What’s the Difference Between Cleaning and Resetting Your Home

Cleaning vs. Resetting Your Home

When it comes to maintaining a home, the terms “cleaning” and “resetting” often come up. Though they might seem interchangeable, they serve distinct purposes in the realm of home management. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone aiming to create a space that is both clean and orderly.

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What does it mean to clean your home?

Cleaning, as its name suggests, revolves around removing dirt, grime, and any buildup that might have accumulated in your home. This can involve activities like wiping surfaces, dusting off shelves, sweeping the floors, mopping up spills, and running the vacuum. Through cleaning, we ensure that our living spaces are sanitized and free from harmful microbes or allergens.

 

What does it mean to reset your home?

On the other hand, resetting is a bit different. It doesn’t necessarily concern dirt or germs but focuses on the order and structure of a space. Resetting involves putting things back to their designated places and clearing any items that don’t belong in a particular area. Think of it as re-establishing a room’s ideal baseline after it’s been used. It’s akin to “setting the stage” for the next act, ensuring that the space is ready for its next purpose.

Why does it matter what words you use to manage your home?

While cleaning ensures our homes are free from contaminants that could harm our health, resetting ensures we have a functional and organized environment. A clean but cluttered home can still induce stress and inefficiency, just as a tidy but unsanitized space can harbor germs. By understanding and implementing both, we arm ourselves with the tools to not just manage but to thrive in our homes.

The way we think about chores matters

 

The words we choose to describe our actions, especially in a home setting, are not just trivial details. They play a vital role in how we process, understand, and execute tasks. The distinction between the terms “cleaning” and “resetting” is a prime example. Each word, when used accurately, helps create a mental image or schema in our minds about the associated actions, tools, and outcomes related to that task.

Words are powerful for a clean home

When we say “cleaning,” our brain conjures up images of wiping, scrubbing, and removing dirt. It is a term that speaks to hygiene, sanitation, and overall health. On the flip side, when we mention “resetting,” the imagery is different. We think of tidying, organizing, and restoring order. It pertains more to aesthetics, functionality, and structure. Being specific with these terms ensures that everyone in a household is on the same page about what needs to be done. There’s less room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

How do specific words help those with ADHD clean their homes?

This clarity becomes even more crucial for individuals with ADHD. ADHD can sometimes bring challenges with concentration, organization, and task execution. Ambiguity or vagueness can lead to feelings of overwhelm or confusion. However, when tasks are defined in black and white terms, like cleaning and resetting, it streamlines the mental processing for these individuals. They can better visualize the task at hand, set clear goals, and execute them without the added burden of deciphering what’s expected of them. The specificity eliminates gray areas, paving the way for better focus, increased efficiency, and a sense of accomplishment.

The Role of Clear Language in Home Management

Language is more than just words; it’s a vital tool in managing our homes efficiently. Here’s how clear and precise language can make home life smoother:

1. Clear Expectations: Being specific, like using “reset” instead of just “clean,” means everyone knows exactly what needs to be done.
   
   
2. Avoiding Confusion: Clearly defined terms reduce misunderstandings. If everyone knows what “cleaning the kitchen” entails, there’s less room for mistakes.
   
   
3. Better Productivity: When tasks are clear, they get done faster. No time is wasted wondering or guessing.
   
   
4. Accountability: If tasks are clearly laid out, it’s easier to ensure everyone does their part.
   
   
5. Teamwork: Clear communication promotes cooperation. When everyone’s on the same page, joint tasks become more streamlined.
   
   
6. Building Habits: Consistent language helps form routines. Over time, tasks become second nature.

Teaching Children the Terms “Cleaning” and “Resetting”

Introducing precise terminology to children can be a game-changer when it comes to household chores. The terms “cleaning” and “resetting” not only simplify tasks but also 

provide clarity. 

Here’s a guide to teaching these terms to your children for better efficiency and consistency:

1. Define the Terms Clearly:
   
   

Cleaning: Start by explaining that cleaning means removing dirt and making things shine. This can be through wiping, sweeping, mopping, or any other activity that gets rid of grime. Make it fun – perhaps show them by doing a small cleaning activity together.

Resetting: Describe resetting as “putting things back to where they belong.” It’s like after playing with toys; you reset the room by placing each toy back in its place.

2. Visual Demonstrations: Children often learn best through visual cues. Show them the difference. Dirty a small area, then clean it. Scatter some toys, then reset them. Over time, they’ll associate the terms with the actions.
   
   
3. Role Play: Engage in role-playing where you pretend-play different scenarios. Maybe after a pretend tea party, you can ask them to “reset” the room. This makes the learning process fun and interactive.
   
   
4. Consistent Usage: Always use the terms consistently. If you want them to put their toys away, always say “reset your room” instead of alternating between different phrases.
   
   
5. Reward System: Praise them when they do tasks correctly. Maybe have a sticker chart for every time they clean or reset efficiently. Over time, they’ll be eager to fulfill tasks as they understand the expectations clearly.
   
   
6. Explain the Benefits: Let them know that by cleaning, they’re making their space healthier, and by resetting, they’re making their next playtime easier because they won’t have to search for their toys amidst a mess.
   
   

By teaching the difference between cleaning and resetting, children can:

• Become More Efficient: When they know what’s expected, they can directly tackle the task without confusion, making them work faster.
  
  
• Build Consistency: Clear terms mean they’re less likely to miss out on chores or do them halfway. They know exactly what’s needed.
  
  
• Form Habits: Over time, these chores become habitual. When they hear “reset,” it might become second nature to start tidying up without even thinking about it.
  
  

In conclusion, words are powerful tools. When used intentionally with children, terms like “cleaning” and “resetting” can pave the way for a well-organized, efficient, and harmonious home environment.

What’s an example of a cleaning routine?

Here’s a basic framework for a cleaning routine that can be adapted to fit the specific needs and layout of any home.

Cleaning Routines

Morning:

1. Bathroom: Wipe down sink and faucet. Clear any water spots from the mirror. Empty the trash if needed.
   
   
2. Kitchen: Wipe down countertops. Wash any dishes from breakfast or load them into the dishwasher.
   
   

Afternoon:

1. Living Room: Dust surfaces every other day. Vacuum or sweep the floor, especially in high-traffic areas.
   
   
2. Bedrooms: Dust surfaces, especially nightstands, and dressers.
   
   

Evening:

1. Kitchen: Wash dinner dishes or load them into the dishwasher. Wipe down stove and countertops.
   
   
2. Bathroom: Do a quick wipe of the tub or shower after using.
   
   

Weekly:

1. Whole House: Vacuum all rooms. Mop hard floors.
   
   
2. Bathroom: Clean the toilet, scrub the tub/shower, and mop the floor.
   
   
3. Kitchen: Clean the microwave, oven, and refrigerator. Take out the trash.
   
   
4. Bedrooms: Change bed linens.
   
   

Monthly:

1. Whole House: Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards.
   
   
2. Bathroom: Deep clean tiles and grout.
   
   
3. Kitchen: Clean the inside of the refrigerator and organize pantry items.

Give me some ideas for resetting routines.

Here are some ideas for resetting your house throughout the day. These don’t have to be strict but gradually make them a habit so you can easily keep a tidy home.

Resetting Routines

Morning:

1. Bedroom: Make the bed. Put any clothes from the previous day in the laundry or back in the closet.
   
   
2. Bathroom: Hang towels back up. Return toiletries to their designated spots.
   
   

After School/Work:

1. Entryway: Hang coats, put away shoes, and store bags in their designated places.
   
   
2. Living Room: Return any books, remotes, or other items to their rightful spots.
   
   

Evening:

1. Kitchen: Put away any dishes left out. Store leftover food in the refrigerator.
   
   
2. Living Room: Fluff sofa cushions. Stack magazines or books neatly.
   
   
3. Bedroom: Clear any clutter from nightstands. Lay out the next day’s clothes if desired.
   
   

Weekly:

1. Whole House: Ensure all items are in their designated spots. This is a good time to check for items that may be out of place and return them.
   
   
2. Children’s Rooms: Organize toys and make sure they’re in their designated bins or shelves.
   
   

After Specific Activities:

1. Post-Grocery Shopping: Put away groceries immediately upon returning home.
   
   
2. Post-Laundry: Fold clothes and put them away as soon as they’re dry.
   
   
3. Post-Play (for kids): Encourage children to put toys away after playtime.
   
   

I challenging you to start using the words “cleaning” and “resetting” for specific tasks in your home. Teach them to your kids in order to simplify what you expect them to do.

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I’d love to hear from you!

Now that we’ve cleared up the difference between “cleaning” and “resetting,” do you find it easier to know exactly what chores need to be done and when to do them?