by Tracy Glockle

Created on: November 17, 2009

My housework routine is an ever-evolving, always-improving process. And if one method or another has been tried and discarded, they all have, if nothing else, provided me with a new inspiration and motivation for cleaning my house.

In spite of my unceasing search for the perfect method, one habit of my housework that I have attempted to keep a constant is a "spot clean" routine. Actually, it is more of a mindset than a routine. This pattern has enabled me to have a moderate level of control when housework has seemed relatively out of control. It works fairly simply, actually. The concept is this: as you spot a mess, clean it up. However, there are a few tips to making this more practical.

1. Prepare each area for spot-cleaning. In each room, or in the spots where messes tend to accumulate (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.), place cleaning supplies that will encourage spot-cleaning. One terrific tool is disinfectant wipes. The all-purpose Clorox or Lysol wipes work great, but there are also a number of job-specific wipes on the market-Dow flushable bathroom wipes, for instance. Paper towels or cleaning rags with a spray bottle of your favorite cleaner work as well. For the shower, place a bottle of daily shower spray on the shower organizer or hang it somewhere else within the shower. Small brushes/dustpans can be placed in any room where you have hard floors (tile, linoleum, etc.). Rather than keeping all your supplies in one closet or cabinet, spread them out through the house in places where they will get used. (Keep in mind that these places need to be secure if you have prying little ones.) By placing your supplies immediately at hand, you overcome the tendency to put off the task until you have what you need.

2. Tackle the task immediately. Procrastination is the #1 enemy to cleanliness and organization. That being said, tackle any cleaning the minute you have the opportunity. With your supplies close at hand, this becomes much easier. After you shower, spray it. After you hair and make-up routine, wipe the counter. After you brush your teeth, wipe the mirror. If the toilet is dirty, clean it right then. When the oatmeal boils over in the microwave, wipe it up.

Keep in mind that our favorite excuses are also our greatest pitfalls.

Excuse #1: "I'll clean it after everyone is through getting ready in the morning." We all know this never happens. By the time everyone is ready, you have either forgotten what you were going to do, or you are out of time. The solution,

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