How the 1-Minute Rule Can Transform the Way You Clean

Person cleaning a countertop with a spray bottle and cloth — Credit:
Olga Rolenko / Getty Images

If you’ve struggled to maintain an organization or cleaning routine that works for you and your schedule, starting simple and easy can often be key—like one minute kind of easy. Famously coined by New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin and since popularized by the TikTok crowd, the one-minute rule centers on low-lift micro-habits: just one minute, one small task, and one step closer to a tidier space.

Here’s what you need to know about this refreshingly approachable practice.

What Is the One-Minute Rule?

A woman uses a plastic free brush to clean dishes in a kitchen sink, close up. — Credit:
Getty Images

The idea? If a task takes less than one minute, you do it immediately. It's as simple as that. Though Rubin initially shared the idea as a general productivity tip, it’s the cleaning corner of TikTok that has recently embraced it.

When applied to cleaning, the one-minute rule encourages easy ways to straighten up. Think: putting that dirty dish in the dishwasher, or giving your bathroom mirror a quick swipe after brushing your teeth. Instead of focusing on deep cleans or tackling big projects in a single sitting, these micro-cleans prevent messes from spiraling. It’s about small acts of maintenance, not transforming your space in one fell swoop.

You'll be surprised at how quickly these micro-moments accumulate, too. One chore tackled here, a pair of shoes put away there, and your home will suddenly seem cleaner and less cluttered—not because you spent hours scrubbing, but because you made space for mini, bite-sized tasks.

How to Apply the One-Minute Rule to Your Cleaning Routine

Dust pan and broom — Credit:
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images

The beauty of the one-minute rule is in its simplicity. There’s no list-making or schedule to stick to. But you can make the practice even easier on yourself (and more impactful) by taking inventory of your habits. Pay attention to the tasks you typically put off. Do you leave clothes on the floor after changing? Stack dishes in the sink? Ignore spots on the mirror? Chances are, many of these tasks can be done with less than a minute of effort.

Also, keep supplies within reach to make it easier to act in the moment. (If the tools are nearby, you'll have a better chance of follow-through.) For example, if you keep a microfiber cloth near the bathroom sink, it’ll take less than a minute to give surfaces a quick wipe.

Don't Miss

Swedish Death Cleaning Isn't as Scary as It Sounds—Here's Why You Should Try It

9 Things You Should Clean Every Day

Clean, modern kitchen with black accents

Examples of One-Minute Cleaning Tasks:

Need a little inspiration? Here are a few everyday tasks that almost always take less than 60 seconds to complete, but can have a big impact on the cleanliness and feel of your space.

Wipe down your stovetop after cooking
Fold throw blankets
Toss dirty laundry into the hamper
Return shoes to the closet or shoe rack
Run a disinfectant wipe over light switches or doorknobs
Wipe down the bathroom mirror with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner
Clear off your nightstand
Refill the soap dispenser
Swap out dish or hand towels
Sweep up crumbs from under the table or counter

None of these tasks are time-consuming, but together, they can prevent bigger messes and help you tidy your home sans burnout. So the next time you're tempted to walk past that out-of-place item or leave a dish in the sink, consider the one-minute rule: If it takes less than a minute, just do it. Your future self will thank you.