15 Ideas for How to Motivate Yourself to Clean

15 ideas for how to motivate yourself to clean.

Cleaning. It is something we all have to do. But sometimes it can be a struggle. Which is made even more challenging if you are tired or busy or have other things going on. I feel ya!

I have been there where the house needs to be cleaned but I was tired, my motivation was low, and it was a struggling.

During those low energy days, hello staying up most of the night with a newborn, I would do a few of the ideas I have listed below.

Whether you are having a high-energy day or a low-energy day. I hope my motivational tips help you out! If you try one or two of the ideas and let me know how it goes for you.

BEST Advice for Keeping a Clean-ish Home

Focus on progress over perfection.

You might be someone who doesn’t want to start a cleaning task unless it can be done perfectly. Life is not perfect. Rather than get bogged down in perfect instead focus on progress.

Focus on the fact that your home is cleaner now than it was before. So set a timer. Then get working for a bit. Call that good enough!

15 Ideas for How to Motivate Yourself to Clean

1. Set a timer

This has got the be one of my favorite motivational tools. Setting a 15-minute timer. I like to play, race the timer!

See how much cleaning you can get done in a short amount of timer. An added benefit is, you will most likely work up a sweat. A workout and a clean-ish home. Score!

2. Start small

Pick one small task to do. This helps build momentum to continue to clean. Here is a list of a few small cleaning tasks:

• take out the trash
• wipe down the kitchen counters
• load/unload the dishwasher
• empty out old leftover from the refrigerator
• dust the living room
• vacuum/mop the floors
• wipe down the bathroom vanity
• make the bed
• put laundry away

For instance, here is my laundry schedule:

Saturday: Clothes

Sunday: Bedding

Monday: Clothes

Tuesday: Towels

Wednesday: Anything left over (usually kid’s clothes)

3. Set a reminder on your phone

Set a reminder on your phone for a time of day where you know you are more willing to clean. Once the reminder goes off, clean for a bit. Along with this having a schedule could also help you stay motivated.

4. Clean with a friend

Call a friend up. Have both of you clean while chatting to each other. Definitely a good motivator.

5. Piggyback on a habit

Add a cleaning habit into an already well-established habit. For instance, if you always clear the dining room table after eating dinner, then you might add in the cleaning task of wiping down the counters.

I personally enjoy cleaning out the microwave. It’s super easy too:

1. Place a microwavable safe bowl with a cup of water in the microwave.
2. Start the microwave for 2 -3 minutes (long enough to make steam).
3. Leave the warmed up water in the microwave for 5 – 10 minutes
4. Wipe out the microwave with a cleaning rag

6. Earn a reward

Tell yourself that after you finish cleaning, you will earn a special treat. Maybe a favorite dessert or an episode of a favorite tv show?

7. Cleaning Party!

If you live with other people, have everyone help out with the cleaning.

8. Listen to music, or audiobook, or podcast

Nothing quite like some good tunes to help motivate you while you are cleaning. Put on your favorite music and bust a move. Or listen to an audiobook or podcast. Whatever helps encourage you to clean!

9. Avoid distractions

Turn off your phone or television. Resist the allure of a text message or update from a social media app. Stick to your cleaning task.

10. Invite company over

Our home looks the cleanest when we have company coming over. Invite company over and get cleaning before they arrive. Plus you will benefit from some good quality time spent with others.

11. Find your cleaning style

Find a cleaning style that works for you. Cas from Clutter Bug has four different cleaning styles.

*Daily Speed Cleaner: focuses on cleaning for 5-15 minutes throughout the day

*Task Masters: finishes one task at a time for the entire house each day (Ex: Vacuum on Saturday’s)

*Weekend Warrior: spends an hour or two and does all the housework on one day

*Zone Cleaner: cleans one room (or zone) each day

Once you know your preferred cleaning style, you will be able to create a cleaning routine that works with you, not against your natural tendencies.

12. Declutter

This might sound far-fetched but declutter your home. The less you have around in your environment, then the less you have to clean. Which makes you more likely to clean.

So, in the beginning, this might take some time to show improvement in your home. It can help and allows you to feel more motivated to clean.

13. Find cleaning supplies you like to use

For me, I love the smell of lavender. It automatically puts me in a good mood and I smile when I smell the vibrant, delicious smell of lavender. Find cleaning supplies that make you feel good when you use them!

14. Smells of a freshly cleaned home

If you don’t feel like cleaning, focus on how good it will feel once finish a cleaning task. Remind yourself that your home will smell and feel so much cleaner once you are done cleaning.

This last tip is my personal favorite tip for how to motivate yourself to clean:

15. Take before & after photos

I will do this on the days when I am not feeling it. When my motivate is low and I would much rather do other things, like read a great book. So snap a few pictures of your space before and after you clean. Thus, it will help encourage you to get started.

Common Questions about How to Motivate Yourself to Clean:

Where do I start with cleaning when I am overwhelmed?

If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed do the following steps:

1. Take a deep breath.
2. Pick one small area in your home to clean that is bothering you.
3. Set a 5-minute timer.
4. Put your blinders on and only clean that one area in your home.
5. Once you are done with that cleaning task, pick another small area.

Why do I have no motivation to clean?

Honestly, I feel ya! I have two little children who thoroughly enjoy making a mess of our home. But here’s the thing, if you clean, even a little bit now, it will be easier to clean the next time. A cleaning job done is better than a cleaning job not done.

How do I stop being lazy and clean my house?

First of all, be kind to yourself. You are probably tired from working or dealing with kids, or other things going on in your life. Cleaning is something you might struggle with and that is okay.

Second of all, I would say start small. Pick one small area in your home and start there. You don’t need to clean the entire house. Just start with something small and see how far you get.

How to Motivate Yourself to Clean Conclusion:

Whether you enjoy cleaning or have a strong dislike for cleaning. I hope my ideas get you some encouragement and motivation.

I am always looking for more ways to become more motivated to clean. Let me know, what is your favorite way to stay motivated to clean?

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