that clutter that quickly (and inevitably) builds up daily around the kitchen sink, coffee table, and bathrooms. Therefore, no matter how much we try, we always need a little extra time to declutter, and make those finishing touches, before an unsuspected guest arrives. Trust me… we too, find ourselves decluttering while running around the house like two little chickens with their little heads cut off. With high standards for our guests, as they enter our home, it’s so important to us to make sure they feel a warm sense of welcome.

It’s also important for me to have a place that we both love, and are proud of. Home is where some of the most valuable moments in life occur - cooking, learning, spending time with our families and friends. And of course, rest. Your home (not house) should make you feel proud, happy to be in it, and long for it at the end of the day. It’s not a place you want to escape, but a place you long for. It should be a place where both friends and family feel comfortable and cozy. And especially, a place of refuge for you and your family!

Few people asked how I maintain my home or keep it clean, so I thought I'd share here what works for me. But before I dive in, you should know three things: I don't have children, I live in a two bedroom apartment, and I'm border-line germaphobe.  ​

Daily Maintenance:

• Make your bed (somewhat at the least) right after you wake up, or...okay… right after breakfast. Doing so will lessen the temptation of jumping back under the covers to catch a few extra z's!
• Always put things back in the kitchen cabinets or where they belong, immediately after you’re done using them. Those extra few minutes of effort will go a long way in keeping you organized, and giving you peace of mind. ​
• Clear out the kitchen sink every night (this is challenging!), so you can wake up to a clean one for breakfast. That way, all those “night creatures” will have to find another source for their midnight snacks! I admit that there are nights we’re too tired to mess with the sink, but more often than not, we strive to have this chore covered quite well.

• Always keep a towel or soft scrub handy on the countertops, to wipe the bathroom counters dry.

• Have a specific off-bed location for throw-pillows, so they look in place, whether on (or off) the bed.

• Put dirty laundry in the bin and not around the bin ( ← note to my loving husband). I suggest keeping multiple laundry bins - in the laundry room, in the closet, in the bedroom. However, a few days in the year there might be clothes laying here and there occasionally, and that's okay. You don't have daily maid service or house cleaning services. If you do, I'm guessing you are all set and living a different life. 

• After cooking your meals, wipe the stove clean. I sometimes do this after the last meal of the day. This prevents having to set aside that dreaded and often extended “cleaning time.” Shah and I have agreed to disagree on some things around this chore. Although we both agree that stove needs to be cleaned up the same day, it’s the timing that’s an issue. Do we do the full cleaning after eating our meals or before? I believe full cleaning can be done after eating the meal if it needs to and my husband believes in cleaning everything completely before sitting down to eat your meal. To each his own - do what suits you as a couple or family. Since I prepare food majority of the time, I win here most of the time! *wink*

Speed Cleaning Tricks:

• Sweep the kitchen floors quickly, check the kitchen sink, empty the dishwasher (so it's “wash-ready”)
• Set and fluff the throw-pillows
• Straighten the curtains (this is optional and something I need to do since I have curtains that hang down to the floor)
• Double-check the guest bathroom! (and always keep essentials stacked)
• Light the candles, or spray air freshener, or turn on the humidifier. I use essential oil for a therapeutic touch
• Recycle the newspapers and store magazines or any mail, in their designated places
• Play soothing and welcoming music
• Put on a big smile and welcome your guests

Photography: RFDCPhoto and Light and Arrow Photography