In my pre-mommy days, I had the luxury of keeping my house clean enough to meet even my mother's high standards. Then I carried my first adorable offspring home, embarking upon the never-ending quest to balance time for myself, my spouse, my children and a clean house. I've had to abandon my ideal vision of spotless floors and sparkling countertops to follow the great advice of many: "Don't sweat the dust bunnies."
Most of the time, following this advice has been a challenge for me. I really don't like those dust bunnies. On the other hand, I really don't like to clean either. I'd rather play with my children, spend time with my husband, write or read. To solve this dilemma, I've learned to employ some creative strategies.
Hire the kids
With two children, three stepchildren and more pets now than I care to disclose, our home gets dirty fast. We've developed a chore schedule and pay the kids a modest allowance, half of which must go in the bank for college (they hate this now but will thank us later). The chores rotate weekly, so no one gets stuck cleaning the toilets every week.
Don't forget your spouse
I'm blessed to have a husband who doesn't care if the house is messy. The flip side of his ambivalence is that he doesn't think to clean. After wasting countless hours trying to communicate with him telepathically, I've learned that giving him a list (or just asking nicely) is more likely to result in clean floors.
Trade chores with your children
My children grumble about cleaning their own rooms but jump at the chance to dust. Sometimes I trade chores I don't like with one of them--"I'll clean your room if you'll empty all the trash cans." They think they're getting away with something.
Use bribery
Bribery is a parental tactic I save for emergencies. I add a twist by turning cleaning into a "party." I turn on fun music and invite the whole family to a sock-folding or dusting party. When we're done, we all enjoy a treat--ice cream or popcorn and a movie.
The gift of cleaning
Instead of another pair of slippers, another piece of jewelry or a knickknack you don't need, ask for a clean house for your next birthday, anniversary or Mother's Day, either the kind delivered by your family's hands or the kind your family hires out. Just don't expect this present to last long with a house full of kids and pets.
Make friends with the dust bunnies
If all else fails, make friends with the dust bunnies and enjoy the mess. If that's impossible, buy a blindfold. A friend of mine once told me she used to walk into her son's messy room and get angry. Now she walks in, looks around and says to herself, "This room looks perfect. I have an active, happy child." Then she waves to the dust bunnies and leaves the room, shutting the door behind her.
 | While dust has always been in our homes and, to some extent, always will be, homeowners can keep dust buildup to a minimum. Cleaning on a daily and weekly basis will prevent much of the airborne dust and help in the battle against dust mites. |
 | Reducing dust mites isn't just important for people with asthma. Everybody will breathe easier in a home free of dust mites. |
 | Dusting furniture is a necessary part of regular housekeeping. There are easy ways to make this chore less tedious. |
If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, dust is not just the aesthetic annoyance it is to most of us. |
Homemade dust collectors are a cheap and easy way to keep your workshop free of dust. |
