How to Get Motivated to Clean: 5 Simple Tips

How much do you want to get up and clean right now? I’m guessing on a scale from 1 to 10, you’re feeling like a -1 to 2, tops? I know there are some weirdos out there who actually LOVE cleaning, but I’m not one of them. In fact, feeling motivated to clean can be tough, especially on days when anything else seems more appealing. If you have no idea how to get started when the house needs to be cleaned, stick with me and I’ll let you in on my favorite tips to get motivated!

A Couple of Quick Tips to Get You Motivated to Clean

Sometimes all you need is to give yourself a deadline or gamify it. You can try setting a timer for 15 minutes which can provide that push, helping you tackle cleaning tasks and see quick results. This simple strategy can make a big difference in your motivation to clean by transforming large, time consuming tasks into more manageable ones, using smaller amounts of time.

Creating an enjoyable environment can also make cleaning feel less like a chore. Think about playing your favorite music or watching some motivating TikTok or YouTube clean-with-me videos.

Breaking down your cleaning into smaller zones or spaces can prevent overwhelm. Often, the thought of cleaning the entire house is what holds you back. Instead, focus on one area at a time. This can make the process feel less intimidating and more achievable.

It also may help to realize that a cleaner house could have a direct impact on your mental health. If you feel stressed out, overwhelmed or anxious, cleaning up your home could have a very positive effect.

Now, let’s get into the details!

1. Setting Up Your Cleaning Routine

Organizing your cleaning tasks can make them feel less overwhelming. A schedule, a cleaning kit, and a checklist can help streamline your chores and make your space sparkle.

Creating a Cleaning Schedule

A cleaning schedule helps you stay on track and avoid letting messes pile up. Start by wiping down surfaces daily and vacuuming at least once a week. Use a calendar or an app to plan which tasks you do each day or week. Be sure to balance the workload; maybe you vacuum on Mondays and clean the bathroom on Wednesdays. If you have other people in your home, they can also be involved in the scheduling and cleaning.

Break larger chores into smaller tasks so they are easier to tackle. You can assign different tasks to specific days or times. This makes cleaning less of an all-day event and more of a regular habit.

Assembling Your Cleaning Kit

Having a well-prepared cleaning kit can save you time and effort. Gather all the supplies you use regularly, like all-purpose cleaners, microfiber cloths, dusters, sponges, and gloves. Consider using a caddy or bucket to keep everything handy and mobile.

Organize your supplies so that you can easily find and grab what you need. Your kit should include specific items for each type of cleaning job. This way, you aren’t running around searching for things while trying to clean.

Establishing a Cleaning Checklist

A cleaning checklist ensures you don’t miss any spots. Write down all the tasks you want to complete, breaking them up by room. For example, you might list vacuuming, clearing surfaces and dusting for the living room.

A checklist can also include items that are not done daily, like fridge cleaning or oven scrubbing. Checking items off as you go provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Use checklists to track your progress and see what else needs attention. You might not get everything on the list done in one week or even a month, but you will clearly see what things you still need to do as you go. This will make your cleaning routine thorough and effective.

2. Getting Motivated to Clean by Tracking Progress

Getting motivated to clean can be tough, but there are fun ways to inspire yourself. Using before and after pictures and taking part in cleaning challenges can make a big difference in your motivation. Small wins and tracking progress can help you feel accomplished and less overwhelmed.

The Power of Before and After Pictures

One way to boost your cleaning motivation is by using before and after pictures. Try taking a photo of a messy area before you start cleaning. Once you’ve finished, snap another picture of the same spot. This visual reminder can help you see your progress and feel proud of what you’ve done.

It’s amazing to notice the changes and improvements you can make in your home when you’re motivated to clean and maintain it. Sharing these pictures with friends or on social media can add an extra layer of motivation to help you keep up with your cleaning tasks. When others see your work, they might even feel motivated themselves!

Cleaning Challenges and Progress Tracking

Participating in cleaning challenges can be a fun way to get motivated. You can start small by setting daily or weekly goals, like tidying a room or decluttering a shelf. Tracking your achievements can help you see how far you’ve come and encourage you to keep going.

A simple chart or checklist can help you keep track of your progress. You might even find the satisfaction of checking off tasks boosts your energy. Some people enjoy friendly competition with family or friends, turning cleaning into a fun game. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it about creating good consistent habits. Each task completed is a step towards a cleaner space.

3. Incorporating Fun into Cleaning

Finding ways to make cleaning fun can transform a dull task into something enjoyable. Listening to upbeat music, podcasts, or audiobooks are excellent ways to create a lively atmosphere for cleaning.

Upbeat Music and Cleaning Playlists

Rocking out and singing at the top of my lungs….yes please! Rocking out and singing at the top of my lungs while scrubbing the toilet? Not as fun, but honestly still fun enough to get the job done with a smile on my face. Creating a cleaning playlist with your favorite upbeat music can bring energy to your cleaning routine. Songs with fast tempos and catchy tunes can help keep you motivated. Making cleaning time fun time!

Consider organizing your playlist to match the time you plan to clean. A 30-minute playlist could include hits from different genres to keep things interesting. You might even discover new music that makes you look forward to tidying up. Clear a section of your day to dedicate to cleaning and jamming out to some tunes.

Listening to Podcasts and Audiobooks

Podcasts and audiobooks offer a way to make cleaning feel productive. Whether you enjoy mysteries, self-help, or comedy, there’s always something to match your mood. Tune into a gripping podcast episode or a captivating audiobook to make time fly as you clean.

Select content that keeps you engaged while allowing you to focus on the task. Some people prefer light-hearted storytelling, while others might choose motivational topics. Use this time to catch up on a series you love or to explore new genres. Cleaning can become an opportunity to learn new things, making the process much more satisfying.

4. Use Practical Tips to Kickstart Your Cleaning

Jumping into a big cleaning job can be difficult, especially when you feel overwhelmed. Try starting with small tasks and using effective methods to get rolling. The Pomodoro Technique can help you focus, while regular tidying keeps your space neater over time.

Starting Small Using the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a helpful tool to use in all areas of life, but I particularly like it for cleaning. Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. This method keeps you focused and can make cleaning less of a drag. Having a built in break every 25 minutes is a helpful reminder to do a little self care as well. Maybe drink some water or tea, do some gentle stretching or put on a skincare mask.

When you’re faced with a mountain of chores, starting small can make a big difference. Pick one small area to clean, like a countertop or desk. This makes the task more easily doable and gives you a quick win that boosts your confidence. Breaking tasks into smaller ones also helps you stay motivated.

Tidying Up Regularly for Maintenance

Keeping your home neat and tidy doesn’t have to be a big event. Regular, small efforts go a long way. Spending just a few minutes each day cleaning can prevent big messes and keep your space neat.

Consider making certain tasks part of your daily routine. For example, you could make it a habit to wipe down surfaces before bed or put away clothes as soon as you take them off. These small daily actions add up and help maintain a clean environment. This way, cleaning becomes practically effortless rather than a dreaded chore.

5. Leveraging Social Commitments

If you want my number one tip for how to get motivated to clean, here it is: Invite friends over! You can get motivated to clean by using social commitments to your advantage. Inviting someone over soon will encourage you to clean up beforehand.

Having a guest visit is a great way to motivate yourself to clean. Knowing someone will soon see your home can push you to clean up areas you might normally ignore. Start by setting a specific date and time for the visit. This deadline will help you plan when and what to clean.

Before your guest arrives, try focusing on common areas like the living room or kitchen. Being proud of how your place looks when friends visit can provide positive reinforcement, making future cleaning tasks feel a bit more “worth it”.

What Cleaning Motivation Tip Will You Use?

Getting motivated to clean doesn’t have to be a totally uphill battle. By implementing these five tips— establishing a routine, tracking progress, incorporating some fun into the process, using a timer and inviting over guests—you can get motivated to clean and hopefully have fun while doing it! Try one of them today and see how taking that first step really does help you get started. If you try any of these tips, please let me know, in the comments below, how it worked for you!