Learning to Love Cleaning

Hi friends! Cleaning isn’t everyone’s favorite topic, but I’m going to tackle it anyway. To be honest, it wasn’t until last year that I actually started to appreciate cleaning. My mom would nag me about it because she’s always been the #1 cleaner. I swear, her house is spotless and I was always envious. But I mean… I was working 40+ hours a week, too tired by the time I got home, and wanted to enjoy my weekends and not be stuck inside cleaning all day.

I won’t lie – being home makes it a lot easier. And by a lot, I mean 478953 x’s easier. I am very blessed to work in a space where freelancing and working from home is possible. Regardless of the situation, I’ve always implemented some new habits that have helped me to learn to love cleaning. I use the term love pretty loosely – I mean, as much as someone can love it, right? I guess that just translates to: I do not mind cleaning my house and have an easier time keeping up with it due to the tips mentioned below. That sounds about accurate.

Anyways, I thought maybe some of you will find these tips useful or maybe there will be something listed below that you’ve never thought about and will be a game-changer. Because that is pretty much what happened to me when I started reading cleaning tips and watching videos of people cleaning. Enough ramble – let’s get into it.

Make a list.

First and foremost, a list is essential. I write down every task – large or small – to hold myself accountable for the day. As soon as it is on the list, I know that I will have to get to it sooner or later. It’s motivating to see your progress as you go down and check off items. Plus, you won’t forget anything or have to stall and think about your next move. Having a course of action has helped keep me focused.

Invest in cleaning products you love.

If you are not excited about the products, then how do you expect to be excited about the process? I know I am not alone in this (I’m looking at you, Sara) when I say that certain cleaning products and scents can literally motivate you to clean. Honestly, sometimes my friend Sara and I will send pics of our Target baskets filled with new cleaning supplies because the brands make us so happy. Find those products that you truly enjoy – find the scent that makes you want to clean obsessively because it smells SO GOOD.

Some of my favorites are: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day (any and all products in the Basil scent – OMG), Method All-Purpose Spray (grapefruit), Method Daily Shower, Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes (more on these later).

I also used to hate mopping and vacuuming, until I found two really great products that I actually loved to use because they were light-weight and easy. This mop is awesome, because no bucket required. I just add a little of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap to the spray canister with water and get to work. And this vacuum is SO LIGHTWEIGHT and cordless. I actually look forward to these things now!

Blast music or put on TV re-runs.

Some form of entertainment is key and I have two tried and true, depending on my mood. I will either listen to music or throw on some re-runs.

Music is awesome because you can blast it and dance as you go. I know, it’s ridiculous, but it is fun and keeps things interesting.

As for TV re-runs, I always ALWAYS put on The Office because it is my all-time favorite show. It has to be re-runs and something I’ve seen a zillion times or else I might actually sit down and start watching (which… to be honest, has even happened with this show, lol!) But having this show on in the background makes my life and keeps me laughing through the cleaning process. It is so much more bearable!

Keep disinfecting wipes within reach.

This may seem simple, but keeping disinfecting wipes around the house has made it very easy to clean quickly and efficiently. I used to keep all my products under the kitchen sink, and when there was a little mess or some dust in the living room, I would just kinda leave it until the weekend or whenever my “cleaning day” would be. Not anymore! When wipes are literally at your disposal, you don’t have to wait. I do a lot of my cleaning “in the moment” and this helps me keep up with it. So by the end of the week, the house doesn’t take long to clean! Easy upkeep is key, and I found that wipes come in handy for me.

I love these wipes by Seventh generation.

Watch cleaning videos for motivation.

I mentioned above that I would watch videos of people cleaning. Does that sound weird? It’s a normal thing… because thousands of YouTubers actually make these videos and they really do motivate you to get off your ass and clean your house. They share tips, tricks, products they like, etc. Watching these videos honestly was the jumpstart that I needed to stay on top of my own home and find a routine that worked for me. I highly recommend doing a quick search and finding a vlogger you connect with.

Think of cleaning as a workout with an extra reward.

I’ve never been a gym-goer or someone who enjoys exercise in the least. I know that doesn’t sound great, but just being honest. But cleaning is actually a workout. Think of all the scrubbing motions, the walking around with broom/vacuum, the folding… the whole thing of it. Cleaning gets you moving, and aside from being good for your heart rate, it leaves you with a clean and refreshed space. Getting in that mindset actually helped me, and maybe it will help you.

Use an essential oil diffuser.

This is unconventional and maybe it won’t pertain to you, but I love my oil diffuser. It makes the house smell clean and just the smell puts me in the mood to do a little extra. I always turn it on right before I begin my cleaning routines and yes, somehow it motivates me. Will it motivate you? Maybe. But hey, adding it because it works for me!

Plus bonus tip – I love putting a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil down the kitchen sink after cleaning it. It keeps it smelling fresh! Ad somehow, this small and minute act makes me smile. Whatever works!

Carry around a small bin or caddy.

I mean small, nothing crazy. I always carry one with me as I clean – it holds gloves, cleaning cloths, and cleaning products. As I clean, I don’t have to keep running back and forth to grab things. I also use it to collect dirty rags/towels and garbage along the way. Once I am done cleaning, everything is in the bin and it’s easy for me to discard trash and toss all dirty rags in the laundry. No need to run back and forth to trash bins, etc.

I know some of these may seem simple, but these are just a few of the things that have helped me to become a better cleaner and – at the very least – appreciate it. It’s no longer the dreaded chore for me, but something that has just become habit and a part of my everyday routine. I’ve come a long way and that makes me happy.

What are some of your cleaning tips and tricks? More ideas, please! xx bianca