Cleaning Habits for a Tidy House

by | Mar 27, 2024 | Organization

Last Updated Nov 11, 2024
Habits of Cleanliness

Forming good cleaning habits is essential for keeping a clean home!

Keeping a Clean Home

Keeping a clean home isn’t as difficult as most people think.

Those who struggle with clutter and cleanliness are likely just stuck in a pattern of bad habits.

That said, if getting your home in order and keeping it that way is something you truly want to experience it’s officially time to shift your main focus to good habit forming.

I call this the art of tidying up.

The Art of Tidying Up

The art of tidying up begins with positive thinking while forming good cleaning habits and eventually comes full circle once those habits are implemented into daily life.

The Art of Tidying Up

Changing your mindset and mastering this skill can completely overhaul your life.

That said, it won’t be easy for everyone.

While this skill came naturally to me and was easily formed over the years, this won’t be a reality for most.

Forming Cleaning Habits

Forming good cleaning habits takes both time and consistency.

That said, having support from loved ones willing to practice these habits alongside you can be incredibly beneficial as well.

Whether you are starting this journey on your own, or you plan to walk it with your family, figuring out where to start is vital.

 

 

Important Cleaning Habits

While I consider all 6 of these cleaning habits essential for keeping a clean home, picking one or two to focus on is a great place to start.

Check out all 6 cleaning habits below.

  • Stay in Maintenance Mode

This will always be my number 1 tip for anyone who wants to keep on top of clutter, household management, and cleaning tasks.

If you stay in maintenance mode throughout the day, you will likely be able to stay on top of all your daily tasks.

Thus making your home cleaner and your life less stressful.

Maintenance Mode

That said, performing maintenance tasks during the day will not automatically make your house clean.

While yes, it will appear more tidy and put together overall, you will still need to tackle deep cleaning tasks and chores from time to time.

Practicing the art of staying in maintenance mode simply keeps the daily cutter at bay, allowing you to focus on deeper cleaning tasks without the need to clear the clutter first.

For example, when Saturday rolls around and I want to deep clean my kitchen, I will be a lot more productive if I don’t have to do 2 days’ worth of dishes, go through last week’s mail, and clean 4-day old food from the stove and counter first.

Taking care of daily messes and cleaning up as we go along, means I can put my focus on larger tasks such as dusting, mopping, and organizing.

  • Clean up After Every Task

This is every mom’s (and sometimes wife’s) biggest battle.

While I truly think this cleaning habit should be a no-brainer for everyone, I know for a fact that it’s not.

I live in a house full of people who love to prove this fact to me all the time.

Cleaning Habit Cleaning Up After Tasks

That said, learning to clean up after finishing a task goes hand-in-hand with staying in maintenance mode and can truly change your life forever.

Cleaning up immediately after a task is finished will automatically make your home appear cleaner.

For ultimate success, this habit should be practiced in all areas of your life.

For example, when you finish the task of taking the dog on a walk, part of the finishing process should include putting the leash away, discarding poop bags, cleaning up the dog (if needed), and putting your shoes or jacket away.

Other examples could include tidying up your work desk when you finish working for the day or fluffing pillows and folding blankets after a cozy movie on the couch.

If done daily, these tasks won’t take up much of your time and will become second nature.

  • Be Productive Always

Being productive in both your lazy moments and working moments is essential for keeping up with daily tasks!

I know, being productive when you’re lazy sounds like an oxymoron, but stick with me.

Believe it or not, you can have a crazy workweek and a lazy Sunday while keeping the clutter down.

You simply have to practice this 1 habit.

Productivity

Do something every single time you get up or walk into a new room.

For example, if you’re getting up from your desk to grab a drink from the fridge, fit in a small cleaning task along the way, or put something in its place before heading back to your chair.

This could be as simple as rinsing and putting your empty coffee mug in the sink or it could be a slightly larger task such as wiping down the stove.

Either way, this is seriously one of the earliest cleaning habits I picked up and it makes a world of difference, you guys!

  • Take Cleaning a Step Further

Once you mastered the art of cleaning up after tasks, taking that cleaning one step further will ensure you always have a guest-ready home.

If you are already in the habit of washing the dishes and wiping down the counter after dinner, bravo! This next step shouldn’t be too difficult to master.

First, think of small, mundane, and easy-to-forget tasks that build up creating a nasty mess over time.

For instance, the dish soap bottle.

One Step Further Cleaning Habit

I have recently taken my dishwashing one step further by wiping down the nozzle of the dish soap bottle after each use. This cuts down on the buildup, making the bottle look cleaner and easier to use.

That said, I’ve already gone through the process of going one step further in my dishwashing multiple times over the years and it truly only adds a few minutes to my routine.

For example, I also give the stove a quick wipe down, put away dry dishes, change the kitchen towels, and clear all clutter from the counter after dinner ensuring a clean and tidy kitchen for the morning.

If your goal is to have a thoroughly clean home, this step is vital.

  • Follow a Routine

I’m a huge planner girl and list-keeper, so this cleaning habit is one I will always utilize.

That said, it’s definitely not for everyone.

Daily Cleaning Routine

If you thrive better by winging it, sweet!

However, if you need the added accountability or a visual plan, creating a routine, to-do list, or cleaning schedule is a must!

First, keep yourself in check by following a chore routine or cleaning schedule for daily tasks.

Then, keep a simple list of extras such as big organizational projects and monthly cleaning tasks.

These types of visual aids can help you stay on task no matter your living situation.

For example, we full-time RV, and the cleaning schedule I utilize in our tiny home is very similar to the routine I used in our traditional home.

  • Learn to Minimize

Of all the cleaning habits mentioned, this is the single one that does not come naturally to me.

I love things, you guys!

I love the entire process of getting and using those things too.

The browsing, the buying, the wearing, and the decorating.

Think Minimalistic

However, transitioning to full-time RV living has opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking.

This is the one area I still need to work on and I’m getting better every day.

Things simply don’t matter in the end.

Learning to let go by donating and tossing is hands-down the easiest way to declutter your home and your life.

Teaching Cleaning Habits to Kids

While forming the habits above can help you get your house more in order, having your family on board will help keep it that way.

That said, I know just how much of a battle this can be!

Help Kids Form Good Cleaning Habits

I formed my good cleaning habits, on my own, as a teenager.

So naturally, living in a home with 4 other people who are not naturally tidy wears on me, you guys!

I’m the type of person who can’t sit still around and twiddle my thumbs waiting for things to happen.

Being productive is a way of life for me and I only have 2 choices when it comes to getting the family on board with the cleaning tasks.

I can a) nag them till they do it or b) do it myself.

I’ve done both.

However, I have to say, that nagging in the form of constant reminders is the only thing that shows consistent results.

While yes, doing it myself gets the job done, it also wears me out and completely consumes me.

Implementing a simple chore routine and then going behind my children reminding them to throw away their snack wrappers, put away their shoes, and rinse out their bowls throughout the day is the best way to help them begin that lengthy process of forming good cleaning habits.

It’s not perfect, but it’s all I got, you guys!

Daily Cleaning Habits

If you are still struggling with forming good cleaning habits, I encourage you to give yourself the push you need by picking one of these simple everyday cleaning tasks to focus on.

Then, once you mastered adding one cleaning task to your daily routine, pick another!

Daily Cleaning Tasks

Getting in the habit of one extra cleaning task each day sets you up for success in adding another!

Happy cleaning, you guys!

Cleaning Habits for a Tidy House

Meet the Author

Life & Homeschool Author

Hey guys! I’m Mary, homeschool mom of 3 amazing kiddos.

I’m so excited that you decided to check out my little corner of the world!

If you have been following our journey for any length of time, you already know that I’m obsessed with coffee, organization, and all things simple.

I’m also a huge dog lover and introvert 💗

My homeschool style is very eclectic.

I enjoy a solid mixture of structure and free range. I set goals for myself and my children each week, but I put no pressure on perfection.

We use a wide variety of curriculum in our home.

Some of our current favorites are The Good and the Beautiful, Life of Fred, Beautiful Feet Books, and Lifepac.

While my kids do spend a good amount of time learning at desks, they also spend countless hours exploring their creativity and practicing a little independence.

I love mountains, rainy days, and sitting by the campfire. 

Our family recently relocated to the PNW and we have been enjoying finding new nature spots to explore together 🙌🏼

I can’t wait to connect and share all the things I’ve learned on our new journey! 

Just a Note…

Thanks for checking out the organization portion of the blog! 

Typically summer is the most productive time for my blog. However, our family is currently living in temporary housing and we do not see an end in sight (thank you housing marking 😪) — meaning my workspace & supplies to produce quality content it extremely limited.

I am still working, but it’s nothing like normal.

As always, we appreciate your patience! 

If you enjoyed this article or simply want to see more of our journey, feel free to follow us on social media for more frequent updates.

You can find all of our social accounts below!

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Don’t forget to check out our Facebook group too!

This group is open to all homeschool moms.

Whether you are already knee-deep in your homeschool journey or just dipping your toes in — all homeschool moms are welcome!

Looking forward to connecting! Simply Be Wild & Free Life + Homeschool Blog

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Meet the Author

Life & Homeschool Author

Hey guys! I’m Mary, homeschool mom of 3 amazing kiddos.

I’m so excited that you decided to check out my little corner of the world!

If you have been following our journey for any length of time, you already know that I’m obsessed with coffee, organization, and all things simple.

I’m also a huge dog lover and introvert 💗

My homeschool style is very eclectic.

I enjoy a solid mixture of structure and free range. I set goals for myself and my children each week, but I put no pressure on perfection.

We use a wide variety of curriculum in our home.

Some of our current favorites are The Good and the Beautiful, Life of Fred, Beautiful Feet Books, and Lifepac.

While my kids do spend a good amount of time learning at desks, they also spend countless hours exploring their creativity and practicing a little independence.

I love mountains, rainy days, and sitting by the campfire. 

Our family recently relocated to the PNW and we have been enjoying finding new nature spots to explore together 🙌🏼

I can’t wait to connect and share all the things I’ve learned on our new journey! 

Just a Note…

Thanks for checking out the organization portion of the blog! 

Typically summer is the most productive time for my blog. However, our family is currently living in temporary housing and we do not see an end in sight (thank you housing marking 😪) — meaning my workspace & supplies to produce quality content it extremely limited.

I am still working, but it’s nothing like normal.

As always, we appreciate your patience! 

If you enjoyed this article or simply want to see more of our journey, feel free to follow us on social media for more frequent updates.

You can find all of our social accounts below!

FacebookInstagramPinterest

Don’t forget to check out our Facebook group too!

This group is open to all homeschool moms.

Whether you are already knee-deep in your homeschool journey or just dipping your toes in — all homeschool moms are welcome!

Looking forward to connecting! Simply Be Wild & Free Life + Homeschool Blog

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