I've heard it said that “perception is reality”. When it comes to cleaning the house, this is pretty much true, and you can save yourself some spousal stress by following some of the tips below. They are designed (mostly for men) to make it appear that you are doing a lot more around the house, even though you’re just adding a few minor chores to all of the other outdoor (and possible indoor) things you take care of that may not get noticed.
Doing the dishes
If you only have a few minutes to do some dishes, and you know this is something that will get commented on right before bed when you are winding down and someone else is doing their final analysis, get the big surface area dishes done first and clear up some counter/sink space. The best dishes to start with are:
1. Cutting boards
2. Plates
3. Pots and pans
After doing these, if you have time, get the silverware rinsed and put away in the dishwasher. Then stack the bowls and cups in the sink for later. You can clear off an entire counter plus maybe half the sink and the kitchen won’t look quite so untidy. Wiping down the counter with a scented kitchen wipe adds a nice touch, too. This might get you through until tomorrow to finish the bowls and cups.
Folding the laundry
Same principle applies here. Do big surface area items first. Towels, t-shirts, and pants. Easy to fold, and they take up a lot of space. Then take whatever is left over, put it in another basket, and you’ve just cleared the house of one basket of laundry. Consolidation is an important idea when you are trying to look like you’re stepping it up around the house.
Dirty clothes – Be picky
If you have hampers of dirty laundry piling up, choose what you wash wisely. Include some of the big items listed above (towels, t-shirts), throw in all of your spouse’s panties and bras (these don’t need folding and expedite the process), then maybe toss in some of your jeans and shorts which are easy to fold later and take up a lot of space.
Hopefully these quick tips will help you dodge some verbal (or nonverbal) bullets from your better half. If you have some lavender boiling when your significant other gets home, it makes them feel like they’re walking into a spa, which creates a pretty awesome distraction. If you have lavender handy, and you haven’t gotten as much done as you’d hoped, this is a tricky little maneuver that might get you off the hook..
Best wishes, good luck, and happy cleaning, gentlemen.
