The bed linen needs changing, the living room needs to be vacuumed, the furniture needs to be dusted -- these and many other household chores likely fill the thoughts of many women attempting to balance work and family.
Take solace in knowing that keeping a clean house is a universal problem. The first step to tackling household chores is to change how you think and feel about them, says Midori Nakamura, editor of home and food for Divine Caroline.
Divine Caroline, a San-Francisco based Web site, provides a holistic approach for women on all aspects of their lives.
Nakamura admits that she has struggled with cleaning house but decided that how she feels about cleaning house is half the battle.
"I tried to turn house cleaning into something I embrace, rather than a task," she said. "I try to take care of my house like I take care of myself."
Additionally, Nakamura said because women are likely doing most of the household chores they should find a way to make it a positive experience.
It May All Be In Your Head
"We allow cleaning to become this huge thing in our heads," she said, adding that sometimes it may cause relationship problems.
Often, resentment can build when a woman is not getting any help with chores.
"I think couples should take time to talk about cleaning," she said. "It's a serious topic and should be taken seriously and not considered nitpicking."
Writing chores down may also help with getting chores completed, she said.
If you are the type of person who works better alone in the home, get people out of the house. She suggested that maybe your husband can take the kids to the park. Having a glass of wine or playing music may also make the experience more enjoyable.
"It's a huge issue because we feel it's so unfair," she said. "Women should just accept that because I don't see equality on the horizon for house cleaning."
It's Time To Clean
Lorene Bartos, extension educator for the University of Nebraska, said it is important to step back and take a look at the whole picture and then develop a plan.
When doing this, there should be a decision made as to if deep cleaning will be done, which includes dusting and moving furniture or basic cleaning which includes tidying up various areas.
Although some people set aside one day to clean while others clean throughout the week, she does not know if there is an ideal or best approach to cleaning. "Whatever works for you and your household" is the best approach.
Once this is done, Bartos said it is crucial to set a pattern.
"For a lot of people, cleaning is not their favorite thing to do but do it at a high-energy time of the day," she said.
Additionally, Bartos said it is important to reward yourself. "Celebrate your accomplishments" to help you stay motivated.
Have Home For Items
Keeping a house tidy takes a lot of work, but everything should be put in its appropriate place at all times.
"Have a place for things to be in – newspapers and magazines can be placed in a basket, so be sure to have a home for items," she said. "That helps keep it tidy."
She said that this idea could also work for boots, hats and mitten so that young children can keep up with those things.
Bartos also said it is important to pick up things on a daily basis as well as folding up a blanket or throw when done using.
Other tips:
- Keep cleaning product on every level of the home
- When spills or stains occur clean up immediately
- Do windows when the sun isn't shining as brightly so that they don't dry as fast. This will keep the windows from streaking.
- Place a rug or mat at each doorway to keep dirt and gravel from being tracked in.
Getting Others Involved
Bartos said it is important to get children involved young in clean house, too.
"Give them chores whether it is folding clothes, dusting or picking up clothes, get them involved," she said.
Another idea is to put the chores that need to be done in a "Job Jar" and have all the family members pick from the jar.
Nakamura added that mothers can teach lessons and even offer treats for jobs well done.
Whether one day is set aside each week to clean house or cleaning is part of your every day activities, the way you feel about cleaning may help you keep a tidy home.
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