Clean Like a Pro

When my kids were little, I had a regular cleaning schedule, and thinking back on it, I seem to remember that I actually kept my house clean.  Yes, I know - even with little kids!

Either my memory is faulty or I was Superwoman back then, because I can't figure out how to get everything done nowadays!  I still have a schedule, but it pretty much just covers doing laundry on Mondays and washing the towels on Tuesdays.  Clean bathrooms on Thursdays?  Vacuum every week?  Yeah, right...  So, when I found this article on Cleaning Like a Pro, I thought it would be worth a try.

The article outlines the tried-and-true system used by the professional cleaners that work for Molly Maids and claims that normal people like you and I can employ the same techniques in our own homes.  OK, how does this system work?

First, they say to start in the room that is farthest from the front door - I wonder if that would be my bathroom, or should I count the basement?  Whichever room that is, they say to start at the right of the doorframe and move from top to bottom, left to right, and clean everything in your path.  Finish up by vacuuming or mopping the floor and making your way out the door.  Do the same thing in the rest of the rooms, saving the kitchen for last.

In the bathroom, they say to apply cleaning solution to the tub and shower area before starting the right of the doorframe, top to bottom, left to right routine.  That gives the cleaner time to do its job, and you wipe that down last.

In the kitchen, which you've saved for last, always start to the right of the stove, which they say is generally the messiest area in the room.  Remove stove grates and soak them while you clean the rest of the kitchen.  Again, move top to bottom, left to right.  And then, I guess they move on out the door.

Well, now I see my problem - I always start in the kitchen!  No wonder I can't get my house clean...  My stove grates will never need soaked while I clean the rest of my kitchen, though.  I occasionally wash them along with the rest of my dishes, but they are never that dirty!

How about you?  Do you have a system that works for getting your house clean or any tips to share?  I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to hear them!