Simply Clean Summary

Simply Clean

The Proven Method for Keeping Your Home Organized, Clean, and Beautiful in Just 10 Minutes a Day
by Becky Rapinchuk • 2017 • 250 pages
3.91
1.9K ratings
Self Help Reference Adult
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Key Takeaways

1. Simplify Cleaning with Daily and Weekly Routines

"Every day a little something."

Daily tasks are key. The Simply Clean method revolves around five daily tasks: making beds, checking floors, wiping counters, decluttering, and doing one load of laundry. These tasks, when done consistently, prevent overwhelming buildup and maintain a baseline of cleanliness.

Weekly schedule creates structure. Assign specific cleaning tasks to each day of the week:

  • Monday: Bathroom cleaning
  • Tuesday: Dusting
  • Wednesday: Vacuuming
  • Thursday: Floor washing
  • Friday: Catch-all day
  • Saturday: Sheets and towels
  • Sunday: Daily cleaning tasks only

This structure ensures all areas of the home are addressed regularly without becoming overwhelming. The key is consistency and building these tasks into your daily and weekly routines.

2. Declutter First for Effective Cleaning

"Start with one box or bin—set your timer for 5–10 minutes and completely sort through that box or bin in that amount of time."

Decluttering is foundational. Before deep cleaning, it's essential to remove excess items that impede effective cleaning. This process not only makes cleaning easier but also creates a more visually appealing and organized space.

Use the four-category system:

  • Toss: Items that are broken, expired, or unusable
  • Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need
  • Relocate: Items that belong in a different area of the home
  • Keep: Items that you use and love, to be returned to their proper place

Set a timer for short decluttering sessions to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Focus on one area at a time, working through the house systematically. This approach makes the task manageable and provides a sense of accomplishment as you progress.

3. Create Efficient Cleaning Stations Throughout the Home

"If you're going to the trouble of putting together cleaning caddies, be sure to use products that you actually enjoy."

Strategically placed supplies save time. Create cleaning caddies or stations for different areas of your home, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas. Stock these with the necessary cleaning supplies and tools specific to each area.

Essential cleaning supplies include:

  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Scrub brushes
  • Dusting tools
  • Vacuum cleaner with attachments
  • Mop and bucket

By having supplies readily available, you're more likely to clean as you go and address messes promptly. This prevents buildup and makes regular cleaning tasks quicker and easier to complete.

4. Master Quick Cleaning Techniques for Each Room

"Knowing a quick way to clean any space eliminates the guesswork, which in turn saves time and energy."

Efficiency is key. Develop a systematic approach to cleaning each room type. This allows you to clean quickly and thoroughly without wasting time or energy.

General quick-clean process:

  1. Declutter and put items away
  2. Dust surfaces from top to bottom
  3. Wipe down surfaces with appropriate cleaner
  4. Vacuum or sweep floors
  5. Mop hard surfaces if necessary

For specific rooms:

  • Bathrooms: Focus on disinfecting high-touch areas like faucets, toilet handles, and doorknobs
  • Kitchen: Pay special attention to food preparation surfaces and appliances
  • Bedrooms: Prioritize making the bed and putting away clothing

By following a consistent process, you'll clean more efficiently and ensure no areas are overlooked.

5. Implement Natural and DIY Cleaning Solutions

"Cleaning with natural products and ingredients is safe and economical."

Natural cleaners are effective and safe. Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Natural alternatives are often just as effective, less expensive, and safer for your family and pets.

Basic ingredients for DIY cleaners:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Castile soap
  • Essential oils
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Simple recipes:

  1. All-purpose cleaner: 1 1/4 cups water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 10 drops essential oils
  2. Glass cleaner: 1 1/2 cups water, 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
  3. Sink scrub: 2 cups baking soda, 20 drops essential oils, small amount of dish soap when using

These natural solutions can clean most surfaces in your home effectively while reducing your exposure to harsh chemicals.

6. Maintain Organization Systems to Prevent Clutter

"The number one rule to an organized home is putting like items with like items."

Organization prevents mess accumulation. Implementing and maintaining organization systems throughout your home is crucial for preventing clutter buildup and making cleaning easier.

Key organization principles:

  • Assign a designated place for every item
  • Group similar items together
  • Use containers and labels to keep things tidy and easily identifiable
  • Regularly purge unnecessary items

Focus on high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Create systems for managing incoming mail, storing frequently used items, and corralling daily clutter. By maintaining these systems, you'll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your organized space.

7. Adapt the Cleaning Method to Your Lifestyle

"There are so many household variables when it comes to a cleaning routine."

Flexibility ensures success. The Simply Clean method is adaptable to various lifestyles and household compositions. Whether you work outside the home, stay at home, or have a family with young children, the key is to tailor the routine to fit your specific needs and schedule.

Adaptation strategies:

  • For busy professionals: Focus on quick daily tasks and spread weekly tasks over the weekend
  • For stay-at-home parents: Incorporate cleaning into your daily routine, involving children when possible
  • For large families: Delegate tasks and create a family cleaning schedule
  • For those with limited time: Prioritize essential tasks and be realistic about what can be accomplished

Remember that perfection isn't the goal. Consistency in maintaining a baseline level of cleanliness is more important than striving for an immaculate home at all times.

8. Tackle Neglected Areas with Strategic Deep Cleaning

"Once you've gone through these twelve monthly focus areas, your home will be so much easier to clean and keep clean."

Rotate deep cleaning tasks. While daily and weekly routines maintain overall cleanliness, some areas require less frequent but more intensive attention. Establish a rotating schedule for these deep cleaning tasks to ensure all areas of your home receive proper care.

Monthly focus areas:

  • January: Whole-house declutter
  • February: Kitchen deep clean
  • March: Spring cleaning
  • April: Bathrooms deep clean
  • May: Garage or basement organization
  • June: Bedrooms deep clean
  • July: Organizing systems review
  • August: Closet cleanout
  • September: Entryway or mudroom organization
  • October: Laundry room efficiency
  • November: Living areas deep clean
  • December: Office/paperwork organization

By addressing these areas systematically throughout the year, you prevent overwhelming buildup and maintain a consistently clean and organized home. This approach also allows you to focus on seasonal needs and prepare your home for different times of the year.

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