As a busy mom, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Between work, school pick-ups, meals, and everything else that comes with managing a household, cleaning can feel like just another daunting task on your never-ending to-do list. But what if cleaning didn’t have to take hours of your day? With a few simple time-saving hacks, you can maintain a clean and organized home without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are five quick and easy cleaning hacks every busy mom needs to know!

1. The Two-Minute Rule: Tackle Small Tasks Immediately

Ever heard of the two-minute rule? It’s a game-changer for busy moms! The idea is simple: If a task will take two minutes or less, do it right away. This helps prevent small chores from piling up and becoming more time-consuming later. It’s also a great technique to teach kids.

Here are a few examples of two-minute tasks:

  • Wiping down the kitchen counters after meals
  • Putting away shoes or jackets left by the door
  • Starting the dishwasher after dinner
  • Throwing in a load of laundry or putting a load of laundry in the dryer

By tackling these small tasks immediately, you’ll keep your home cleaner throughout the day, reducing the need for big, time-consuming cleaning sessions.

2. Create a Cleaning Caddy for Each Bathroom or Floor

Stop wasting time running around the house looking for cleaning supplies! Create a cleaning caddy stocked with essentials—like all-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, and hydrogen peroxide—for each bathroom or floor of your home. Having everything you need within reach saves time and keeps you focused.

When spills happen or surfaces need a quick wipe-down, you’ll have everything ready to go, making it easier to clean up on the spot without delay.

3. Use Multi-Tasking Cleaning Products

Why use multiple products when one can do the job? Multi-purpose cleaners can tackle countertops, appliances, and even floors, saving you time switching between products.

Another great time-saving tip: use microfiber cleaning cloths! They’re incredibly effective at picking up dirt and dust, and they work on a variety of surfaces without needing additional sprays or cleaners. A quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth can leave your surfaces spotless, cutting down on cleaning time and on extra cleaning products.

All-Purpose Cleaning Soap

4. The Power of the 10-Minute Tidy

The 10-minute tidy is a lifesaver for busy moms. Instead of waiting until the end of the week for a deep clean, set a timer for 10 minutes each day (this is the Daily Task of Clutter in the Clean Mama Routine) and get your family involved in a quick tidy-up session. Focus on common areas like the living room, kitchen, or entryway where clutter tends to gather.

In just 10 minutes, you can:

  • Pick up toys, books, and shoes
  • Straighten pillows and blankets
  • Wipe down counters
  • Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas

It’s amazing what you can accomplish in a short amount of time, and this daily habit will keep your home from getting too messy between more thorough cleaning sessions.

Paper Goods 

5. Embrace the “Clean As You Go” Method

One of the best ways to save time on cleaning is to incorporate it into your daily routine. The “clean as you go” method means cleaning up as you complete tasks throughout the day, rather than letting things pile up.

For example:

  • In the kitchen: Wipe down countertops and wash dishes while you’re cooking. Once dinner is done, the kitchen will be almost clean.
  • In the bathroom: Keep your cleaning caddy nearby and quickly wipe down sinks and counters after brushing your teeth or while kids are in the bathtub (old enough to sit up unassisted, of course!)
  • Laundry: Instead of waiting for laundry to pile up, throw in a load every day (a Daily Task in the Clean Mama Routine) or every other day to keep it manageable.

By cleaning as you go, you’ll prevent clutter and dirt from building up, making deep cleaning sessions less necessary and saving you time in the long run.

Bonus Tip: Set a Cleaning Schedule

To make cleaning even more manageable, follow a cleaning routine. Breaking tasks into daily and weekly tasks will keep you from spending hours or the weekend cleaning. In the Clean Mama Routine we:

  • Monday: Clean Bathrooms
  • Tuesday: Dust Surfaces
  • Wednesday: Vacuum
  • Thursday: Wash Floors
  • Friday: Catch up 
  • Saturday: Sheets & Towels

With a set schedule, you’ll spread out tasks into smaller manageable doses, perfect for busy homes, making it easier to fit cleaning into schedule.

Homekeeping Planner

By incorporating these five time-saving cleaning hacks into your routine, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things you enjoy. As a busy mom, efficiency is key, and these strategies are designed to simplify your cleaning process while keeping your home neat and tidy.

Which hack will you try first?