Use the 20/10 Method to Cleanse Without Tiring Yourself

If you’re intimidated by the prospect of cleaning your home, here’s some good news: One of the best cleaning techniques is for people like you. This is called the 20/10 rule. It’s been around for a few years now but has truly stood the test of time due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

What is the 20/10 Cleansing Method?

The 20/10 method comes from Rachel Hoffman’s 2017 book Clean Up Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Clutter . The name is both invigorating and comforting, just what you need to motivate you to declutter and keep it clean. While the book details all the methods you can use to do this, such as taking progress photos and cleaning rooms in a specific order, the key here is its first tip – the 20/10 method.

Essentially, this method requires you to spend 20 minutes cleaning and 10 minutes cooling. That’s all, essentially. It is similar to other productivity methods such as the Pomodoro method , but gives you less time to work and more time to take breaks than them. For maximum effectiveness, dedicate each 20-minute block to a specific surface or area, such as a dirty table or laundry pile. Step by step the task will be completed.

What makes 20/10 one of the best cleaning methods

The importance of breaks between stressful jobs is well known . If you work too much, too hard and too long, you will burn out and give up. When you use the work-rest technique for studying or working, you need to think deeply during periods of “activity”; on the other hand, cleaning can be a little more mindless, and that’s a good thing. You don’t need 25 minutes like the Pomodoro technique requires, but it’s worth taking 20.

Breaks are very important, so don’t skimp on them. Try using them to enjoy your newly cleaned space. If you have cleaned the table, sit at it for 10 minutes, enjoying the experience of using it while it is tidy. If you have all your laundry folded on a chair, you should sit on that chair, by God. Giving yourself a full 10 minutes to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor will give you immediate gratification and time to recharge before you get started again.