Hello, Domestic Darlings! If you’ve been wondering about the Fly Lady cleaning system that so many homemakers rave about, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to uncover how this renowned cleaning system works and why it’s been a game-changer for countless homes around the world.
Whether you’re a working mom, a stay-at-home homemaker, or even a busy single gal, my mission at Domestic Daydreams is to help you create a home that feels like the safe haven you and your loved ones deserve. While I do have my own cleaning routine inspired by the charming 1950s, I firmly believe that no single method works for everyone, and my goal is to help you discover what does work for you. Enter the Fly Lady system — a tried-and-true method that just might be the ticket to transforming your home.
If you’re ready to find out what makes this system tick and whether it’s the right fit for you, grab a cup of tea (or coffee), and let’s get started!
Who is Fly Lady?
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, you might be asking, “Who on earth is Fly Lady?” Well, Fly Lady is actually Marla Cilley, a cleaning coach who launched FlyLady.net back in 1999. Her mission? To help overwhelmed homemakers reclaim their homes from what she calls “CHAOS” (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome).
Marla’s method took the internet by storm and remains a go-to system for many women struggling with clutter, lack of routine, or feeling out of control in their home. Her approach centers around simple, consistent habits and routines that add up to big changes over time.
The Fly Lady Routines
At the heart of the Fly Lady system are her daily routines, broken into three parts: morning, afternoon (optional), and evening. Here’s how each one works and what they involve:
Morning Routine
This routine sets the tone for your day and includes quick, actionable tasks to help you feel in control right from the start:
Flylady’s Morning Routine
It’s simple and straightforward but designed to give you a sense of accomplishment before tackling the day.
- Make the bed
- Get dressed to lace-up shoes (yes, lace-ups so you’re less tempted to lounge!)
- Swish and Swipe (a speedy wipe down of your bathroom sink, counter, and toilet to keep things fresh)
- Start a load of laundry
- Empty the dishwasher
- Check your calendar
Afternoon Routine (Optional)
Flylady’s Afternoon Routine
The afternoon routine focuses on keeping the momentum going:
- Drink water (she loves a little self-care!)
- Ask yourself, “What’s for dinner?” to plan ahead
- Reboot laundry (transfer to dryer, fold, or put away as needed)
- 15 minutes of zone cleaning (we’ll explain this in just a moment!)
Evening Routine
By wrapping up the day with these steps, you set yourself up for success tomorrow.
Flylady’s Evening Routine
Ending the day on a productive note is a game-changer in keeping your home running smoothly. Fly Lady’s evening routine includes:
- Shine your sink (a signature Fly Lady step—wash, dry, and polish your sink each night!)
- Set up a Launchpad (gather items like keys, wallets, or bags that you’ll need the next day and put them in one spot)
- Lay out tomorrow’s clothes
- Clear hot spots (areas in your home that collect clutter, like a chair in your bedroom or an entryway table)
- Check your calendar
- Go to bed at a reasonable hour
By wrapping up the day with these steps, you set yourself up for success tomorrow.
The Zone System
One of the genius elements of the Fly Lady method is her zone cleaning system. The idea is simple but effective: break your home into five zones and focus on just one zone each week for deep cleaning or decluttering. This prevents overwhelming marathon cleaning sessions and ensures that no part of your home is neglected.
Zones Overview
- Zone 1: Entrance, front porch, and dining room (the first few days of each month)
- Zone 2: Kitchen and pantry
- Zone 3: Main bathroom + one extra room
- Zone 4: Master bedroom, bath, and closet
- Zone 5: Living room, den, and family room
During zone time, Fly Lady recommends setting a timer for just 15 minutes each day. Whether you’re decluttering or scrubbing, this focused time makes it manageable and surprisingly effective.
Weekly Tasks
Fly Lady also assigns key tasks to specific days, creating a rhythm to your week that removes decision fatigue. Here’s how she breaks it down:
- Monday: Weekly Home Blessing Hour (a quick 1-hour speed clean—more details below!)
- Tuesday: Plan and Play (plan your week and do something fun for yourself!)
- Wednesday: Anti-Procrastination Day (tackle something you’ve been putting off)
- Thursday: Errand Day (combine trips for groceries, pharmacy runs, etc.)
- Friday: Car and Purse Day (clean out your car and handbag to keep clutter at bay)
This structure means you know exactly what to focus on each day, helping you stay on top of essential tasks.
Weekly Home Blessing Hour
On Mondays, you’ll devote just one hour to basic cleaning. Fly Lady’s checklist includes vacuuming, mopping, dusting, changing sheets, emptying garbages, and polishing mirrors. It’s designed to be quick and efficient, giving you a tidy baseline for the rest of the week.
Fly Lady’s 31 Baby Steps
If you’re new to the Fly Lady method, she recommends starting with her 31 Baby Steps. These are small, daily habits that gradually build into a full routine. A key example? “Shine your sink.”
Other steps include decluttering hot spots, checking your calendar daily, and setting up routines for laundry and dishes. It’s all about making incremental progress without overwhelm.
Is Fly Lady Right for You?
The Fly Lady system works beautifully for many people, especially stay-at-home homemakers who can schedule routine tasks throughout the day. However, as a working mom myself, I’ve found it a bit too time-intensive, which led me to create my own streamlined routine that fits better with my life.
That said, Fly Lady’s focus on routines, decluttering, and community-building has earned her a loyal following—and for good reason! If you’re curious, you can check out her website, FlyLady.net, for more details.
Final Thoughts
Fly Lady’s system is all about progress over perfection. Whether you’re drowning in CHAOS or just looking to tweak your cleaning approach, her routines and systems might be exactly what you need to bring a sense of calm and order to your home.
Have you tried the Fly Lady method? What’s your favorite cleaning system? I’d love to hear in the comments! And if you’re still searching for the right fit, stay tuned for more system breakdowns and tips here at Domestic Daydreams.
Until next time, darling homemakers! 💕