Best Ways to Make Cleaning Simple and Stress-Free

The best ways to make cleaning simple and stress-free is an article showing you how to live in a consistently clean home without spending much time, because who wants to spend precious time cleaning? Not me!

Who wouldn’t want a tidy home without the hassle? Cleaning doesn’t have to be a nasty, dreaded task. With the right approach, it can be straightforward, manageable and stress-free. I’ll show you how.

Imagine having a home that is clutter-free and tidy so when an unexpected guest stops in you don’t get all flustered due to the mess. My friends have a decorative sign posted in their home that reads “Excuse the mess but we live here”.

A ‘lived in’ home is a given and I personally like this look better than a sterile museum looking home. You have to do what is best for you. This is the best part of intentional living, living the way that works best for you. Check out The Power Of Intentional Living & 5 Tips To Get Started!

Making cleaning simple and stress-free starts with simplifying your cleaning routine. You’ll save time and enjoy your space more. Here are some techniques to make this dream a reality.

Essential Cleaning Tools for Simplicity

There is no need to spend a lot of money on cleaning supplies. With so many cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink taking up valuable real estate do you even remember to use them all?

Multi-Functional Cleaning Products

My comfy home looks lived-in, clutter-free, and clean. Would I pass the white-glove test in every corner of every room? NO! There are times there may be a few dust bunnies under the furniture and this is okay with me, I vacuum regularly enough for this not to be an issue.

What is important to me is that my kitchen and bathrooms are always immaculate and that my home is clutter free. Clutter-free makes cleaning so much easier!

My go-to cleaner is a simple solution I make up using vinegar, water, a couple of drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid and a spritz or two of isopropyl alcohol. This cleans 95% of my home.

The bathrooms and some kitchen areas require another product or two like Scrubbing Bubbles and Magic Eraser. Quite a few cleaning products I have tried leave an icky build up and can complicate cleaning.

If you have pets you may need a couple of extra cleaning supplies, although I have two little pups and the only additional cleaner I have is something for the occasional pet accident. My home has no pet odor, I would find this intolerable.

Organizational Tools for Cleaning Supplies

With everything organized, wasted time can be a thing of the past. Who wants to spend precious minutes searching for a cleaning sponge, not me? Keep your supplies organized. Use a caddy or basket in a cabinet, or a dedicated shelf in convenient places for you to access.

When everything is easy to find, you eliminate unnecessary frustration and headaches.

Creating a Daily Cleaning Routine

Consistency is key. A little effort each day prevents clutter from building. By tending to small messes as they occur you eliminate the need for spending big blocks of time and effort to maintain a clean home. Work smarter, not harder!

Time-Saving Cleaning Habits

Simple habits will be your best friend.

• Make your bed part of your morning routine- everyday.
• Tidy the kitchen and bathroom each evening.
• Vacuum regularly.
• While you cook, take a moment to clean the fridge or another small kitchen area.
• Spot clean something every day or as close to daily as you can.

By doing a little bit daily you will keep up with messes and clutter and this makes a big difference.

Cleaning Schedule Examples

Having a cleaning schedule helps distribute tasks throughout the week. For example- consider dedicating Mondays to vacuuming, Tuesdays to the bathroom or laundry, and so on. The tasks feel manageable when spread out, sparing you from intense cleaning marathons.

By making your cleaning routine a habit, the day will come when you don’t think about it, it becomes a simple habit like brushing your teeth.

Decluttering as a Cleaning Strategy

Less stuff means less stress. Decluttering can transform your cleaning process completely. I keep almost nothing on all the flat surfaces of my home – except for shelving reserved as dedicated storage spaces. This makes cleaning so much easier and faster because there is no need to move stuff around.

Effective Decluttering Techniques

Be ruthless, or intentional. Keep only what you need and want to keep. The fewer items you have, the less you have to clean. Try letting go of excess and see if it is not liberating for you. You can always add more items back to the mix.

• Keep flat surfaces free of clutter.
• Always organize like items with like items.
• Keep a spray bottle of cleaner and cleaning rags in different areas around your home.
• Add tasks to your calendar with alerts until these little chores become habit.
• Consider your buying habits. Stop clutter before before it comes into your home. Before you hit the ‘Buy-It-Now’ button be sure you need it and you have space for it.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Space

Adopt a “one in, one out” rule. If you buy something new, discard something old. Ensure each item has a dedicated spot before purchasing. Clutter can’t accumulate if you stay vigilant.

The Pareto rule reminds us that most of us only use about 20% of our possessions 80% of the time.

Mindset and Motivation

You don’t have to dread cleaning. With the right mindset, it can be done quickly and painlessly once you get decluttered and organized.

When I am stressed out my home has an additional sparkle to it because mindless cleaning can be a calming zen-like experience to me. I know, this sounds weird. Hey! Whatever works for you is what you want to do.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Accept that spotless perfection isn’t necessary, unless this is your thing. I find being a recovering perfectionist far more fun!

Focus on making consistent, realistic efforts. This will set you up for success and avoid burnout. Your home is your comfortable safe nest where you come to recharge and relax. Let your space reflect this.

Should I hire a cleaner?

This is up to you. If you hire cleaners they will have an easier time working for you if your home is clutter-free. If you make their job easier they can probably cover a larger area to clean in the allotted time frame.

While cleaning may not be everyone’s favorite task, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Keep it simple. When you clean, aim to be brief, thorough, and then call it done. I have never spent large blocks of time cleaning. I have too many fun things to spend my time on!

For days I don’t feel like doing certain chores I remind myself how fortunate I am to have a beautiful home. Gratitude is an amazing motivational tool! Starting can often be the hardest part when it comes to home maintenance and other things we don’t like doing.

With a few right tools, a simple routine, and a clutter-free organized home, cleaning becomes infinitely easier and stress-free. Adopt a mindful approach, and enjoy the peace that a clean home brings.