Kitchen Surfaces: Daily Minimum
The Fly Lady method transforms kitchen stress with a simple 7-minute daily routine: clean just three surfaces—sink, counter, and stove. This anti-perfectionist approach builds sustainable habits that make maintaining order easier than disrupting it.
Why the kitchen becomes a source of stress
Do you know this feeling? You walk into the kitchen and there are piles of dishes, crumbs on the counter, streaks on the stove. Your hands immediately drop, and you want to turn around and leave. Many of us think the kitchen should sparkle like in a magazine, but the Fly Lady method teaches a different approach.
Perfectionism is the enemy of order. When we set the bar too high, we either postpone cleaning for later or spend the entire day on it. But what if I told you that just 7 minutes and three surfaces are enough?
The three-surface rule
The original Fly Lady system suggests focusing on what matters most. Each day, pay attention only to these areas:
- Sink — clear of dishes and wipe clean
- Counter — remove clutter and wipe down
- Stove — remove crumbs and splashes
That's it. Nothing more. No need to clean the oven, no need to organize cabinets. The LadyFly app will remind you of these simple tasks and help you remember your daily minimum.
Seven minutes is doable
Time yourself. Set a timer for 7 minutes and begin. Surprisingly, you can accomplish much more in this time than it seems. The key is not getting distracted by other tasks.
If you finish early — wonderful! If you don't finish — that's okay too. The minimum is already enough. Tomorrow you'll have another opportunity, and the day after that too.
How to defeat your inner critic
"But the refrigerator is dirty!" screams the inner voice. "What will guests think?" it adds. Stop. The Fly Lady method works precisely because we take small steps every day, rather than trying to achieve perfection all at once.
Clean three surfaces create a sense of order throughout the entire kitchen. This is a psychological effect — when the main areas are tidy, the whole room appears neater.
The habit that will change everything
After a month of daily practice, you'll notice something amazing: maintaining order has become easier than disrupting it. The kitchen no longer frightens but delights. Cooking becomes more pleasant when your workspace is ready to use.
LadyFly will help you track this habit and gently remind you if you forget. Remember: we strive for progress, not perfection. Every day you pay attention to the three surfaces is a victory.
