My Little 5-Minute Nightly Ritual Makes a Huge Difference in the Kitchen

I sweep my kitchen floor every night. I know, it doesn’t sound radical or even very interesting. But this simple tidying act has become a ritual of sorts, and I almost look forward to it. It reminds me of closing down a restaurant kitchen at the end of the night.

My moment with the broom signal a transition — from dirty to clean, from work to rest. The rhythm of the motion and the effectiveness of the simple act both calm and congratulate me. But my sweeping ritual has practical benefits, too. I mop less often because this regular sweeping prevents grimy buildup. And I love how the frustration of tripping over my daughter’s spilled snacks all day melts away as I swiftly sweep them up for good at the end of the night.

I know sweeping isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of a good time. But it really doesn’t have to be an odious chore. I recommend these three key upgrades to your cleaning arsenal to make sweeping a habit.

And once you’re set up with the right tools, you can follow three nightly steps.

1. Clean the counters.

You can scrub and wipe with gusto knowing anything you brush onto the floor will soon be swept away.

2. Move everything out of the way.

Yes, really. Pick up your trash can and move it to the side. Slide that children’s helper stool over. Make a clean path for yourself and sweeping is quick and easy. Plus, dust and crumbs accumulate around stationary things, so get them out of the way!

3. Sweep, sweep, sweep.

I use this time to think about everything I made that day, take stock of things in my kitchen that I want to use tomorrow, and give myself a pat on the back for a job well done.

When I set my broom and dustpan back in their place, a sense of peace and closure settles in. The stage is reset and ready for another day. But for now, tutto a posto — everything is in its place. What a difference five minutes can make.

Do you have a simple nightly ritual for shutting down your kitchen? Tell us your process and share your favorite products in the comments below.