We all have those chores that seem to eat up our precious time, leaving us wondering where the hours have gone. Whether it’s spending the afternoon ironing or organizing your pantry, it’s easy to get caught up in tasks that could be simplified or eliminated entirely.
In this post, I’ll share 15 chores I’ve stopped doing, along with my reasoning and the alternative solutions I’ve found. This way, you can decide if these tasks are worth your precious time or if you could use that time for something else, like reading a book or spending time with your loved ones.
1. Ironing Clothes
Ironing is one of those tasks that seems to expand to fill the time available. Plus, it’s not exactly the most exciting chore. I realized that I was spending hours each week getting wrinkles out of my clothes when I could easily avoid them in the first place. Now, I hang my clothes up as soon as they’re out of the dryer to minimize wrinkles. For clothes that need a little extra help, I use a wrinkle-release spray. This simple shake and spray method is quick and easy, and it saves me so much time.
Not only have I gained back time, but I’ve also freed up space in my home by getting rid of my ironing board and iron. And, as a bonus, I’ve found that my clothes actually last longer because they’re not being exposed to the high heat of the iron.
2. Washing Dishes By Hand
I used to believe that washing dishes by hand was more water-efficient than using a dishwasher. However, research has shown that modern dishwashers are actually more water- and energy-efficient than washing by hand. Plus, using a dishwasher saves a significant amount of time and effort.
Nowadays, I rinse my dishes and place them directly into the dishwasher. Not only does this free up time, but it also reduces clutter in the kitchen. If you don’t have a dishwasher, consider investing in one. It’s a time-saving appliance that’s worth every penny.
3. Sorting Laundry
Sorting laundry into different piles based on color or fabric type is a time-consuming task that I’ve found to be unnecessary. Instead, I use color-catcher sheets that absorb loose dyes in the wash, preventing color bleeding. This allows me to wash all my clothes together, saving time and energy.
While it may seem risky to wash everything together, I’ve found that as long as I’m using cold water and color-catchers, my clothes come out just as clean and vibrant as when I sorted them. It’s a small change that has made a big difference in my laundry routine.
4. Window Washing
Window washing was a chore I dreaded because it was time-consuming and often left me with streaky windows. I’ve since discovered that a combination of vinegar and water does a great job of cleaning windows without the need for intense scrubbing.
Additionally, I’ve started using a squeegee to dry the windows, which leaves them streak-free in much less time. By simplifying my window washing process, I’ve been able to free up time for more enjoyable activities.
5. Dusting
Dusting seemed like a never-ending task. No sooner had I finished than a new layer of dust had settled. I discovered that using an air purifier significantly reduces the amount of dust in my home, making dusting a less frequent chore.
I’ve also started using microfiber cloths for dusting, which trap dust rather than spreading it around. As a result, I’ve been able to reduce the frequency of my dusting and save time.
6. Polishing Furniture
Polishing furniture is another task I’ve eliminated from my routine. Polishing sprays often leave a residue and require a lot of effort to buff out. Instead, I’ve found that a microfiber cloth does a great job of keeping my furniture clean and shiny.
Not only does this save time, but it also reduces the number of chemicals in my home. Plus, microfiber cloths are washable and reusable, making this a more sustainable option.
7. Making Beds Daily
Making beds daily is a chore that can take up quite a bit of time, especially if you have multiple beds in your home. Instead, I’ve adopted a more relaxed approach. I straighten the bedding and fluff the pillows, but I don’t worry about hospital corners or having everything perfectly in place.
This relaxed approach saves me time in the morning and still leaves my bedrooms looking tidy. Plus, some research suggests that leaving your bed unmade can help reduce dust mites, which is a win-win in my book.
8. Scrubbing Floors
I used to spend hours scrubbing my floors to get them perfectly clean. Then I discovered steam mops. Steam mops clean and sanitize floors quickly and effectively, without the need for harsh chemicals or intense scrubbing.
This has drastically reduced the time I spend cleaning my floors. Plus, the steam kills bacteria and dust mites, leaving my floors cleaner than traditional mopping ever did.
9. Washing Windows Inside and Out
This is another chore I’ve been able to eliminate thanks to technology. I invested in a robotic window cleaner, and it’s been a game-changer. The robot cleans both the inside and outside of my windows, freeing me up to do other things.
This wasn’t a cheap investment, but for me, the time savings have made it worth every penny. If you have a lot of windows in your home, a robotic window cleaner could be a great time-saving investment for you as well.
10. Vacuuming Daily
Vacuuming daily is a chore that can take up a significant amount of time, especially if you have a large home or pets. But with the advent of robotic vacuums, I’ve been able to remove this task from my to-do list.
Robotic vacuums can be programmed to clean your floors daily, even when you’re not home. This not only saves time but also keeps your home cleaner. If you’re spending a lot of time vacuuming, a robotic vacuum could be a great investment.
11. Deep Cleaning The Fridge
Deep cleaning the fridge was a chore I dreaded. It was time-consuming and often seemed pointless, as the fridge would be messy again within a week. Instead of deep cleaning, I’ve started to do a quick wipe down of the shelves and drawers every time I go grocery shopping.
This regular maintenance prevents spills and messes from building up, keeping my fridge clean and saving me from having to do a deep clean.
12. Cleaning The Oven
Cleaning the oven is another task that I’ve been able to simplify. Instead of using harsh chemicals and spending hours scrubbing, I’ve started using the self-cleaning feature on my oven.
This feature heats the oven to a high temperature, turning food residue into ash that can be easily wiped away. Not only does this save time, but it also reduces the amount of chemicals I’m using in my home.
13. Cleaning Under Furniture
Cleaning under furniture used to be a time-consuming task that involved moving heavy pieces and vacuuming or sweeping hard-to-reach areas. Now, I use a robotic vacuum that can easily clean under furniture without any effort from me.
This not only saves time but also keeps my home cleaner. If you’re spending a lot of time cleaning under furniture, a robotic vacuum could be a great investment.
14. Cleaning The Microwave
Cleaning the microwave used to be a chore that involved scrubbing and scraping. Now, I use a microwave cleaning hack that saves time and effort. I simply fill a bowl with water and a slice of lemon and microwave it for five minutes.
The steam from the water loosens food residue, making it easy to wipe away. Plus, the lemon leaves my microwave smelling fresh and clean.
15. Wiping Down Countertops
Wiping down countertops used to be a daily chore. Now, I’ve adopted a “clean as you go” approach. I wipe up spills and messes as they happen, preventing them from drying and becoming more difficult to clean.
This not only keeps my kitchen cleaner, but it also saves time. If you’re constantly wiping down your countertops, consider adopting a “clean as you go” approach. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.