Housework - How to Make it Fast and Keep it Fun

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How to Make Doing Household Chores Faster, Easier, and Much More Fun

"Housework" and "fun" don't seem like two words that go well together, but cleaning house doesn't have to be a dreaded chore that takes forever. There are ways to make housework easier, faster, and even ways to make it fun.

Before you get started on your spring (or summer, or fall, or winter) cleaning, take a break, read on, and learn to have fun with your housework!


Picture credit: petroleumjelliffe

Making it Fun Makes it Go Fast

How to turn housework into fun and games.

Mom: "Come on, kids, let's hurry and get things cleaned up around here."
Kids: "Who's coming over?"


Ever hear that dialogue around your house? I have. Seems the best motivation for cleaning the house is company, especially company who's on their way to visit right now!

How about this dialogue.
Mom: "Come on, kids, it's time to do chores."
Kids: "Oh, boy! We get to use the timer!" "Can I pick the music?"


I can't promise you that using timers and other fun tools will make your family excited to do their chores, but it couldn't hurt. In fact, using music and minutes as motivation is something that is appealing to me as an adult having to do housework on my own, without the company of my now-grown children. Even I like to play games, and games make housework much more fun and make the time go by a lot faster. While the reward is getting to look around and see floors and tables shiny and clean instead of dusty or dingy and kitchen counters clear instead of cluttered with dirty dishes, the fun can be in the getting it done.

Here are a couple of motivation games you can play with yourself or with your family. First, use a timer. Challenge yourself. See just how much you can accomplish in 15 minutes as the timer ticks down the minutes. Chances are the dishwasher will be loaded (or emptied and the dishes put away), the stove and countertops will be wiped clean and shiny, and even the floor will have had a quick damp mop before the buzzer sounds. Don't believe me? Start that timer and get moving. Move like you're in a race with every intention of winning. Plan a reward at the end if you accomplish your goal.

Do the same thing with music. Put on your favorite CD, something with upbeat songs that you can move to, then get moving. Can you finish folding the laundry before the last note? See how many shirts you can iron before you and Carrie finish singing "Before He Cheats" ('cause you get to sing along!). Before you know it, your work will be done and you'll still be smiling and boppin' to the beat. Try it. I think you'll like it!

Timers to Help You Get the Job Done

Wow! These timers have it all!

This timer is advertised for kids, but I want to play, too! Put this timer in a central area where you (or the kids) can see it - and hear it - count down the time left for your quickie pickup. How motivating is that??

Learning Resources LER6900 Time Tracker Programmable Electronic Timer

Here's the product description: It's never been easier to keep kids on track! Lighted sections of this unique electronic timer alert kids to time remaining. Program green, yellow and red sections and 6 sound effects easily to indicate that time is running out. Features 180%uFFFD viewing, large, easy-to-read LCD display; volume control and pause feature.

If you'd rather have something made for adults, something a little more sophisticated or subdued, check out this awesome Polder Digital Timer with Vibrating, Audible, and Illuminated Alarm. It'll help you get the job done, along with any other timing chores you can think of.

Kitchen Karaoke

My favorite music to clean by.

20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection Vol. 1/The '60s (The Best of the Temptations)

The Temptations didn't sit still and neither do I when I put this CD on while I'm cleaning the house or washing the dishes. I can get a WHOLE lot done during the 2 minutes and 45 seconds of "My Girl," cleanin' to the smooth rhythm, singin' along in my private kitchen karaoke.

This is the CD, but you can make your own mix by downloading each individual selection if you prefer to MP3 it. If you're not familiar with The Temptations, click to listen.

More Favorite Music to Clean By

I'll get the list started with some of my favorites. Then you can add yours!

Rather listen on your ipod? Click here to get MP3 downloads of your favorite music!

The B-52's

The B-52's

This record shook up the snoozing world of rock in more...7 points

The Very Best of Peter, Paul & Mary

The Very Best of Peter, Paul & Mary

One of the most enduring acts in American music, P more...4 points

Meet Me In Margaritaville: The Ultimate Collection

Meet Me In Margaritaville: The Ultimate Collection

Jimmy Buffett may have made his millions, but that more...3 points

Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition

Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition

I grew up with them and know all the words!3 points

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture

The cannons are great for scrubbing to!2 points

Some Hearts

Some Hearts

Would American Idol winner Carrie Underwood have l more...1 point

ABBA - Gold: Greatest Hits

ABBA - Gold: Greatest Hits

Deluxe CD/DVD edition of this collection from the more...0 points

A Place for Everything . . .

(all together now) . . and Everything in Its Place

It's true. When each thing you own has a place where it belongs, it's much easier to put it away, not to mention much easier to find it the next time you need it!

But how about if you have too much stuff and not enough room to put it all away? That's called clutter and what you need is clutter control. I must not be the only one in this world with a packrat problem because multiple bestsellers have been written about how to tame the clutter monster. When it gets down to the bottom line, it's really a matter of three things: Do you use it? Are you going to use it? And if you haven't used it, toss it.

For clutter control you need three boxes. Label them PUT AWAY, THROW AWAY, and GIVE AWAY. For the THROW AWAY box, you might want to try to recycle as much of the contents as possible, but otherwise put it out with the trash.

For the GIVE AWAY box, if you haven't worn that outfit for the last two summers, you probably aren't going to wear it this summer either, so load it up take that box to your area Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other thrift store and bless someone else with it. You might also look online to find a local Freecycle chapter and post there the items that you have to give away. You may not be able to use them, but somebody else probably can.

Now for the PUT AWAY box. Every item in there needs to have a home in your home. Since you've given away or thrown away everything you don't need or use, take some time to organize what's left. Section off your closets and drawers, and your children's, to make putting clean clothes away a quick and easy job. Have a bunch of books that you aren't willing to part with? Buy or build shelves and store the books by subject or fiction books by author. Consolidate those tools in the garage, guys and gals, on a new tool rack or use a sturdy, weighted garbage can to contain them. You'll make it easier to find them next time you need them, and you'll make it simple to put them away next time you use them.

Throw away, give away, and put away. Declutter your life. The peace of mind that will bring is well worth the time and effort to do it in the first place. Need a little more help to get the job done? Take a look at the books below. Choose one, read it, then act.

A Serious Approach to Decluttering Your Life

It's no fun to live a life where the clutter problem begins on the inside.

One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good

Regina reveals her magic formula for organizing anything, plus her method to stop the chronic cycles of clutter, misplaced items, and lateness. Whether you're living in chaos or just looking for new ways to simplify, this essential book will help you get the whole household organized--and stay that way.

Don't let the "one year" part of the title put you off. People who use this book and Regina's method see change right away. If you like step-by-step, week-by-week instructions, or if you just need to get really serious about getting rid of the clutter in your home and in your life, this is the book for you.

Favorite Books to Help Us Cut the Clutter

Here are some great books and resources for learning to organize and declutter our homes.

Strange things about these books. The authors make them so much FUN to read!

See your favorite on the list? Click on the up arrow to give it a vote and move it up the list.

Get Your Act Together: A 7-Day Get-Organized Program For The Overworked, Overbooked, and Overwhelmed by Pam Young, Peggy Jones

Get Your Act Together: A 7-Day Get-Organized Program For The Overworked, Overbooked, and Overwhelmed by Pam Young, Peggy Jones

The SLOB Sisters are back after the phenomenal success more...6 points

Sink Reflections: Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? The FlyLady's Simple FLYing Lessons Will Show You How to Get Your Home and Your Life in Order--and It All Starts with Shining Your Sink! by Marla Cilley

Sink Reflections: Overwhelmed? Disorganized? Living in Chaos? The FlyLady's Simple FLYing Lessons Will Show You How to Get Your Home and Your Life in Order--and It All Starts with Shining Your Sink! by Marla Cilley

Fly Out of CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) more...5 points

Sidetracked Home Executives(TM): From Pigpen to Paradise by Pam Young, Peggy Jones

Sidetracked Home Executives(TM): From Pigpen to Paradise by Pam Young, Peggy Jones

Peggy and Pam were two desperately disorganized si more...4 points

Clutter's Last Stand: It's Time To De-junk Your Life! by Don Aslett

Clutter's Last Stand: It's Time To De-junk Your Life! by Don Aslett

The book people say belongs on the shelf right bes more...2 points

Organizing Plain and Simple: A Ready Reference Guide with Hundreds of Solutions to Your Everyday Clutter Challenges by Donna Smallin

Organizing Plain and Simple: A Ready Reference Guide with Hundreds of Solutions to Your Everyday Clutter Challenges by Donna Smallin

Desk drowning in papers? No room for the car in th more...2 points

One Thing At a Time: 100 Simple Ways to Live Clutter-Free Every Day by Cindy Glovinsky

One Thing At a Time: 100 Simple Ways to Live Clutter-Free Every Day by Cindy Glovinsky

Simple, effective ways to put things in their plac more...1 point

Where's My Stuff?: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide by Samantha Moss, Lesley Schwartz

Where's My Stuff?: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide by Samantha Moss, Lesley Schwartz

Everyone's got stuff, but between school, work, sports, more...1 point

Clutter Control: Putting Your Home on a Diet by Jeff Campbell

Clutter Control: Putting Your Home on a Diet by Jeff Campbell

Learn how to make the most of available space, set more...1 point

Now That You've Decluttered, Organize Your Stuff

Storage and Organizing Items for Your Home and Garage

Pyrex 14-Piece Storage Set with Lids

Pyrex 14-Piece Storage Set with Lids

Eliminate the guesswork about what's lurking in yo more...2 points

Rubbermaid Configurations 4- to 8-Foot Classic Custom Closet Kit, White, #3G59

Rubbermaid Configurations 4- to 8-Foot Classic Custom Closet Kit, White, #3G59

Configurations 4' To 8', Classic Custom Closet, A more...1 point

Rubbermaid 72-Inch Five-Shelf Shelving Unit #7086RNMICHR

Rubbermaid 72-Inch Five-Shelf Shelving Unit #7086RNMICHR

Keep valuables up and off the floor with this Rubb more...1 point

SPICE STACK

SPICE STACK

Spice StackTM makes organization a simple matter a more...1 point

Hanging Jewelry Organizer - 80 Pocket by Whitney Design

Hanging Jewelry Organizer - 80 Pocket by Whitney Design

Simplify jewelry storage & selection with this more...1 point

NEW Ceiling Mount Bike Hoist - Bicycle Hoists

NEW Ceiling Mount Bike Hoist - Bicycle Hoists

There?s no such thing as not enough room for anoth more...1 point

4-TIER GAMING TOWER

4-TIER GAMING TOWER

GAMEKEEPER 45506019 4-TIER WIRE GAMING TOWER ORGAN more...1 point

Typhoon Wood/metal CD/DVD Storage Spinner

Typhoon Wood/metal CD/DVD Storage Spinner

Atlantic is the pioneer in the home storage indust more...1 point

3 Bin Recycling Tower

3 Bin Recycling Tower

Store your recyclables out of sight with this Thre more...1 point

Casabella The Grook Organizer - 11

Casabella The Grook Organizer - 11"

Specially designed rubber pressure clamps and grip more...1 point

Rubbermaid Tool Tower Storage Unit

Rubbermaid Tool Tower Storage Unit

*(Rubbermaid-7092-04-Utilty Tool Storage Rack)* - more...0 points

Use the Proper Tool in the Proper Place to Get the Job Done Easier AND Faster

Honey, where did you put that extension cord?

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard about cleaning is making sure the vacuum cleaner has a long cord, even an extension cord, and plug it into an outlet in a central location. I used to have to stop and unplug and re-plug the sweeper halfway up the stairs. Is that silly, or what? When I discovered that I could just use the plug at the foot of the stairs and it would get me through three rooms and all the way up the stairs, well I wish I had a dollar for every time I don't have to unplug and re-plug now!

That's part of what I mean by using the proper tool. Of course if you have a robotic vacuum cleaner, the cord might not be the issue (I need to get one of those little robots). Another thing that I finally did was buy a handheld vacuum cleaner for the furniture. I have lots of attachments for my upright, but to use them I'd have to get the long hose and add it to the short hose and find the furniture attachment. . . Forget all that. Now I have a wonderful handheld vacuum that I can use for all the furniture without lugging accessories around. I love it. Plus, it works great on the carpeted stairs.

Another excellent tip that I've learned is to have a set of cleaning tools and cleaner in every bathroom and on every floor of the house. There's no reason to run downstairs for the toilet bowl cleaner when I have a second bottle in the upstairs bathroom. A variation on the theme is to use a handy-dandy carrier for all the cleaning products and tote them from room to room as you clean. That works well, too. The cleaning tote is an excellent tool, just as important as the cleaners inside.

I also keep a roll of paper towels in every bathroom, handy for quick wipe-ups when I just want to throw away the towel and not wash and reuse it. I actually like that better than keeping them in the tote since they're always right there when I need them (or when the cat throws up on the bathroom floor). Of course I have plenty of old dishtowels in the "rag" container that can be used and rewashed for other jobs.

One thing I don't have, but I would have if my kids were still young, is dustmop slippers. We have wood floors now and I would dearly love to put those on my youngsters, put on some good music and let them skate through the house and clean the floors at the same time. In fact, I could do that myself, couldn't I? (Note: I'm ordering mine today!)

So, extension cords, cleaning totes, and paper towels and toilet bowl cleaner (and a brush) in every bathroom are just part of the list of convenient cleaning tools. You know what you like and what you use, so keep them handy and see how much time you'll save on your chores.

Making Floor-Cleaning Fun (Yes, you can!)

Dust mop slippers - wish I would have invented these!

Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers, Pink

How fun is this!? Pink is my favorite, but they come in bright lime green, too, and you can get a similar style in blue and another with a great tartan plaid.

You'd better order more than one 'cause everyone in the family is going to want their own! (Click the pic to read more about it.)

Yes, they're available in kid sizes!
Click here for Animal Dust Mop Slippers for Kids.


P.S. I got mine! What fun! I love 'em! (Scroll down to see.)

My legs. My jeans. My feet. My floor. My microfiber dust mop slippers!

The pink ones!

I really did get a pair of these for myself.

They're great!

Try 'em, you'll like 'em!

Cleaning Tools to Make Your Life Easier

Some of these are even fun!

iRobot 5800 Scooba Floor-Washing Robot

iRobot 5800 Scooba Floor-Washing Robot

Floor-washing robot that preps, washes, scrubs, an more...4 points

Evriholder Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers

Evriholder Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers

Just slip on Slipper Genie and they'll do the clea more...2 points

Black & Decker RV500 Zoombot Remote-Control Vacuum

Black & Decker RV500 Zoombot Remote-Control Vacuum

Cleans wood, carpet & tile automatically --- w more...1 point

As Seen On TV Deluxe Blue DUST MOP SLIPPERS,NEW just in!

As Seen On TV Deluxe Blue DUST MOP SLIPPERS,NEW just in!

Dust mop slippers and mitt pick up dirt, and dust more...1 point

Hoover U5172-900 Fold Away Widepath Upright Vacuum

Hoover U5172-900 Fold Away Widepath Upright Vacuum

Fully assembled - just lift the fold-down handle a more...1 point

Child's Hoover Upright Vacuum

Child's Hoover Upright Vacuum

This Child's Hoover Upright Vacuum looks and acts more...1 point

Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop Deluxe Kit

Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop Deluxe Kit

Kit includes one Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop Hard Floor more...1 point

Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster

Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster

With unsurpassed sucking power and the convenience more...1 point

Roomba Rapid Charger Fits All Roomba - P/N2004

Roomba Rapid Charger Fits All Roomba - P/N2004

The Roomba Rapid Charger charges a Roomba Battery more...1 point

Euro-Pro Shark 13-Inch cleaning path 3-Speed Cordless Sweeper

Euro-Pro Shark 13-Inch cleaning path 3-Speed Cordless Sweeper

Cordless, rechargeable, and light enough your 3 ye more...1 point

Homax #GGSL2 2OZ Sticker Lifter

Homax #GGSL2 2OZ Sticker Lifter

2 OZ, Sticker Lifter, Quickly Removes Price Tags, more...1 point

A Favorite Cleaning Tool: The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Have a tough cleaning job?

People love this because it really does work! Give it a try. I think you'll be glad you did. (I was.)

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power Cleaning Pads, 4-Count Boxes (Pack of 4)

More powerful to easily cut through even tougher soils - just add water.

Textured cleaning surface and contoured shape for comfort.

Try it out wherever you find tough dirt: ranges, refrigerators, plastic patio furniture, floor tile grout, athletic shoe soles and much more!

Cleans scuff marks and dirt from walls, floors and doors.

Breaks up tough bathroom soap scum.

Clean Green!

How to make housework environmentally friendly.

GREEN CLEAN: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home

There is a revolution going on in America-a green revolution. The latest front is the home, as households across the country adopt new ways to keep their homes clean and healthy-and ways to do it that are good for the environment.

Green Clean is the definitive, step-by-step guide to cleaning better while using nontoxic, ecofriendly products. Room by room and stain by stain, Green Clean breaks environmentally conscious cleaning into simple principles and easily mastered techniques that let readers set their own goals and develop their own cleaning plan.

Also included are recipes for safe, simple, and economic cleaning solutions and the lowdown on the best eco-friendly cleaning products on the market today. Green Clean is an indispensable reference for today's home.

Green Cleaning Products

Environmentally Friendly Household Products from Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation offers a complete line of natural household products designed to work as well as their traditional counterparts, but use renewable, non-toxic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable ingredients as often as possible, and are never tested on animals.

Seventh Generation products are healthy and safe for the air, the surfaces, the pets, and the people in your home--and for the environment outside of it. Every time you use Seventh Generation products you make a difference by saving natural resources, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment, and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.

Save an extra 15% with Subscribe & Save: Subscribe for automatic reorders and get these items delivered every one, two, three, or six months - your choice. What a deal! Saves gasoline, too, by saving trips to the store.

More products available. Click on one to find them all.

It's fun to clean green!

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear, Powder, 112-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4)

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, Free & Clear, Powder, 112-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4)

Pack of four 112-ounce boxes of non-toxic, fragran more...1 point

Seventh Generation Glass & Surface Cleaner, Ruby Grapefruit & Herb Scent, 32-Ounces Bottle (Pack of 8)

Seventh Generation Glass & Surface Cleaner, Ruby Grapefruit & Herb Scent, 32-Ounces Bottle (Pack of 8)

Seventh Generation Ruby Grapefruit & Herb Glas more...1 point

Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Detergent, Free & Clear, 48-Ounce Bottles (Case of 6)

Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Detergent, Free & Clear, 48-Ounce Bottles (Case of 6)

Seventh Generation Dish Liquid - Free & Clear, more...1 point

Seventh Generation Bathroom Tissue, 2-Ply Sheets, 500-Sheet Rolls (Pack of 48)

Seventh Generation Bathroom Tissue, 2-Ply Sheets, 500-Sheet Rolls (Pack of 48)

Seventh Generation Bathroom Tissue is made from 100% more...0 points

Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Gel, Lemon Scent, 45-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 6)

Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Gel, Lemon Scent, 45-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 6)

Gets dishes sparkling clean yet is gentle on the e more...0 points

Seventh Generation Trash Bags, Tall Kitchen, 13-Gallon, 30-Count Boxes (Pack of 12)

Seventh Generation Trash Bags, Tall Kitchen, 13-Gallon, 30-Count Boxes (Pack of 12)

100% recycled plastic with 70% post consumer conte more...0 points

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, Baby, Ultra-Concentrated Liquid, 50-Ounces Bottles (Pack of 6)

Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent, Baby, Ultra-Concentrated Liquid, 50-Ounces Bottles (Pack of 6)

108 Loads Per Case. Non-toxic; Biodegradable; Hypo more...0 points

Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Green Mandarin & Leaf Scent, 32-Ounces Bottle (Pack of 8)

Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Green Mandarin & Leaf Scent, 32-Ounces Bottle (Pack of 8)

Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner eff more...0 points

Important!

Why should you buy household supplies through the mail?

- Saves gas.
- Saves time.
- Huge selection.
- Many products have an automatic re-order option - with a discount!

Find your favorite products here.

Tips & Shortcuts to Make Cleaning Your House Fast & Easy

How do you make cleaning faster or easier? How do you make it fun?

Add your favorite tips and tricks here.

Hire someone so there's more time to Squidoo

16 points

Clean the kitchen as you cook.

Run a sink full of hot, soapy water and wash those more...11 points

Multi-task! Don't do one job when you could be doing two.

When I get a phone call, that's my que to get busy more...8 points

Fold and hang laundry as you take it out of the dryer.

Hang anything that will need to be ironed, and esp more...7 points

Never keep junk mail more than 1 day.

Sort, file important stuff, toss/recycle junk imme more...6 points

Fold laundry as you watch the News

3 points

Put away the clean dishes while the coffee perks or the tea water boils

3 points

Use a pedometer to kill two birds with one stone.

Work out as you work around the house. Get yoursel more...2 points

Listen to the B-52's as you clean.

Makes you move faster and get the job done quicker more...2 points

To stay de-cluttered, use the "one in, one out" rule.

When you buy something new for yourself or your ho more...2 points

A 5 minute desk rescue every day keeps your desk in shape

Really, every day set your timer for 5 minutes, de more...2 points

Reuse barely used paper towels

Use the foot technique like the pretty pink slippe more...1 point

Easy, fun way to clean glass tabletops.

I've found that the best way to dust and clean my more...0 points

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Use Club Soda to Remove Carpet Stains
The key to cleaning more...0 points

Before you throw the dirty dishcloth in the hamper use it one more time

You're going to wash it anyway! If your kitchen fl more...0 points

Better Than Microfiber? Try Mirafiber - the Ultimate Cloth!

My new favorite cleaning cloth! Works great on mirrors and glass tables.

I own and love this product! The Mirafiber Ultimate Cloth is all that it's described to be as demonstrated in this video. Now, if your patio table has been collecting dirt outdoors for a long time you might need a bit more elbow grease than it looks like they're using in the video, but the Ultimate Cloth should definitely get it clean.

I love, love, love the Ultimate Cloth for mirrors! Just be sure to wash it out good first to get rid of any lint that might be present as a result of manufacturing. Then barely dampen the cloth and wipe your mirrors or glass tables clean quickly - with no streaking.

Follow the instructions and I'm just sure that you'll love your Mirafiber Ultimate Cloth. It's actually fun to use!
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Dusting Stinks!

But who cares when you're using this cute skunk duster.


Boston Warehouse Skunk Duster
Eligible for free super-saver shipping at Amazon.com


So what if dusting stinks. You'll have so much fun with this skunk duster that
you won't even notice! Makes a fun gift for a skunk lover, too.

More Tools to Tame the Chore Monster

Add your favorite fun tools that help make housework fast!

Digital Step Counter - Pedometer

Digital Step Counter - Pedometer

Work out while you work around the house! The Digi more...2 points

Cleaning Set for Kids

Cleaning Set for Kids

3 years & up. Make clean up fun! This 7 piece more...1 point

Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum with Canister, Bagged, UH30010COM

Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright Vacuum with Canister, Bagged, UH30010COM

The Hoover Platinum Lightweight Upright removes mo more...1 point

Cinderella & Prince Brush and Small table shovel with magnet for wall attachment

Cinderella & Prince Brush and Small table shovel with magnet for wall attachment

Feel like Cinderalla, having to clean all the tiim more...0 points

Little Helper Duster

Little Helper Duster

Children love to help Mom and Dad. Now they have t more...0 points

Boston Warehouse Octopus Soap and Scrubber - Red

Boston Warehouse Octopus Soap and Scrubber - Red

Why not have fun while you scrub?!0 points

Boot Brush

Boot Brush

Clean up on this Boot Brush. Dirt control: Weather more...0 points

Boston Warehouse Toilet Brush, Giraffe

Boston Warehouse Toilet Brush, Giraffe

The animal house collection from Boston Warehouse more...0 points

Boston Warehouse Peacock Dustpan and Brush Set

Boston Warehouse Peacock Dustpan and Brush Set

The animal house collection from Boston Warehouse more...0 points

Boston Warehouse Sud Green Dish Brush, Earth-Friendly Kitchen Tool

Boston Warehouse Sud Green Dish Brush, Earth-Friendly Kitchen Tool

Sud Green rocks out, but he knows that to be truly more...0 points

POLL: Do You Think Doing Housework Can Be Fun?

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Veni, Vedi, Vacuum - I Came, I Saw, I Cleaned Things Up

Reward yourself for all your hard work with a cup of coffee - in this awesome mug!

Amazing Microfiber for Cleaning

Gotta love this fabulous fabric!

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  • Reply
    bekat Feb 12, 2012 @ 12:08 pm | delete
    I seriously want some of those mop shoes - them and the B-52s and I'll be getting in shape while I clean. I also grinned when I read your idea of the karaoke with dance moves while doing the dishes. Love love love this lens!
  • Reply
    bloomingrose Feb 11, 2012 @ 1:29 am | delete
    This is my idea of a great Squidoo lens. Lots of wonderful information, humor, product reviews that are really valuable. Appreciated and Squid Angel Blessed!
  • Reply
    Frischy Feb 8, 2012 @ 8:44 am | delete
    You have some great suggestions here. I like keeping duplicates of cleaning supplies and tools in the bathrooms and different levels of the house. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a job and finding out something you need is all the way upstairs. I do the same with office supplies. When I need tape or scissors, I don't want to have to go to another floor to get it.
  • Reply
    Susan52 Feb 8, 2012 @ 8:57 am | delete
    Keeping cleaning supplies (and office supplies) on each level of the house is such a good idea. When I finally actually put cleaning supplies in both bathrooms instead of carrying a tote back and forth, both bathrooms got cleaned a lot more often. Thanks for the tip!
  • Reply
    ldgraham Feb 6, 2012 @ 11:54 am | delete
    Absolutely loved this one!! And I thought I was the only one who turned up the music when I clean house! Also loved the declutter section. We recently moved and I have been throwing things out as I get it unpacked. I figure if I haven't seen it in three months, I probably won't miss it in another three!
  • Reply
    shauna7084 Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:01 pm | delete
    Love this lens. Wish my mother had instilled some of this in me as a child. Maybe it would make it easier now... Maybe :) That's probably debatable.
  • Reply
    aesta1 Dec 2, 2011 @ 9:06 am | delete
    Suitcases and beds are my usual places for clutter. Love to keep most things instead of throwing them out.
  • Reply
    Srena44 Nov 19, 2011 @ 12:15 am | delete
    great lens
  • Reply
    WordCustard Nov 10, 2011 @ 2:23 am | delete
    So many great ways to make house cleaning fun! I'm going to have to try some of them. Like you, I'd love one of little robot floor cleaners, but until I get one I'll try having fun with some music and a timer. Thanks for the decluttering tips too. Oh and I get to give this great lens its 300th like, yay! :)
  • Reply
    WriterJanis Nov 2, 2011 @ 12:35 pm | delete
    You have some really good ideas here. I love using incentives with my kids to get cleaning done around here.
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    beckyf Oct 29, 2011 @ 3:50 pm | delete
    Love your lens!
    Don Aslett's book, "Clutter's Last Stand", taught me how to declutter many years ago. I highly recommend his books to anyone who wants to declutter their home.
  • Reply
    Susan52 Oct 30, 2011 @ 8:34 am | delete
    Thanks for that personal recommendation, Becky!
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    suneclipsea Oct 28, 2011 @ 11:37 pm | delete
    and one lady tought me a funny song when i was a kid for house chores. it goes:

    "Doing the dishes is fun to do, fun to do, fun to do,
    Doning the dishes is fun to do to do to do to do"

    and then instead of doing the dishes you can put: washing the windows, cleaning the floor, washing the dirty socks and whatever else you are doing.

    10 years later still helps me to make fun of house chores :)
  • Reply
    Susan52 Oct 29, 2011 @ 7:54 am | delete
    Love it!! Thanks for sharing it here!
  • Reply
    Rhidawn Oct 22, 2011 @ 11:12 am | delete
    Great lens....I always turn on the radio to clean. It makes time fly by.
  • Reply
    MiaDawn11 Oct 21, 2011 @ 5:49 pm | delete
    I like this lens a lot! I tell the girls that housekeeping is mere responsibility, we do things we don't like to do things we do like, like living in a clean house. I am always looking for ways to make it fun though, and I will have to try the timer.
  • Reply
    crudeoilsystems Oct 20, 2011 @ 3:21 am | delete
    Very useful lens, thanks!
  • Reply
    diaperbagdiva Oct 19, 2011 @ 12:04 pm | delete
    The dust mop slippers totally crack me up! Great lens :)
  • Reply
    iQwestArticles Oct 15, 2011 @ 1:39 am | delete
    It's amazing what we can do when we take a moment or two to look at something from a different, more positive, perspective. It's not always easy to do, but it's a must if we're going to power through those less than desirable tasks such as house cleaning!
  • Reply
    LaraineRose Oct 12, 2011 @ 4:10 am | delete
    I'll be dancing my way through my chores after reading this lens. Blessed.
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Susan52

When Susan52 isn't busy on Squidoo, you might find her listening to loud music and skating around in her pink dustmop slippers, having fun while clean... more »

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