It can be challenging to get through all the cleaning tasks around the house, but here’s a nifty trick to help: the 20/10 cleaning method. This method breaks the cleaning process down into 20-minute focused cleaning sessions followed by 10-minute breaks.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed and exhausted trying to get everything done at once, or taking long breaks that don’t allow you to finish your cleaning, this method can help you stay energized and focused on the job.
But does it really work? We asked cleaning professionals to share their top tips for successfully implementing the 20/10 cleaning method.
The 20/10 cleaning method involves 20 minutes of cleaning followed by a 10-minute break. The idea is to break the cleaning process down into manageable chunks and schedule some time to relax. The method takes into account attention spans and uses rewards to help boost energy and efficiency.
Spending an hour on a cleaning task can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed before you’ve even finished the job, sometimes leading to incomplete or inefficient cleaning.
Breaking down the cleaning process into 20-minute blocks and 10-minute breaks aims to avoid these pitfalls.
If you’re wondering if the “20/10” cleaning method works and if it’s something cleaning professionals actually use, the answer is yes!
The “20/10” cleaning method works because it fits our natural attention span,” says Sofia Martinez, owner of Sparkly Maid Austin.
The cleaning pro shares that she has implemented the 20/10 method with her own cleaning team and even recommends it to clients.
Similarly, Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning, is a big fan of the method and says it’s definitely effective if you stick with it.
“The key is consistency: set a timer, clean purposefully for 20 minutes, then take a 10-minute break, and don’t feel guilty,” says Webber.
How to Implement the 20/10 Cleaning Method
How to Implement the 20/10 Your cleaning method will determine its success, so we asked cleaning experts to share their best tips.
1. Stay focused
Instead of jumping from one task to another during your designated 20-minute cleaning time, it’s important to stay focused, says Martinez. “Focus on one specific area every 20 minutes and avoid jumping between areas,” she says.
Doing so will allow you to see visible progress, and combined with 10-minute breaks, it can create psychological momentum, the expert explains. Martinez recommends focusing on high-impact areas like the kitchen or living room first, as these are where the results will be most noticeable.
2. Prepare in Advance
One of the keys to a successful 20/10 cleaning method is to prepare in advance, according to Weber. That means having cleaning supplies ready and making a quick list of tasks you want to accomplish.
“That way, you don’t waste time thinking about what to do next and you can stay focused,” he says.
Having your tools and cleaning supplies ready and creating a cleaning schedule will allow the method to take shape, which Weber says can help avoid common cleaning burnout.
3. Use a timer you can hear (but not see)
Watching a countdown is like watching grass grow—it doesn’t speed up the process. In fact, it can only distract you from the 20/10 method and slow you down. So Martinez recommends sticking with a timer you can hear but not see.
4. Do something completely different during your 10-minute break
For best results, Martinez recommends completely switching up the activity during your 10-minute break. Ideally, it should be something fun for you, whether it’s walking outside or making a cup of coffee.
“This mental shift can be more relaxing than being in a clean environment, and people who do unplug tend to retain more energy over time,” she says.
5. Don’t be too rigid
“The biggest mistake is to view this approach as rigid, rather than using it as an adjustable framework,” Martinez says.
While 20-minute and 10-minute intervals are ideal for certain cleaning tasks, experts say a 15-minute/7-minute or 25-minute/10-minute breakdown may be more appropriate in certain spaces or tasks.
“The trick is to break down tough tasks into digestible chunks and allow for recovery time,” she says.
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