My usual cleaning routine goes something like this: I constantly remind myself to clean, feel annoyed every time I notice the dusty baseboards or the streaky mirror, delay it for several more days, and then finally dive into an all-day cleaning spree. It’s not exactly the best way to stay on top of cleaning, and I know I need to improve. But honestly, I don’t want to spend a ton of time scrubbing, dusting, and vacuuming.
I want a clean home, but I’m not eager to work too hard for it, if you get what I mean. So, to balance my lazy tendencies with my desire for cleanliness, I’ve found a few tricks that motivate me to clean without much effort. This is basically the lazy person’s guide to a clean house with minimal work.
First, try pairing cleaning with something you already do daily. I know cleaning isn’t a task you’re excited to add to your to-do list, but it becomes easier when you bundle it with another daily activity, like brushing your teeth or showering. For example, after finishing your nightly skincare routine, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down the bathroom counter and sink. Or keep a cleaning spray in the shower and give it a quick spray after stepping out. By connecting cleaning with activities you’re already doing, it becomes a natural part of your routine.
Another easy trick is to clean during those little moments of downtime. If you’ve got a few minutes before dinner is ready or while waiting for a delivery, instead of scrolling through your phone, use that time to clean a small area, like the kitchen counter, TV stand, or entryway rug. Just pick a task that can be done in a few minutes. When you clean like this, it doesn’t feel like a chore—you’re just filling in spare time.
One way to make cleaning easier is by keeping supplies handy. Store cleaning products in several spots around your home so they’re within reach. I keep a container of wipes, some glass cleaner, and paper towels under the bathroom sink so I can clean the mirror or counter as soon as I notice they’re dirty. I also have a small vacuum upstairs that helps trick my brain into thinking, “Well, since it’s right here, I might as well vacuum!” This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying.
Using containers to organize things is another lazy-person hack that instantly makes any space look cleaner. Have a mess of beauty products under the bathroom sink or a cluttered kitchen cabinet full of snacks? Toss them into containers, and voilà, instant organization! You can even buy matching bins for a neater look and sort everything by category—one bin for skincare, one for makeup, and another for hair products.
A fun way to motivate yourself to clean is by combining it with something you enjoy. Whether it’s listening to a podcast or turning on your favorite show, make it something you only do while cleaning. That way, it becomes a reward. Want to hear the next episode of that true-crime series? Time to start cleaning!
Finally, try incorporating small cleaning tasks into your daily routine. Just a few extra minutes here and there can make a big difference. For instance, tidy up your workspace at the end of the day before leaving your desk. After dinner, wash the dishes or load the dishwasher before crashing on the couch. And when you turn off the TV for the night, take a moment to straighten up the living room.
By doing a little cleaning every day, you’ll save yourself from needing to do a big, exhausting clean later on. With these simple tricks, you can keep your home clean without a lot of effort. Perfect for those of us who want a tidy space without spending all day scrubbing.
Ndewoo!