I can SO relate. My problem is that when I get started in one place, as I'm walking through to get a cleaning item or something...I see something else that needs to be picked up or cleaned and then I get side-tracked, not finishing what I started with to begin with. :) Sound familiar to anyone? Through the years I HAVE gotten into the habit of picking up as you go and then there is also the multi-tasking part (like dusting or filing or going through paperwork while watching TV) There is almost always something you can be doing while "chilling" in front of the TV. You can also do some kitchen cleanup while preparing meals and you can do some simple bathroom cleanup when you are actually in there to do hair, make-up...or whatever :). Just take a couple of extra minutes to do something toward cleaning clutter or making it cleaner, like doing the mirror or cleaning off the counter top. But, when it comes to DEEP cleaning, I find the one room at a time method works best. There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting that one room done from windows to light fixtures to closet shelves..and finally shampooing the carpet, that gives such a feeling of satisfaction. Standing in the doorway and admiring it may sound goofy, but that's what I do! YOU SHOULD TOO!

I used to be fanatical about cleaning, even when I was young and single. Then when the kids came along I relaxed my standards somewhat but I was at home for 12 years so still managed to keep a tidy and clean house. Then I went back to work part time for 8 years...still managing to keep up..no problem. Then I went full time in my early 50's....managed OK...but not as kept up as before. Well, here I am...61, still working full time...but I just don't have much energy for it anymore, especially when I get home from work. So, it's a combo of age and working full time that has done me in. It's not as clean as I'd like, and new wood floors and espresso furniture that show dust like crazy aren't helping either! Keep thinking of hiring someone but just havent gotten around to it....I am the type who would clean before the cleaning lady gets there so Im not embarrased. And the last thing I want to do is spend the weekend cleaning. It's a dilemma for sure. When I was at the top of my game I would clean the upstairs on Mondays and the downstairs on Fridays. Im thinking in a few years when I retire I won't mind doing it since I will have all day everyday to get it done and can do it in the mornings when I have more energy. Any tips on hiring a cleaning person?

I would strongly suggest NOT using Murphy's Oil Soap on any kind of finished wood surface. It can do more than clean --- it can also damage the finish over time. It will also damage the finish on vinyl floors - use distilled white vinegar instead, or whatever the manufacturer of the product suggests. What you "think" is dirt on your cleaning rag is probably the finish slowly being removed. What you "think" is a clean shine is just a coating of chemical crap that traps dirt and dust on the surface. Hubby is a V.P and CKD with a cabinet manufacturing company (40-years with the company), and when they see damaged finishes, it's usually from people using Murphy's Oil Soap on cabinets, so they specifically state not to use it or it will void the warranty. Use Murphy's Oil Soap at your own risk in your own home, but if you are cleaning someone else's home, I would suggest nothing more than mild soap and water will do the trick just as well. And make sure you have good liability insurance for any damage you may have to repair. Even better - for you, the environment, and your pocket (cost) - switch to cleaning with steam instead of a long list of harmful chemicals you enjoy so much. I have friends who take care of some of the most expensive homes in our area, and all they use are steam cleaners and distilled water for their machines. Occasionally they may need a natural cleaner - vinegar, baking soda, liquid castile soap.... But they don't need a tote full of dangerous chemicals. -Grainlady

We had good results even though we tore down walls, ripped up flooring, and did plenty of drywall work. It’s so easy to dig in and just start demo. We put a bit of time and work into it in advance, but after the remodel cleanup was not bad. We segregated the construction area from the remainder of the house. We built a temporary wall consisting of 2x4s and plastic sheeting. We stapled sheeting tightly on both sides of our temporary wall and padded the top with carpet scraps to protect the ceiling as much as possible. We completely taped off any other interior doorways (both sides) between the construction zone into the remainder of the house. We turned off the house’s air circulation and plugged the registers and the air return vent in the construction area. We didn’t walk into our living area with dust covered shoes or clothes. The construction zone had its own entry/exit. The real dust buster for us though came by jury rigging an old furnace fan we happened to have. I’m sure other types of fans could work. We blocked the fan into a window right in the midst of the construction. Onto the exit end of the fan we taped a 100’ length of lightweight (like a baggie) plastic tubing and ran it far from the house. I found the12” by 100’ plastic tubing at a janitorial supply for about $20. With a small window open at the far end of the construction zone, that fan pulled the dust out of the construction zone and out to the far ends of the yard so that it didn’t just float back in. We used a roomba to sweep the construction zone frequently. We ran it a LOT and it did an awesome job. Then, when work was done, and our temporary wall removed we vacuumed the floors daily with roomba. It wasn’t long before the house was more dust free than ever, and is remaining so.