When it comes to keeping a home clean, many people struggle with motivation. The chores pile up, the house feels overwhelming, and suddenly cleaning becomes an all-day (or all-weekend) project. That’s where the 20/10 Rule for Cleaning comes in.

This popular cleaning method makes tidying up simple, manageable, and surprisingly effective. But what exactly is it—and how can it help you maintain a cleaner, more organized home without the stress? Let’s break it down.

The 20/10 Rule Explained

The 20/10 Rule is a time-management cleaning method that follows a simple formula:

• 20 minutes of cleaning 
• 10 minutes of break 
• Repeat as needed until your tasks are done 

This rule was popularized by Rachel Hoffman in her book Unfck Your Habitat* and has since become a favorite strategy for people who want to clean smarter, not harder.

Why the 20/10 Rule Works

The beauty of the 20/10 system is that it makes cleaning:

1. Less overwhelming – You don’t have to tackle your entire home in one sitting. 
2. More productive – Short bursts of focus often get more done than long, unfocused stretches. 
3. Sustainable – The built-in breaks prevent burnout and help you keep momentum. 
4. Flexible – You can adjust to 15/5 or 30/10 depending on your schedule and energy. 

It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress!

How to Use the 20/10 Rule in Your Home

Here’s how you can apply the 20/10 Rule to everyday cleaning tasks:

Step 1: Set a Timer

Grab your phone or a kitchen timer and set it for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Pick One Area

Choose a small, focused space: a countertop, a bathroom, or a pile of laundry.

Step 3: Clean with Focus

Work steadily for the full 20 minutes—no distractions.

Step 4: Take a 10-Minute Break

Relax, grab a drink, or scroll through your phone guilt-free.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed

Keep cycling through 20/10 sessions until you’ve completed your goals.

Example Cleaning Sessions Using 20/10

• Session 1 (20 min): Load the dishwasher, wipe counters, sweep kitchen floor 
• Break (10 min) 
• Session 2 (20 min): Fold and put away laundry 
• Break (10 min) 
• Session 3 (20 min): Vacuum living room and tidy toys 

By the end of just a few cycles, your house looks dramatically cleaner—and you didn’t burn out trying to do it all at once.

When to Use the 20/10 Rule

This method is perfect if you:

• Feel overwhelmed by clutter 
• Have limited time or energy 
• Want to keep your home tidy without dedicating entire days to cleaning 
• Struggle with staying focused

Professional Cleaning vs. DIY 20/10

While the 20/10 Rule is great for everyday tidying, some jobs are better left to professionals—like deep cleaning kitchens, scrubbing bathrooms, or restoring a home after months without upkeep.

At Right The 1st Time, we bring in the professional-grade supplies, checklists, and expertise to handle the heavy lifting. Then you can use methods like the 20/10 Rule to maintain that sparkle between visits.

👉 Ready for a fresh start? Book a cleaning today and let us do the big stuff, so you can focus on easy daily upkeep.

FAQs About the 20/10 Cleaning Rule

Q1: Can I adjust the time?
Yes! Some people prefer 15/5 or 30/10. The key is to keep the balance of focused work + rest.

Q2: Will this work for a large house?
Absolutely. Just break tasks into smaller zones and tackle them one 20/10 session at a time.

Q3: Is this rule only for cleaning?
No—you can use it for organizing, decluttering, or even studying.

Conclusion: A Simple Rule for a Cleaner Home

The 20/10 Rule for Cleaning turns overwhelming chores into manageable tasks. By alternating 20 minutes of cleaning with 10 minutes of rest, you’ll find yourself more productive, less stressed, and able to maintain a cleaner home with ease.

At Right The 1st Time, we believe cleaning should feel doable—and when you combine our professional cleanings with simple systems like 20/10, your home will always feel fresh and welcoming.

👉 Want to kickstart your cleaning routine? Request a free quote and let us help you keep your home Right the 1st Time.