Why the 6/10 Cleaning Method Is a Game-Changer
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter and mess, you’re not alone. At TidyPig Cleaning, we understand that maintaining a clean home can be challenging—especially with a busy schedule. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to a trending cleaning strategy that’s revolutionizing households across the country: the 6/10 Cleaning Method. Efficient, manageable, and surprisingly effective, this approach is a game-changer for anyone looking to regain control of their space.
What Is the 6/10 Cleaning Method?
The 6/10 Cleaning Method is a cleaning strategy designed around the idea of giving your best effort—with realistic expectations. The name comes from two simple principles:
“6 out of 10” effort: Instead of striving for perfection, the goal is to clean well enough that things look and feel tidy—not spotless. Think functional, not flawless.
10 minutes per area: Limit cleaning to short, focused 10-minute bursts. This helps avoid burnout and keeps you moving efficiently through your home.
By adopting this mindset, you relieve the pressure of doing it “all” perfectly and instead focus on consistency and progress. In other words, “done” is better than perfect.
Why the 6/10 Method Works
Let’s face it—cleaning can be daunting. Too often, we put off tidying up because we think we need an entire afternoon (or an entire weekend) to make it count. The 6/10 Cleaning Method shifts that perspective by encouraging small, intentional steps. Here's why it's so effective:
1. Reduces the Pressure of Perfection
One of the biggest hurdles to maintaining a clean home is perfectionism. If you feel like every nook and cranny has to be spotless before you can say you're "done," you’ll likely never feel finished. The 6/10 Method says it’s okay to aim for “good enough.” A living room that’s mostly picked up and vacuumed is far better than one you never get to because you didn’t have time to deep-clean every corner.
2. Encourages Consistency Over Intensity
Cleaning for 10 minutes per area keeps tasks small and manageable. It’s a lot easier to motivate yourself to clean a room when you know it’ll only take 10 minutes. This small habit, done consistently, leads to big changes over time. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short, daily bursts.
3. Brings Structure to Your Routine
Many people struggle with cleaning because they don’t have a clear plan. The 6/10 Method encourages a structured approach: pick an area, set a timer, and go. That added sense of organization helps reduce decision fatigue and keeps you moving forward.
How to Use the 6/10 Cleaning Method in Your Home
Simple to understand and easy to implement, the 6/10 Cleaning Method can be tailored to work in any home. Here's how you can start using it today:
Step 1: Choose a Room or Area
Pick one space at a time—whether it’s the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, or even a closet. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Focus is key.
Step 2: Set a 10-Minute Timer
Use a phone timer or kitchen timer to keep yourself on track. Commit to giving your full attention for the duration—no distractions.
Step 3: Do a “6 out of 10” Clean
Ask yourself, “What would make this space functional and presentable?” Then go for it. You don’t need to deep-clean under the furniture or scrub the baseboards unless you’ve got the time and energy. Here's what a 6/10 clean might look like:
Put items back where they belong
Quickly dust or wipe surfaces
Straighten pillows and throws
Run a vacuum or mop through high-traffic areas
That’s it! Once the 10 minutes are up, move on to another room or stop for the day—your choice.
Customize the Method to Fit Your Lifestyle
What we love most about the 6/10 Method at TidyPig Cleaning is its flexibility. You can scale it up or down based on your energy level, time constraints, or specific needs. A few ideas:
Busy weekday? Clean one or two areas, then rest.
Feeling motivated? Do a few 10-minute sprints back-to-back.
Need to deep clean? Extend your time frame but still aim to hit “functional,” not perfect.
No matter how you customize it, the 6/10 Cleaning Method makes cleaning more approachable—and more enjoyable.
Long-Term Benefits of the 6/10 Method
Over time, using the 6/10 Method leads to noticeable improvements not just in cleanliness, but also in mental clarity and stress levels. Here are a few long-term advantages we’ve seen among TidyPig Cleaning clients:
Less clutter, more calm: Your home becomes a more peaceful, functional environment.
Better maintenance: Frequent, small cleans mean less time spent on major overhauls.
Decreased overwhelm: Breaking tasks into 10-minute intervals makes everything feel more doable.
Who Can Benefit from the 6/10 Cleaning Method?
This method isn’t just for busy professionals or tired parents—though they do love it! The 6/10 Cleaning Method works for:
Students in dorms or apartments
Couples sharing spaces
People with ADHD or executive function challenges
Anyone looking to build better cleaning habits
It’s simple, practical, and adaptable—everything a good cleaning method should be.
The TidyPig Cleaning Advantage
At TidyPig Cleaning, our mission is to help clients make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a habit. The 6/10 Cleaning Method is one of many strategies our expert cleaning teams recommend for long-term success. Whether you're maintaining a home between professional cleanings or just starting to build your own system, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
The 6/10 Cleaning Method is proof that you don’t need hours of free time or an army of supplies to create a cleaner, more organized living environment. With just a timer and a thoughtful mindset, you can start making big changes—10 minutes at a time.
Ready to revolutionize your routine? Try the 6/10 Cleaning Method today and experience the difference for yourself. And if you need support along the way, the team at TidyPig Cleaning is always here to help bring your space back to life—no pressure, no perfectionism, just progress.
