CLEANING HACKS: WHAT ACTUALLY NEEDS TO GET DONE (WHAT CAN WAIT)
By Nicole Fuge
If you’re constantly asking yourself, What actually needs to get done today? You’re not alone. Here’s your guilt-free, sanity-saving guide to cleaning. What really matters? What can wait? And when do you actually need to change the sheets?
But first, a reminder…
Clean doesn’t mean perfect. A clean home is one that’s safe, liveable, and brings you peace, not stress. You don’t need to do it all, all the time. Especially if you’re juggling babies, toddlers, school runs, or teen moods (or all of the above). Exhausted mums, this one’s for you.
What actually needs to get done (aka the bare minimum)
If you’re in full survival mode, these are the things to prioritise. Not because you should, but because they make your life easier in the long run.
Dishes: Dirty dishes can attract pests, start to smell, and take over your kitchen fast. Aim to do them daily, or at least load and run the dishwasher. Even if it’s at 10pm.
Rubbish and recycling: Overflowing bins? They’ll smell before you realise. Emptying the kitchen bin every couple of days (or sooner if needed) will help keep your space feeling fresh.
Bathroom basics: A quick wipe of the toilet seat and bathroom sink once a week (or after heavy use) goes a long way. Keep disinfectant wipes on hand and do a two-minute dash when you can.
Laundry (as needed): Don’t worry about folding everything perfectly. The goal? Clean undies and school uniforms. Everything else is a bonus.
Floors (sort of): No need to vacuum daily, but a quick sweep of crumbs under the dining table or a mop after a spill? Worth it. Otherwise, once a week is fine.
What can absolutely wait
These are the things that don’t need your attention every day (or even every week). Let the pressure go.
Changing the sheets: Unless someone’s been sick or wet the bed, you can get away with changing sheets every two weeks. If your kid is clean and doesn’t sweat a lot, even longer is okay.
Towels: Bath towels can be used for up to a week if they’re hung to dry properly. Hand towels might need changing more often, but again, trust your nose and your common sense.
Dusting: Unless allergies are a problem, dusting can happen once every few weeks (or when you can write your name in it). Focus on high-traffic areas like shelves, TV units, and bedside tables.
Deep cleaning the bathroom: The deep scrub of tiles, shower screens, and grout? Aim for once a month, or outsource it if you can.
Decluttering toys: The toy cull doesn’t need to happen every weekend. Try a quarterly reset (with a cuppa, when the kids are out).
Quick wins that make a big difference
If you’re low on time but want to feel somewhat in control, try these:
Make the bed: Instantly makes the room feel less chaotic.
Wipe down kitchen benches: Crumbs = chaos. One quick wipe = peace.
Open the windows: Fresh air makes everything feel better.
Five-minute timer tidy: Pick one area. Set a timer. Stop when it ends. Done.
Because your home isn’t a showroom. If your kids are fed, relatively clean and loved, you’re already smashing it. No one’s handing out medals for most sparkling skirting boards.
Be kind to yourself. Lower the bar. Let go of the guilt. And remember: the sheets can wait, but your rest can’t.
MUSE PAPER
ISSUE 04