Keeping your home clean while juggling the endless responsibilities of motherhood can feel overwhelming. Between the constant demands of little ones, work obligations, and managing meals, cleaning often takes a backseat. But what if I told you there’s a solution? A simple, weekly cleaning routine can save your sanity and keep your home consistently tidy without sacrificing precious family time.
This routine is designed specifically for busy moms, breaking tasks into small, manageable chunks for each day of the week. It embraces the concept of habit stacking—pairing cleaning tasks with things you’re already doing. So, let’s dive in and reclaim your home without stress!
Monday: Tidy and Dust
Start the weekly cleaning routine with small wins by by tackling clutter and dust. These tasks are not labour intensive, but make your home look so much cleaner. They’re the perfect tasks to make you feel like you’re winning (super important for staying motivated as a homemaker!).
Tasks to Tackle:
- Pick up toys, clothes, and other clutter from common areas.
- Dust surfaces like shelves, countertops, picture frames, and furniture.
- Shake out rugs and fluff pillows for a quick refresh.
Habit Stack Tip:
Use the 10 minutes after school drop-off or while your kids eat breakfast to do a quick tidy. If your kids are old enough, enlist their help by turning it into a game. Set a timer and see how much you can pick up in five minutes!
Tuesday: Bathroom
Bathrooms are high-traffic areas, especially in a busy household. Devoting one day to cleaning them ensures they stay fresh and hygienic all week long.
Tasks to Tackle:
- Wipe down sinks, faucets, and countertops.
- Clean mirrors for a streak-free shine.
- Scrub toilets, tubs, and showers.
- Empty bathroom trash bins and replace towels.
Habit Stack Tip:
Keep a basket of cleaning supplies under the bathroom sink. While your kids are in the bath or brushing their teeth, spend a few minutes wiping down surfaces.
Mom Hack:
Invest in microfiber cloths and a squeegee. They’re eco-friendly and make quick work of cleaning mirrors and shower doors.
Wednesday: Floors
By midweek, floors can look worse for wear thanks to crumbs, dirt, and pet hair. Giving them some love will instantly refresh your home.
Tasks to Tackle:
- Vacuum carpets and rugs in high-traffic areas like the living room and hallways.
- Sweep and mop hard floors, especially in the kitchen and entryway.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe baseboards (just do one room if time is tight).
Habit Stack Tip:
Vacuum while your kids are playing or napping in another room. If you’re mopping, let your little ones “help” by giving them a dry mop to push around—it keeps them busy and engaged.
Thursday: Kitchen Deep Clean
The kitchen is the heart of the home and often the messiest. A dedicated kitchen cleaning day keeps it functional and welcoming, and doing this weekly keeps it from being a major job.
Tasks to Tackle:
- Wipe down appliances like the microwave, fridge, and stove.
- Clean countertops, backsplashes, and cabinet handles.
- Sweep or vacuum crumbs from under appliances.
- Empty the trash and sanitize the bin.
Habit Stack Tip:
Do this while your dinner cooks or during snack time. For example, wipe the counters as you wait for water to boil.
Mom Hack:
Declutter your fridge before grocery shopping. Toss expired items, wipe down shelves, and organize your food so it’s easy to find.
Friday: Laundry Day
A dedicated laundry day is a lifesaver for busy moms. I like to get the washing out of the way before the weekend, so that it has time to dry before the next week begins, and to head into the weekend with fresh linens.
Tasks to Tackle:
- Sort, wash, and fold clothes, bedding, and towels.
- Treat stains or mend items that need fixing.
- Put everything away (don’t let clean clothes sit in baskets!).
Habit Stack Tip:
Fold clothes while watching your favorite show or chatting with your kids. Turn putting away laundry into a family activity—kids can sort socks or fold simple items like towels.
Mom Hacks:
- Use a divided laundry hamper to pre-sort items (lights, darks, delicates). It saves time and makes laundry day less chaotic.
- Make a game out of putting the washing away. Get your kids to run the clothes to each room, or load them in their dump trucks and diggers.
Saturday: Catch-Up or Projects
The weekend offers flexibility to catch up on any missed tasks or tackle a bigger cleaning project. Don’t aim for perfection—focus on progress.
Tasks to Tackle:
- Revisit any tasks you didn’t complete earlier in the week.
- Deep-clean one neglected area, like the pantry, linen closet or wardrobe.
- Tidy outdoor spaces, such as the porch or garage.
Habit Stack Tip:
Do a quick tidy after outdoor playtime or while your family relaxes. Projects like decluttering can be done in small bursts—set a timer for 20 minutes and stop when it goes off.
Mom Hack:
Turn cleaning into family bonding time. Put on music and assign age-appropriate tasks to everyone. Kids love being helpers when it feels fun!
Sunday: Reset and Relax
Sunday is all about preparing for the week ahead while also recharging. This is the part of the weekly cleaning routine where we focus on light cleaning and rest to start the week on the right foot.
Tasks to Tackle:
- Do a quick tidy-up in high-traffic areas.
- Plan meals, activities, and your schedule for the week.
- Take time for self-care—you’ve earned it!
Habit Stack Tip:
Combine cleaning with relaxation. For example, listen to a podcast or audiobook while tidying.
Mom Hack:
Involve your family in Sunday resets. Have your kids pack their school bags or set out clothes for the next day.
Why This Routine Works for Busy Moms
- Small, Manageable Chunks:
Instead of marathon cleaning sessions, this routine breaks tasks into bite-sized pieces that fit into your busy day. - Habit Stacking:
By pairing cleaning with daily activities like meal prep or bedtime routines, you naturally make progress without adding extra stress. - Family Involvement:
Getting your kids involved teaches them responsibility and lightens your load. - Consistency Beats Perfection:
This routine isn’t about spotless perfection—it’s about maintaining a home that feels calm and welcoming, even amidst the chaos of motherhood.
Tips to Make This Routine Your Own
- Set Realistic Goals: If a task feels overwhelming, scale it back. Focus on one room or area instead of the whole house.
- Use the Right Tools: Time-saving tools like robot vacuums, microfiber cloths, and caddies for cleaning supplies make life easier.
- Stay Flexible: Life happens! If you miss a day, don’t stress. Pick up where you left off.
With this weekly cleaning routine, you’ll spend less time stressing about mess and more time enjoying your family. It’s not just about a clean house—it’s about creating a peaceful, functional home where you can thrive as a mom.
Start today and watch your home (and your stress level) transform!
