START FRESH: MY 5-STEP MOM MORNING CLEANING ROUTINE

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Hey! If you’re like me, your mornings are a whirlwind of breakfast chaos, packing lunches, and getting the kids off to school. Once the little ones are out the door, it’s your time to reclaim a bit of sanity and get the house in order. I’m here to share my 5-step morning cleaning routine that’s manageable, effective, and won't eat up your whole day. It takes me no more than an hour, and it might just transform your home and your mood!

STEP 1: TAKE CARE OF THE DISHES

Once the kids are off to school, the first thing I tackle is the sink full of dishes. I can’t stand starting my day with a cluttered kitchen, so I rinse off leftovers, load the dishwasher, or hand-wash if needed. I find that a clean sink makes the kitchen feel instantly fresher and gives me a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s way easier to maintain throughout the day if I start with a clean slate!

STEP 2: QUICK SURFACE CLEANING

With the dishes done, it’s time to tackle the surfaces. I grab a cloth and some all-purpose cleaner and give the countertops, tables, and other high-touch spots a quick wipe-down. This step takes just a few minutes but makes a huge difference. It’s amazing how a little cleaning can instantly brighten up the room and make everything feel more organized.

STEP 3: TIDY AND VACUUM THE LIVING ROOM

Next up is the living room. I pick up any stray toys, magazines, or random items that have found their way onto the coffee table or sofa. Once everything is in its place, I whip out the vacuum and give the floors a quick run-through. It’s amazing how vacuuming can freshen up a room and make it look brand new. Plus, it’s one of those tasks that’s oddly satisfying—kind of like an instant makeover for your space!

STEP 4: ORGANIZE THE STAIRCASE PILES

We all know how the staircase can become a catch-all for items that need to be put away. I take a moment to sort through these piles and make small, manageable stacks for each family member. I then leave these piles for each person to grab and put away on their way up the stairs. This helps keep the stairs clear and ensures that nothing gets forgotten in the chaos of daily life.

STEP 5: TACKLE A LARGER CLEANING TASK

Finally, I choose one larger cleaning chore to focus on. It could be anything from cleaning out the fridge, wiping down bathroom surfaces, or organizing a cluttered closet. I find that breaking down these bigger tasks into smaller, daily chunks makes them less overwhelming. Today’s chore was cleaning the upholstery on a chair that my children had spilled on. Using the Little Green Machine, this chore was a breeze, and my chair looks good as new!

So there you have it—a simple, effective morning cleaning routine that takes just about an hour and leaves your home feeling fresh and organized. By knocking out these tasks right after the kids head to school, you can enjoy a more serene environment and get a head start on the day’s activities. Give it a try and see how a little bit of morning maintenance can make your life a whole lot easier!