The Mount Vernon Cleaning Method

This week we learned about an old strategy for cleaning and decluttering...the Mount Vernon Method. Used at George Washington's estate, the method involves a one-room-at-a-time approach, starting at the door and moving clockwise around the room, cleaning and organizing one piece of furniture before moving on to the next. The advantage of this method is pacing yourself, and having clear goals that can be accomplished one by one.

The method was used as the basis for Sandra Felton's book, The Messies Manual. Felton likes the Mount Vernon approach because it takes an overwhelming task and breaks it down into bit-sized bits. We like it because it works well with a daily cleaning schedule. Tackle one room per day, a little at a time.

Images via Mount Vernon.