‘It is what it is.’ Those are the words I hear from so many women as they surrender to the never-ending mess in their homes.
The good news is keeping a clean house just got a whole lot easier.
This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn from qualifying purchases.
6 Brilliant Secrets to Keeping a Clean House
Keeping a clean house is just part of life. While we may dread the seemingly mundane tasks, there’s a lot we can do the simplify the process and make it more manageable.
When I stop to consider how I keep a consistently tidy home, I identified what I consider my six secrets to keeping my own home clean.
What is a Clean House?
The first secret is to shift our mindset and establish our own definition of clean.
Regarding mindset, I know we sometimes wonder if we’re lazy because we don’t feel like cleaning the house. You’re not lazy. We only have the mental capacity and physical ability to do so much before we meet our threshold. More often than not, cleaning is the first thing to go. I share that to say, you’re not alone.
Next, take some time to decide what clean means to you.
As I discuss in Home on Purpose: Mindful Living in a Hectic World, you get to create your own definition of clean, and it’s up to you what should be cleaned daily. I encourage you to pick the tasks that matter most to you as you create your own cleaning routine.
My definition of clean is picked up and tidy.
Once you have a clear definition, it’s much easier to make cleaning a priority.
Declutter Your Home
The second secret to keeping a clean home is to declutter. Not having to keep up with items you no longer need or want makes cleaning house so much easier.
Decluttering your home isn’t going to happen all at once. But, you can work on it room by room until the clutter is gone. If you need help, I highly recommend the Declutter-in-a-day-Challenge.
It’s designed to guide you through the decluttering process step-by-step, without any judgement. Because clutter happens.
Once the clutter is clear, you’ll have space for everything and be able to put everything in its place as you tidy up.
Identify Clutter Zones
Every home has clutter zones. And nothing can make you feel more defeated in keeping a clean home.
It’s usually the most high traffic areas like the entryway/mudroom/foyer, and any counter or surface that attracts the most clutter. Those areas tend to get taken over by shoes, jackets, backpacks, paper piles and who knows what else you’d find if you went looking.
The best way to tackle that clutter is to create organization systems for the people and paper clutter. I created Chaos to Calm help you do just that.
Organize Your Cleaning Supplies
Secret number three is keeping your cleaning supplies organized.
You can create a cleaning caddy that is stored in a centrally located area. Or you can keep bathroom cleaners organized under the bathroom sink and kitchen cleaners stored under the kitchen sink.
Organize your cleaning supplies in a way that makes it easy to grab and go.
Create Morning Rituals
The next secret to keeping a clean home (that’s secret number four if you’re counting) is to maintain a daily cleaning routine. I’m not talking about heavy duty cleaning, nor do I mean cleaning all day. Instead, I prefer to divide basic cleaning tasks between morning and evening.
My morning rituals set the stage for the day, boosting my mood and productivity.
Make Your Bed in the Morning
When you get up for the day, pull your bedding back to let your sheets air out. Sometimes, I also spray my sheets with a linen spray.
Once I do that, I make my way into the bathroom to brush my teeth and get dressed for the day. I make my bed on my way out of my bedroom after getting dressed.
I know some people say they prefer a messy bed, but I’m going to challenge that.
What really happens is you get used to having a messy bed and it becomes background noise; visual clutter that you don’t necessarily notice on a conscious level, but that your brain takes note of every time you pass it. This small act unwittingly taps into your mental and emotional energy, draining your capacity to focus.
On the other hand, making your bed makes your bedroom feel like the restful retreat that it is meant to be. And, it’s so much more inviting to climb into a made bed at the end of a long day.
Quick-Tidy the Bathroom
Before leaving the bathroom, I recommend picking up dirty laundry, putting away anything left out on the counter, and wiping down the sink and mirror. This takes just a few minutes, especially if you have an organizing system for toiletries and beauty products.
One of my favorite organizing methods is the daily basket. This basket contains everything (and only the things) you need to get ready each day. The basket is easy grab while you’re getting dressed, then to put away when you’re done.
An alternative to the daily basket is to have a daily drawer.
Do one load of laundry each day
I find it’s very easy to grab a load of laundry to take with you on your way out of the bedroom.
Doing just one load a day makes doing laundry more manageable. The key is to wash, dry, fold and put away the clean laundry over the course of the day so it doesn’t start to pile up and take over. (This is what I struggle with the most.)
Depending on your household, you might need to do two loads a day, or you may be able to skip a day or two.
And that’s your morning. The house feels clean, you look good, and you’ve got the whole day ahead of you!
Now for the evening routine.
Establish an Evening Declutter Routine
My fifth and favorite secret to keeping a clean house is our evening tidy up routine. This is such a simple and quick practice that resets your home from the day and gives you a clean slate for the morning.
Clear Clutter from all Surfaces
I prefer to do this at night right before we go to bed. It only takes a few minutes, especially if everyone in the family is responsible for putting away their belongings and messes. Involving everyone in your household is key to success with any routine.
Quick-Tidy the Kitchen
After dinner, wipe down the kitchen counters, sweep the floor and empty the sink of all dishes. Depending on your kids’ ages, they can be responsible for kitchen clean up.
Fluff the Throw Pillows and Blankets
As you walk through the living room on your way to bed, put all of the throw pillows and blankets back in place, giving the pillows a little fluff. If there are kid toys strewn about, have the children put them away before their bedtime. Now the room is fresh and ready for a new day.
This simple routine is easy to stick to, which is the goal of a good house cleaning routine.
Ask for Help With Cleaning Your Home
My final secret is to delegate. I’ve already touched on this, but it bears repeating because we women tend struggle with asking for help.
Some of the best feedback I ever received was when a friend told me I was doing too much for my family. She then suggested I delegate some chores and give my family more responsibilities.
I can tell you I fretted over it; I didn’t want my daughter to feel overwhelmed.
Turns out she wasn’t.
She told me that she used to feel so mature and grown up for knowing how to do her own laundry. And given my early childhood background, I knew that shared responsibilities provide kids with a sense of ownership and belonging. (It’s one thing to know something professionally and another to implement it as a mom.)
Another option is to hire outside help. I’ve hired cleaning services off and on over the years, and it’s such relief to have the cleaning taken care of.
You could also consider hiring a professional organizer to help you declutter and create organizing systems. I’ve been the organizer and a client in this situation, and I can tell you it’s very worthwhile.
Whether it’s your family or outside help, sometimes having someone to come alongside you is just what it takes to start keeping a clean house.
For more help establishing household routines, read:
- On Sundays We Reset: A Weekly Household Reset Day
- How to Create A Simple Household Schedule You Can Stick To
- How to Create A Weekly Planning Routine That Works for You
Wishing you simplicity and ease in keeping a clean house.
angie says
These are great tips, Sharon. I do some of these, but not all. My biggest weakness is the kitchen. Going to work on it!
Gee says
Luv the tips Sharon. I am a stickler for a tidy home. 20 years ago I left teaching to be a stay at home mom. The baby is 20 🙂 and I am still here. Now I am a stay at home painter and after school (sometimes) grandmother to our dear Bella.
Like you I put my feet on the floor and start to move for the day… getting dressed then making the bed. Then coffee and the rest of the home. The last thing I do at night is pull things back together so in the morning we do not face chaos.
Must have calm!
Hugs, Gee
Cynthia says
Sharon, like your tips. I have been staying home since I got diagnosed 20 some year ago. I have to say the first thing I do is make the bed and take care of the pups and then make sure the kitchen and the bathroom is clean everyday. I then take it from there and clean as I go. I try and do something everyday and in the new house it will be so much better being on one floor!!
Cynthia
Susan says
Great tips, Sharon! If I don’t make the bed, get dressed and ready and put in a load of laundry first thing in the morning, my day just feels more chaotic all day long. But if I get these few things done, I feel like I’m off to a productive start.
Mrs. Hines says
I couldn’t agree more, Susan…of course it’s 2:45 p.m. and I’m still in my underwear. 🙂 I blame it on ADD.
Mrs. Hines says
I like your plan to “take it from there” that’s a good way to put it. Can’t wait for you to be in your new house!! I know you’re excited.
Mrs. Hines says
LOL! We’re two peas in a pod, Gee. ….my baby is 15 and I’m still here… I actually went back to the classroom for a while there, but am home again and couldn’t be happier about that. I think not facing chaos in the morning is key to a good day.
Mrs. Hines says
The kitchen is my biggest weakness, too Angie. We left dishes in the sink last night. 🙁
Sally Hanson says
Great tips!!! But it sounds just like Flylady! Get dressed to lace up shoes is one of her mottos, make the bed, do the bathroom swish and swipe, and she has weekly and daily routines for each room. Read your blog for the first time today and truly enjoyed it – even though I’m a working wife that’s 60 yrs. old, I still struggle to keep my house presentable. Will be visiting this site more often.
Angela says
Wonderful tips Sharon….most of which I do as well. Thank you, tho for saying “clean enough”! When I was younger, I prided myself on keeping a clean home but as I’ve gotten older, I’m settling for “clean enough”! ~~Ang
Mrs. Hines says
Welcome Sally! I’ve heard of Flylady but don’t read her blog. Sounds like I should.
Mrs. Hines says
You and me both!
Anonymous says
Great article Sharon & thanks so much for the shout-out!
Warmly, Michelle
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust
Mrs. Hines says
I loved your post, Michelle…had to share it!
Jeanette says
Except for the laundry I doing good on these! Takes 15 minutes each day for me, of course, except for that laundry! Thank you Sharon! ~Jeanette
Mrs. Hines says
Taking some time for you is very important! I try to do that too.
Inspire Me Heather says
Great tips, thanks! I have to have my house tidy before I leave it too, I don’t like coming home after a long day to do more work.
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
Agree – and on the nights when I’m not falling asleep on the sofa – I definitely (try) to do this! And I can’t live with an unmade bed – the rest of the room can be in complete chaos but if the bed is made I feel better!
Kelly
Mrs. Hines says
me too, Kelly…a made bed covers a multitude of sins!
Mrs. Hines says
I feel the same way..it’s so much more pleasant to come home to a tidy home instead of seeing a “to-do” list when you walk in the door. But I had a much harder time keeping up when I was still teaching. I think it was more of a time management issue than anything else.
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
Great advice! I always make my bed for exactly the reasons you noted above. There’s just something about a made bed that makes it all seem straight and clean.
Mrs. Hines says
indeed!
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Great tips, Sharon! I think it takes me 20 minutes to finally get to bed after I walk around the house straightening things up and fluffing pillows. 😉
xoxo
Denyse
Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline says
Wonderful tips, Sharon. Thanks so much for sharing them.
Mrs. Hines says
Me too..sometimes I get distracted and start decorating…and then I end up staying up all night. 🙂
Mrs. Hines says
Anytime..these are my favorite kinds of tips to share.
Julie Urtel-Fiato says
Totally agree, great tips, and I do all of them! 🙂
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
Great ideas… I really do need to create an “everyday cleaning routine” and this is definitely manageable.
Mrs. Hines says
Maryann, this has been so manageable. I feel like it sets me up for success and I feel so productive at the end of the day.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Awesome tips!! 🙂
Mrs. Hines says
They’re awesome if they work and so far so good! 😉
Jen @ Migonis Home says
Dynamite tips! I use them too… it’s amazing how spending a couple of minutes making the bed or picking up after yourself can do wonders for how the house looks!
Mrs. Hines says
Thank you, Jen. It makes all the difference, doesn’t it.
laurie says
Great tips, Sharon. Thank you for sharing these. laurie