It’s no secret that I don’t enjoy cleaning. To me, it feels like a time-consuming, tiring, thankless job. Although I realize that it’s a necessary evil, I’d much rather spend that time doing, well, just about anything else. Perhaps what bothers me the most about cleaning is that it’s never finished! Especially in our house with kids and pets, cleaning is a never-ending cycle.
If this is you too, and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of keeping your house pristine, I’ve got some good news for you. It doesn’t have to be a back-breaking chore or take up your whole weekend. I’ve developed a simple system that keeps your home in a constant state of “good enough” clean with just 30 minutes a day. Here’s how to make it work for you.
Shift Your Mindset About Cleaning
This might sound obvious, but how you feel about cleaning will determine the outcome of your experience – and it’s totally within your control. There’s a social media trend going around that really hit me in the feels about this one – they talk about what a privilege it is to have healthy mouths to feed and a house made messy by happy, playful kids.
Changing how you view cleaning can transform it from a tedious chore into an empowering activity. This shift in perspective can significantly reduce stress and improve your mood, making the process more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Embrace the 30-Minute Cleaning Philosophy
Forget the marathon cleaning sessions. They’re exhausting and stressful and leave you dreading (and procrastinating) the next cleaning session. The key to a consistently clean home is quick daily maintenance. Spending just 30 minutes a day can prevent dirt and clutter from building up, and it’s easier too.
Tools of the Trade: Make Cleaning Easier
Using the right tools can make all the difference in your cleaning routine. Whether it’s a high-powered vacuum or a simple microfiber cloth, choosing tools that fit your needs can save you time and effort. Keep your supplies handy in each room to avoid wasting time gathering what you need before each cleaning session. Here are my personal must-haves (these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase directly from them at no additional cost to you):
- Large electric spin brush
- Small electric spin brush
- A good spray cleaner. My favorites are:
- Shower and tub cleaner (the ONLY one I like is Scrubbing Bubbles)
- Glass cleaner spray
- Microfiber cloth(s)
- Paper towels
- Disinfectant wipes
- Baking soda
- Carpet and upholstery stain remover
And if you have the financial ability to spend more, then I highly recommend in investing in some higher-end tools:
- Robot vacuum for each floor level
- Robot mop for hard floors
- Robot litter box for cats
- Handheld steamer
Integrate Cleaning into Your Daily Life
Make cleaning a seamless part of your daily routine by with small behavior changes. Simple habits like cleaning the dishes right after dinner or wiping down the bathroom sink after use can keep your space perpetually tidy with minimal effort. This approach not only keeps your home cleaner but also helps set these habits into your lifestyle. And bonus, no more rushing to clean when you’re expecting guests, because your home will always be clean enough.
Celebrate Small Wins and Maintain Flexibility
The goal is progress, not perfection. Celebrate the small wins, like clearing clutter from the countertops, and don’t beat yourself up over occasional slip-ups. Life is unpredictable, and flexibility in your routine will help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
A Journey of Well-Being
Cleaning is more than just about having a spotless home; it’s about supporting your well-being and creating a peaceful environment where you can thrive. With the strategies laid out in this guide, you’re well on your way to transforming your relationship with cleaning and enjoying a cleaner, happier home.
Whether you’re starting fresh or getting back on track, these strategies can help set up a routine that saves you time and stress. If this system resonates with you, check out our full ebook The Easy Clean, which goes into more detail on these concepts. It also includes a day-by-day calendar with the exact tasks you should complete each day and my tips for competing them with minimal effort.
