Just pause for a moment and think about the last time you stayed at a really nice hotel.

Shiny, freshly polished floors, dust-free furniture, spotless bathrooms, crisp clean linens and not a sign of clutter!

Have you ever wondered what their secret is?

Well, I discovered what it is and now after implementing it, our home, as well as my days, have never been so orderly.

Never have I been able to clean the entire house so quickly and efficiently. Many days I finish the entire house before lunch!

A couple years ago, a friend from our church in Kentucky sent me a text asking for prayer. At the time, she was a housekeeper in a local hotel. She said she was exhausted because she had to clean 23 rooms that day and would probably have just as many the next day.

After telling her that I would pray that the Lord would give her the strength needed, I begin to think, “how is it possible to clean 23 rooms in one day?”

I realized if she can do that at the hotel, surely it can be done in our home as well.

3 Reasons Housekeepers Clean More Efficiently.

Keys to the Hotel Method

1. They take everything with them they will need to clean the room from the out-start so they don’t waste time + energy running back and forth for supplies.
2. They stay in the same room until they are finished.
3. They don’t multitask. They are single minded. No laundry. No cooking. Just the room they are in.

Training up children to be orderly? Use these 5 easy-to-remember steps for kids as they clean.

#1. Pick it Up

Before we can dust or vacuum, we’ve got to clear the clutter.

So fold the blankets, make the bed, gather up any paperwork, hang up clothes and put away all that needs puttin’ away.

Sit any empty basket 🧺 next to the door. Toss in anything that belongs in another room. Then when you’re done you can make just one trip instead of many to put things away.

#2. Clean it Up

Trying to clean around clutter is very time-consuming. It’s like a slow, never-ending obstacle race.

So, now that you’re surfaces are cleared you can quickly dust & clean them!

For more efficient cleaning, always clean top to bottom.

So an example in the bathroom would be mirror first, then counter, sink, and lastly, cabinet.

This prevents dirt particles from falling on your nicely cleaned counter. 😉

It’s also wise to choose a direction to clean, whether left to right or vice versa. First, it keeps you from missing a spot. Secondly, no lost time cleaning the same area over and over.

#3. Stock it Up

Since you’re already in the room, you might as well restock it, right?

For the bedroom that may mean clean linens.

Restocking For the bathroom could include:

• Refilling Handsoap
• Body Wash/Bar soap
• Shampoo + Razors
• Clean Towels
• Toilet paper
• Etc.

Going ahead and restocking now prevents any embarrassing situations with you, or your guests, later (if you know what I mean. And I think we sadly all do…🤦‍♀️)

[Expecting Guests? How to prepare in 3 Simple Steps!]

#4. Sweep, Mop or Vacuum it Up.

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

You’ve put the clutter away, the room’s shining again and you’re restocked for the week. Now all that’s left to do is finish up!

Whether wood, tile or carpet, the floors get dirty and they also catch any particles that fall while you clean.

So sweep, mop or vacuum your way out of the room, starting at the point furthest from the door.

And You’re done!!

#5. Move on to Next Room

Gather up all your supplies as well as the basket and move on to the next room on your list!!

TIP: Start on one side of your home and clean your way to the other room by room. I clean our home starting on the right side and move to the left (avoiding the kitchen).

Tips for Getting the Most out of the Hotel Method

#1 Avoid the Kitchen at ALL Costs!

NO other room in the house eats up so much of my time as the kitchen (no pun intended). Granted, we have no microwave and in general we eat all 3 meals a day at home during the week.

For me, the kitchen is a never-ending cycle of clean-up, so I don’t count it among the rooms to clean on “Cleaning Day”.

Having food ready beforehand, ready to heat up is KEY to be able to stay on task.

So plan a meal (whether leftovers or delivery) 1-3 days ahead of time. That way no time is wasted thinking about what you’ll eat or cooking it.

[Short on Ideas for Leftovers? Try out AIP Shrimp Sauté with LemonThyme & Leeks or Semi-Homemade Spaghetti (Squash) + “Meat”balls.]

# 2. Make a list of all your supplies you’ll need before you begin. Put all cleaners, rags, etc. in an easy-to-carry bucket.

#3. Little fuel= little energy so start your day off right with a hearty breakfast.

#4. Change into your tennis shoes. Just putting mine on gets me in the race mindset—and I’m no runner. Lol

#5. Try to get a good night’s rest the day before. [Tips for creating an evening routine to make your mornings shine!]

#6. Choose a specific day (or days) to clean every week. This helps it become a routine more quickly.

#7. If you simply have no more energy, take a rest, then continue on. There’s nothing wrong with that!

#9. When the unexpected happens and your home is in chaos, rest in God’s grace. We can’t earn or lose God’s love, it is found only in Christ Jesus and His perfect work on the cross.

Most importantly, Pray.

No matter what we read or hear, there’s no cleaning routine that allows us to clean and be lazy at the same time.

Cleaning requires work.

Proverbs 31:10-31 paints the portrait of the wise woman. It says,

…she willingly works with her hands…She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:13b, 27

We don’t have to clean at lightning speed. We are simply called to work with willing hands and avoid idleness.

However, we’re often short on energy or willingness (sometimes both)!

And we need help.

The good news is that the Everlasting God, the Creator of the Heavens and earth never tires nor grows weary (Isaiah 40). So He is the One who can and is willing to supply us with the energy and strength needed for the task at hand.

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“Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31, NKJV

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He also is able to give us a heart to do it willingly, for Him & His glory.

We are simply called to humble ourselves before God, trust in Him and wait for His goodness that overflows. 💕

Ask the Lord for His help, before and during cleaning. Then thank Him for His faithfulness when you finish!

Happy Homemaking!

If this article was helpful to you, be sure to like & subscribe so you don’t miss out on more articles like this one! And if you have any cleaning tips, let me know below in the comment section!

As always,

Be Kind. Be Encouraging. Be a Multiplier!

Love, Lauri

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