Home Zones: How to Properly Allocate Cleaning According to the Fly Lady Method
The Fly Lady method, developed by Marla Cilley, helps people maintain order in their homes while minimizing stress and spending less time on cleaning. One of the key principles of this method is dividing the house into zones. In this article, we will discuss how to properly allocate cleaning across zones and organize each zone according to the Fly Lady principles.
Step 1: Dividing the House into Zones
The first step is dividing your house into five main zones. Each zone will have its own week for detailed cleaning. Here's an example of the division:
- Zone 1: Entryway, hallway, and dining room.
- Zone 2: Kitchen.
- Zone 3: Bathroom and children's room.
- Zone 4: Bedroom.
- Zone 5: Living room.
Step 2: Creating a Schedule
Each week of the month, you will work in one of the five zones. An example schedule might look like this:
- First week of the month: Zone 1.
- Second week of the month: Zone 2.
- Third week of the month: Zone 3.
- Fourth week of the month: Zone 4.
- Fifth week of the month (if applicable): Zone 5.
Step 3: Creating a Task List for Each Zone
For each zone, you need to create a list of tasks to be completed. Examples of tasks for each zone:
Zone 1: Entryway, Hallway, and Dining Room.
- Clean the front door: Wipe off dust and dirt from the door surface, handles, and threshold.
- Clean shelves and shoe cabinets in the hallway: Wipe the shelves and cabinets inside and out, remove unnecessary items.
- Wipe down dining room furniture: Wipe tables and chairs, remove stains and fingerprints.
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces: Wipe all mirrors and glass surfaces with a special cleaner.
- Clean under rugs: Lift the rugs and vacuum or mop the floor underneath.
Zone 2: Kitchen.
- Clean tiles on walls and floors: Use a soft sponge and cleaner to remove stains and dirt.
- Clean kitchen cabinets: Wipe shelves and doors, check for and discard expired products.
- Clean the refrigerator: Wash the shelves, drawers, and doors inside and out, remove spoiled food.
- Clean the stove and oven: Wash the stove surface, grates, and inside the oven.
- Wash dishes and kitchen appliances: Wipe the microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and other appliances.
Zone 3: Bathroom and Children's Room.
- Clean the shower: Use a descaling agent, wipe glass surfaces.
- Clean the sink and faucets: Wipe the sink, faucet, and mirrors.
- Clean the toilet: Wash the toilet inside and out, don't forget the flush button and door handle.
- Change towels and rugs: Wash and replace towels and rugs.
- Clean the children's room: Organize toys, wipe furniture, vacuum or mop the floor, arrange the play area.
Zone 4: Bedroom.
- Change bed linen: Wash and replace bed linen.
- Vacuum the carpet and clean under the bed: Vacuum the carpet and remove dust under the bed.
- Clean bedside tables: Wipe the tables, remove unnecessary items, clean lamps.
- Clean the closet: Sort through clothes in the closet, remove unused items, wipe shelves.
- Clean windows and mirrors: Wipe windows and mirrors in the bedroom.
Zone 5: Living Room.
- Dust the TV and electronics: Wipe dust off the TV, speakers, game consoles.
- Clean cushions and blankets: Shake out and fluff up cushions and blankets, remove extras.
- Polish furniture: Wipe the surfaces of tables, cabinets, and shelves with a special furniture cleaner.
- Clean the carpet: Vacuum the carpet, remove stains.
- Clean windows and curtains: Wipe windows, wash curtains if necessary.
Step 4: Time Frames and Priorities
Set time frames for each task. Spend 15-30 minutes per day cleaning each zone. This will help avoid fatigue and maintain motivation. For example, spend 15 minutes a day wiping furniture or 10 minutes cleaning shelves. It’s important to maintain balance and allow time for rest.
Step 5: Tools and Materials
Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials for cleaning each zone. This may include various cleaning agents, cloths, brushes, and a vacuum cleaner.
Dividing the house into zones according to the Fly Lady method helps efficiently organize cleaning and maintain order without excessive stress and time expenditure. By following this approach, you can enjoy a clean and cozy home without spending all your free time on cleaning.
This method is suitable for people with different schedules and allows cleaning to be adapted to individual needs. Start today and feel the difference in your home!
