At La Corberana , we're committed to a simpler, more practical, and more realistic way of cleaning. Minimalist cleaning isn't about doing massive, marathon cleanings once a week, but rather about maintaining order daily with small steps.
The idea is clear: if we maintain certain routines and avoid accumulating tasks, the daily effort is greatly reduced. This way, the house stays clean without cleaning becoming a burden. It's about optimizing our time and preventing clutter from getting the better of us.
Below, we share some key concepts and useful tips for implementing minimalist cleaning in your home.
KEY CONCEPTS OF MINIMALIST CLEANING
1. Less is more
The fewer things you have, the less you'll have to clean. It's that simple. We often accumulate unused items: products on the counter, decorations on the shelves, appliances that just take up space. All of this collects dust, takes up cleaning time, and creates a sense of clutter.
Reducing what we have to the bare minimum is a relief. The environment feels clearer, cleaner, and keeping it tidy is much easier.
2. Use, clean and store (ULG Method)
A basic but highly effective principle: use, clean, and put away . This habit, although difficult, completely changes the way you maintain order. It's very common for things to accumulate in the kitchen sink, especially if we leave breakfast and lunch dishes for later, and before we know it, we're left with a mess.
If, for example, you finish breakfast and wash your cup and cutlery immediately, you're already winning. Your future self will thank you for it. This method works for any area of the house, and applied consistently, it avoids heavy cleaning at the end of the day.
3. The minute rule
If a task will take you less than a minute, do it right away. It's a very simple trick to avoid the accumulation of small tasks that overwhelm us later.
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Wash a cup.
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Save an empty bottle.
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Refill the ice tray.
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Hang your coat instead of leaving it on the couch.
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Make the bed when you get up.
These quick actions maintain overall order and help us feel that everything is flowing, without extra effort.
4. Take advantage of downtime
Are you waiting for the water to boil or the oven to heat up? You can use those moments to do small tasks that make a difference:
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Put away the dishes from the night.
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Clean the microwave.
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Watering a kitchen plant.
By doing these “background” tasks, without taking up our time, we keep the house cleaner and gain freedom for when we do want to rest or enjoy ourselves.
ALLIES THAT MAKE CLEANING FACILITATE
It's not just about willpower; it's also important to have tools that make the job easier. These products can help you clean better and faster:
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Flat mop: sweeps and mops at the same time. Ideal for keeping your floor clean with a single stroke.
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Robot vacuum: perfect if you have pets, children, or limited time. Effortlessly keeps your floors dust-free.
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Microfiber cloths always on hand: keep one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. They'll help you quickly wipe down the mirror, countertop, or shower screen after bathing, preventing steam and dust from accumulating.
Having these allies on hand saves you time and makes staying organized much easier.
USEFUL TIPS TO APPLY DAILY
✔ A place for everything
When everything has its place, it's easier to stay organized. Always leave your keys in the same place, use a tray for your remotes, a basket for your mail, or your chargers. You'll save time searching for things and avoid visual clutter.
✔ "Shoes off": leave the dirt outside
Taking off your shoes when entering your home is an increasingly common habit. It helps keep the floor clean for longer and prevents germs, dust, and even "outside energy" from entering. You can leave a shoe rack or a mat at the entrance to make this easier.
✔ Don't postpone
See something out of place? Put it away right away. Dropped something? Clean it up immediately. The sooner you do it, the less effort it requires. Putting off small tasks only turns them into big ones.
✔ Organize, plan and prioritize
Not everything has to be done today. You can create a small chart with what's due each day: Monday the bathroom, Tuesday the kitchen, etc. Divide the tasks by area or time, and prioritize according to need. This way you won't get overwhelmed and keep everything under control.
✔ Collaborate and distribute tasks
If you live with a partner or share an apartment, it's essential to share responsibilities. Cleaning is everyone's responsibility, and it's easier together. Agree on weekly chores, alternate areas, and make sure no one gets overloaded. We didn't mention family tasks because dividing chores with children or teenagers isn't so simple.
In summary:
Minimalist cleaning doesn't seek perfection, but rather lightness . It's about maintaining order and cleanliness without taking up your time, energy, or peace of mind. With small, consistent habits, a clean home is easier to maintain, more pleasant to live in, and more comfortable to share.