Are you spending your precious weekends battling a mountain of housework? Many of us fall into the trap of saving all our cleaning for Sunday, leading to a stressful, overwhelming day and a less-than-relaxing start to the week. But what if we told you there’s a better way? MattressNextDay’s CEO and sleep expert, Martin Seeley, reveals a revolutionary approach: distribute your chores throughout the week, transforming your Sunday from a cleaning marathon into a day of rest and rejuvenation.
The “Sunday Reset” phenomenon, while popular on social media, can often backfire. Instead of a relaxing day, it can become a dreaded chore-filled one. Seeley emphasizes the benefits of a proactive, consistent approach to cleaning, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable increments spread across the week. This strategy not only prevents the build-up of grime and mess, but also minimizes the stress and overwhelm associated with large, infrequent cleaning sessions.
Seeley’s 12-step weekly cleaning routine is designed to maximize efficiency and minimize weekend stress. Here’s how to implement it:
1. Monday & Wednesday Laundry Blitz:
Tackle the bulk of your laundry on Mondays and Wednesdays. This prevents a laundry mountain from accumulating and keeps your weekly load manageable.2. Off-Peak Energy Savings:
Wash clothes during off-peak hours (typically between 10 pm and 8 am) to significantly reduce your energy bills. Consult your energy provider for their most economical time slots.3. Airing Out the Mattress:
Skip making your bed Sunday morning! Remove the sheets, but leave the mattress to air out before putting on fresh linens. This improves hygiene and extends the life of your mattress.4. Optimal Wash Temperature:
While 60°C is ideal for killing bacteria in bedding and towels, remember it significantly increases energy costs compared to 40°C. Weigh the hygiene benefits against the increased energy consumption and associated costs.5. Sustainable Drying Solutions:
Consider the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of your drying method. Tumble dryers are fast but expensive, while heated airers provide a more economical alternative, especially in colder months.6. Dust Before Vacuuming:
While your washing machine is running, tackle dusting before vacuuming. This prevents dust from resettling on freshly laundered bedding.7. Don’t Forget the Touchpoints:
Light switches and lamps are high-touch areas that harbor germs and bacteria. Clean them regularly for optimal hygiene.8. Deep Carpet Cleaning:
Vacuum your carpets weekly, and schedule deep cleans in the spring and autumn for a truly fresh and clean bedroom.9. Under-Bed Cleaning:
Hoovering under the bed prevents the accumulation of dust mites, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens. Take advantage of this opportunity during your weekly cleaning routine.10. Headboard Hygiene:
Dust hard-surfaced headboards while your bedding is in the wash to prevent dust from settling on your freshly cleaned sheets. For fabric headboards, use a fabric freshener.11. Fluff Your Pillows:
Use a tennis ball in a sock to fluff your pillows, making them feel fresh and luxurious. Daily fluffing is ideal, but even weekly fluffing greatly improves the comfort and longevity of your pillows.12. Fresh Sheets for a Relaxing Sleep:
Once your sheets are dry, put them on in the afternoon. Opt for breathable materials like cotton that regulate body temperature for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.By implementing this 12-step routine, you’ll create a system that prevents a weekend cleaning crisis. You’ll enjoy a consistently cleaner home, reduce stress, and reclaim your weekends for activities you actually want to do. Embrace the power of proactive cleaning and say goodbye to Sunday cleaning dread!
