Are You a Good Housekeeper?

At the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, Eva Bleyer—a trained chef from the Natural Gourmet Institute—has tested a wide range of kitchen appliances and gadgets, including blenders and kitchen scales. As a professional tester and a skilled chef, her insights provide valuable guidance on maintaining a clean home. Nicole Papantoniou, the director of the same lab, also brings over a decade of professional experience in testing kitchen appliances.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

As anyone who has gone through the stages of life—from having young children to caring for a partner with demanding work schedules—knows, maintaining a clean home can be an ongoing challenge. When my children were young, I was a good cleaner, but as they grew into teenagers and I faced more challenges, my cleaning habits shifted. My husband’s demanding work schedule often left me with fewer resources to dedicate to household maintenance.

Now, at almost 70 years old, physical limitations make it even more of a challenge. However, recognizing the importance of a clean living space and having strategies to manage the chores effectively can help maintain a good household routine.

Tips for Efficient Cleaning

1. Set Realistic Goals: Rather than thinking about cleaning your entire home in one day, break it down into manageable tasks. Dishes can be cleaned after each meal, floors can be vacuumed a few times a week, and laundry can be spread out over several days.

2. Hire Help When Needed: Sometimes delegating tasks or hiring assistance can make a big difference. A few hours of professional cleaning can greatly improve the cleanliness and overall mood of your home.

3. Use the Right Tools: Modern kitchen appliances, like blenders and kitchen scales, can simplify tasks. For instance, a powerful blender can make cleaning tasks more efficient.

Optimizing Your Cleaning Routine

Experts like Eva and Nicole emphasize the importance of evaluating your cleaning routine to ensure it is both effective and sustainable. By testing various kitchen appliances and tools, they can provide recommendations that streamline the cleaning process without compromising on quality.

My experiences led me to recognize that avoiding chores can create a mental and physical strain. So, I hired my best friend and his sister to come over and clean my apartment. They did an outstanding job, which made me realize the value of professional help to relieve the burden.

Strategies for Prioritizing Tasks

1. Shift Priorities: Identifying key tasks that have the greatest impact on the cleanliness of your home and focusing on those can save time. For example, cleaning the kitchen counters, washing the dishes, and wiping down frequently touched surfaces.

2. Create a Cleaning Schedule: Setting a specific time for cleaning tasks can make them a habit. Consistency is key, and regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.

3. Engage in Mindful Decluttering: Regularly clearing out unnecessary items not only helps with organization but also reduces the amount of cleaning that needs to be done. A clutter-free home is easier to maintain and keeps a sense of order.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and orderly home is a continuous effort, but with the right strategies and tools, it can be manageable. I am now at a critical point, and by shifting priorities and incorporating these tips, I am working towards a more sustainable and effective cleaning routine. I hope these strategies can help you achieve a cleaner home and a happier living environment.