The 20/10 Method for a Clean and Tidy House
If you’re one of those people who leave all their chores to the weekend, we have some top tips to help make cleaning less tiring and more enjoyable, so you can keep your home cleaner and tidier for longer. Ever heard of the 20/10 method?
What is the 20/10 method?
The 20/10 method was invented by Rachel Hoffman. The concept is simple: 20 minutes of cleaning, followed by a 10-minute break.
Author of the book Unf*ck your habitat and the website of the same name, Hoffman admits that she is one of those people who finds cleaning tedious and boring. To help make things easier, she has come up with a practical solution.
Hoffman explains that our busy modern lifestyles are complicated enough as it is, without the added stress of endless domestic chores. She recommends taking a more relaxed approach to cleaning and tidying and has come up with a step-by-step guide.
Who should use the 20/10 method?
This is a really interesting question. Unlike a lot of other cleaning guides, Hoffman’s method wasn’t designed with any particular audience in mind. Roommates, singles, couples, students, teenagers… The 20/10 method is for anyone who hates cleaning.
How to use the 20/10 method
The 20/10 method is super simple. As we’ve already mentioned, it has been designed for anyone and everyone, but especially those who find cleaning a real chore. To help make things easier, Hoffman recommends designating specific times for work and rest.
More specifically, she suggests doing 20 minutes of cleaning, and then taking a ten minute break. While skipping breaks is strictly forbidden, you can use it to do anything you like. At the end of those 10 minutes, you can do another round of cleaning, or continue another day. Sounds pretty good, right?
Hoffman assures that by following her method, you’ll be able to keep your house clean and tidy with minimal effort. As with many things, consistency is key. If you can incorporate the 20/10 method into your daily routine, cleaning will be a breeze.
Unf*ck your habitat with the 20/10 method
In her book, Unf*ck your habitat, Hoffman also gives us 10 top tips to make cleaning easier, without having to resort to exhausting (and often ineffective) cleaning marathons.
1. Take before and after photos
Yes, before and after photos have made their way to the world of household chores. Not only will this help motivate you, but it will also help to highlight the most problematic areas of your house.
2. Make the bed every day
Making your bed everyday has a ton of benefits, and is a great way to start the day. Not to mention how nice it is to come home from work to find a nicely made bed.
3. Ventilate your house
It’s essential to ventilate your house every day to purify the air and eliminate any bad odors and bacteria. And yes, even in winter.
4. Wash the dishes
Wash the dishes as soon as you’ve finished eating. Even if all want to do is curl up on the couch to watch the latest episode of your favorite show, just remember, if you don’t do it now, it’ll still be waiting for you later.
5. Clean out the fridge
Throw out those moldy vegetables, anything that’s gone off, and whatever’s in that mysterious Tupperware box hiding at the back. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about how to organize your fridge.
6. Start with the biggest room
No matter how daunting it may seem, always start with the biggest room first. Once you’ve done that, you’ll feel a sudden surge of motivation, like you can do anything.
7. Clean from top to bottom
If your home has two floors, clean the top floor first, starting with the closets and shelves. The top to the bottom rule can be applied to the whole house.
8. Pick up anything lying on the floor
This is one of Hoffman’s most important tips. Don’t leave anything lying on the floor: tidy as you clean.
9. Don’t leave clothes on the drying rack
Take any clean, dry clothes off the drying rack and put them back in the closet. You can also apply this rule to plates and dishes: take them out of the dishwasher or off the rack and put them back in the cupboard.
10. Sweep and mop the floors
You thought we were done already? Not quite. It’s time to get out the vacuum and mop and scrub those floors. This is the real cherry on the cake and will ensure your home is sparkling clean. And there you have it! Use the 20/10 method, and your home will be perfect with minimal effort.