January 9, 2013
Daily Cleaning Tasks – Wednesday is Vacuum Day
On Wednesdays I haul out the vacuum and vacuum all the carpets in the house. I also use a floor sweeper (shown in my favorites) for the hardwood flooring in our house during the week and I use the attachments for corners and edges on vacuum day. Curious why I vacuum on Wednesdays? Tuesday is dusting day so Wednesday is the day to clean up the dust from Tuesday. Simple as that.
What’s my method?
Move quickly – start on the second floor with the room that’s the farthest away from the stairs. I vacuum all the bedrooms, bathrooms, the upstairs hallway, stairs, and then the lower level. The lower level is mostly hardwood, so I vacuum corners and do a quick vacuum of the carpeted rooms. This ensures that all the dust and dog hair is picked up and the floors are ready for washing tomorrow.
My favorite floor cleaning products?
Most importantly, find a vacuum cleaner that works for your budget and home. I have gone through quite a few vacuum cleaners and I’ve finally found a systme that works better than any other – I love my Oreck Magnesium Power Team. That being said, whatever vacuum cleaner picks up the dirt and keeps your floors clean, use it and implement it in your weekly cleaning routine. I also like to use a broom or sweeper in between vacuuming to keep the hardwood floors clean in between weekly vacuuming. The sweeper gets pulled out daily to keep the dog hair and dust bunnies at bay. I also like having a steam carpet cleaner to clean individual rooms, stairs, and high traffic areas in between professional carpet cleanings. I just use hot water and vinegar (equal parts vinegar and water) as the cleaning solution – no soapy residue and it lifts stains easily.
If you haven’t grabbed the free cleaning schedule, you can go here to grab your FREE January Cleaning Calendar for 2013.
Monday – Bathrooms
Tuesday – Dusting
Wednesday – Vacuum
Thursday – Wash Floors
Friday – Catch-All Day
Saturday – Sheets + Towels
Come on back tomorrow for Thursday’s cleaning task explanation – and don’t forget to like me on Facebook and/or Twitter for daily reminders in your feed. If you’re a Pinterest-er, you can follow me here. And if you haven’t subscribed to posts in your inbox – just go to the little white box on the sidebar and enter your email address.
If you need a little help starting a cleaning routine, you’ll love my new ebook!
Angela Says
How many passes do you make when you vacuum? I do at least 3-4 passes on a high traffic area in a crosshatch pattern. I think I also read somewhere that the vacuum only picks dirt when your pulling it back. I’m not sure how much truth there is to that but it did make me slow down a bit when vacuuming.
Debra Says
Great tips! I have gone through more vacuums than I care to admit – cheapies and more expensive ones- & they all seem to do a decent job. We only have carpet in 3 rooms – tile for the rest. I love the idea of splitting up dusting and vacuuming. Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know you were on twitter – I just followed you. 🙂
Stephanie Says
The start of a new year and a new baby are two great reasons to start a new cleaning routine. And I have started following along with your daily tasks. Small steps first, right?
Overall I feel happy with the way my house is, but I know I could be a bit better of routinely staying on top of stuff instead of waiting until it HAS to be done.
I have a lot of fun on this website, almost too much fun!
Thanks Becky!
Melissa Says
What do you recommend for cleaning wool rugs? Would vinegar and water work? Have you tried it before? I have a new rug- but I’m so deathly afraid to ruin it- that I haven’t cleaned it yet, and I live in a remote area so there is no option of having it professionally cleaned. Help!
TanyaS Says
I just recently found your blog through Facebook and love it. Thanks for all the tips and calendars. I am trying to get started with your routines. I do have a carpet cleaning question. A ballpoint pen leaked on our carpet. A Clorox wipe then carpet cleaner was used to try and clean it. Needless to say, those probably spread it around more than anything. Do you have anything you’ve found that would work on that.
kristin mosman Says
hair spray will get pen out. Then you have to just clean out the hairspray
Mic Says
I tried this today and it took me 2 hours to vacuum 2 floors (mostly hardwood). I move furniture to get where the dust is collecting. Are you moving the furniture too? So, moving the furniture, vacuuming, and putting it all back just to do it all again tomorrow in order to mop seems exhausting! What am I doing wrong? (Or is this normal?!)
Becky Says
Post authorI don’t move furniture around, I do a quick vacuum. As you keep up with the routine it gets easier! I do move furniture in the kitchen when I wash the floor.