Cleaning your entire house feels like a massive task that never seems to end. You start in one room, get distracted by another mess, and before you know it, you’ve spent hours without much to show for it.
The constant cycle of tidying up can leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
What if there were a way to keep your home clean with just 60 minutes of work spread throughout your day? The 6/10 cleaning method breaks housework into six simple tasks, each taking 10 minutes.
No more marathon cleaning sessions or stressing about where to start.
This article will guide you through setting up your own 6/10 routine, selecting the right tasks for your home, and integrating this method into any lifestyle or schedule.
What Is the 6/10 Cleaning Method?
The 6/10 cleaning method is a simple approach that breaks your cleaning routine into six key tasks. Each task takes just 10 minutes or less to complete.
This method helps you stay on top of housework without feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Instead of spending hours cleaning all at once, you focus on small bursts of activity.
The goal is to build a habit that sticks, not to make everything perfect. You pick the areas that make the biggest difference in how your home looks and feels.
By keeping each task short and manageable, you maintain momentum throughout the week. This approach works because it fits into any schedule and prevents cleaning from piling up into a daunting task.
Why It Works
- Time limits boost focus – When you only have 10 minutes, you work faster and stay on task without getting distracted.
- Easy habits stick longer. Short, simple tasks are easier to repeat daily, which helps build strong cleaning habits over time.
- Less scary, more doable – Breaking down big cleaning jobs into manageable pieces makes housework feel less overwhelming.
- Fits any schedule – You can squeeze 10-minute tasks into busy days, whether you’re a parent, student, or working professional.
- Prevents buildup – Regular small efforts stop messes from turning into huge cleaning projects that take hours to fix.
- Quick wins feel good – Finishing tasks fast gives you a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to keep going.
- No special tools needed – Most 10-minute tasks use basic supplies you already have at home.
How to Apply the 6/10 Method in Your Routine
1. Identify Your 6 Core Cleaning Tasks
Begin by examining your home and identifying what bothers you the most. Please select the areas that become messiest or cause you the most stress when they’re dirty.
Common choices include washing dishes, wiping counters, making beds, or clearing clutter from tables. Focus on the spaces you use every day, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. Your six tasks should be the ones that make the biggest visual impact when completed.
2. Keep Each Task Under 10 Minutes
Set a timer on your phone to stay within the 10-minute limit for each task. If a job feels too big, break it down into smaller parts you can handle in one session.
For example, instead of “clean the whole bathroom,” try “wipe down the sink and mirror.” You can rotate through different zones each day to cover larger areas over time. The key is finishing within your time limit, even if the job isn’t 100% perfect.
3. Incorporate Tasks Throughout Your Day
Spread your six tasks across different times that work with your schedule. Try doing two tasks in the morning, two in the afternoon, and two before bed. You could also complete all six functions in one 60-minute block if that suits you better.
Match tasks to natural transition times, like wiping counters after breakfast or tidying up before dinner. The goal is to make these tasks feel like a regular part of your day, not extra work.
Sample 6/10 Cleaning Routine
Here’s a basic 6/10 routine that works for most homes and lifestyles. Each task targets a high-traffic area that makes a big difference when it is clean. You can complete these tasks in order or spread them throughout your day, depending on your schedule.
Task 1: Make the bed – Pull up sheets, fluff pillows, and smooth the comforter. This instantly makes your bedroom look tidy and sets your day off to a quick win. Even a messy room looks better with a made bed. It only takes 2-3 minutes but sets a positive tone for the rest of your cleaning.
Task 2: Wipe kitchen counters – Clear items, spray cleaner, and wipe all surfaces, including the stove top. A clean kitchen makes the whole house feel more organized. Don’t forget to wipe down the areas around the coffee maker and toaster. This task prevents sticky buildup and makes cooking more pleasant.
Task 3: Load/Unload Dishwasher – Place dirty dishes in or remove clean ones and put them away. This prevents dish buildup and keeps your sink clear. If you don’t have a dishwasher, wash and dry a few key items, such as plates and cups. Clean dishes make meal prep easier and faster.
Task 4: Quick bathroom wipe-down – Clean the sink, mirror, and toilet with disinfecting wipes. Focus on the surfaces you touch most often throughout the day. Wipe toothpaste splatters and water spots for an instant fresh look. This daily habit prevents the need for deep scrubbing sessions later.
Task 5: Sweep the main floor – Focus on the kitchen, living room, or hallway where crumbs and dirt tend to accumulate. Just the visible areas that get the most foot traffic. Use a handheld vacuum if it’s faster for you. Clean floors make the entire house feel more put together.
Task 6: 10-Minute Surface Declutter – Pick up items from counters, tables, or chairs and put them where they belong. This removes visual clutter that makes spaces feel messy. Focus on one room at a time and work quickly. Return items to their designated locations rather than simply relocating them.
Customizing the 6/10 Method to Fit Your Lifestyle
The 6/10 method works for everyone because you can adjust your task list according to your living situation and needs.
Apartment dwellers might focus on bathroom cleaning and kitchen counters, while families with children need tasks like toy pickup and cleaning high chairs.
Busy professionals can batch functions in the morning or evening when it fits their schedule. You can also swap tasks on a weekly or seasonal basis, such as adding porch sweeping in the fall or pool cleaning in the summer.
When you have pets, be sure to include litter box cleaning and fur cleanup in your routine. Before parties or holidays, replace regular tasks with guest bathroom prep or living room organizing. The key is picking six functions that matter most for your current situation and lifestyle.
Summing It Up
The 6/10 cleaning method proves that you don’t need hours of scrubbing to keep your home clean and comfortable.
By focusing on six key tasks that each take just 10 minutes, you can maintain a tidy space without the stress and overwhelm of traditional cleaning marathons.
This approach works because it fits into real life, whether you’re a busy parent, working professional, or student juggling multiple responsibilities.
The beauty of this method lies in its flexibility and simplicity. You can spread tasks throughout your day or knock them all out in one hour.
You can adjust your six tasks according to your home’s needs and personal priorities. Most importantly, you build lasting habits that prevent messes from taking over your space.
Small, consistent actions create significant results over time. Your future self will thank you for the 60 minutes you invest today.
Why not start tomorrow by picking your first six tasks and giving this method a try? What area of your home bothers you most when it’s messy – could that become your first 10-minute task?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the 6/10 Cleaning Rule?
The 6/10 cleaning rule involves doing 6 essential cleaning tasks that each take 10 minutes or less to complete.
What Is the 610 Cleaning Method?
The 610 cleaning method is the same as the 6/10 method, which involves six quick cleaning tasks completed within 10-minute time blocks.
What Is the 20/10 Rule for Cleaning?
The 20/10 rule means cleaning for 20 minutes, then taking a 10-minute break before starting the next cleaning session.
