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How to Make Cleaning Fun

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June 17, 2019 By Lisa Sharp 1 Comment

Cleaning isn’t the highlight of most homemaker’s days but it’s necessary. Thankfully there are ways to make cleaning fun or at least more fun. Coupons.com is committed to making our lives better and has been kind enough to sponsor this post.

girl in red apron and red rubber gloves cleaning floor with yellow mop

I’ve been talking a lot about steps to keep a tidy and clean home. I shared how to keep a clean home and how to get the rest of the family involved. Now it’s time to talk about making it all a lot more fun.

Especially when you are a full-time homemaker it can all become boring very easily. It seems like you are doing the same thing day after day.

Plus, few people actually enjoy cleaning. I enjoy having a clean home but I wish it would clean itself. Especially dishes and laundry, those are tasks that are never done and I don’t enjoy them.

There are some things we can do to make cleaning more fun and it can also make the time go by quicker. I also find if I’m not bored I work faster and I’m more productive.

How to Make Cleaning Fun

illustration of retro housewife cleaning sink

Listen to Something

Listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook can really help the time go by a lot faster. I usually listen to music but sometimes I will use my cleaning time to listen to a book or podcast. I do like doing both of those things because I feel like I’m multitasking in a very productive way.

As I find myself struggling to make enough time to read as much as I’d like I’m turning to audiobooks more and more. I’ve always enjoyed listening to books, I actually absorb information better that way and it’s so much easier to find the time.

Get Some New Cleaning Supplies

For years I just made my own cleaners or used soapy water. Hot soapy water is still a go-to and making your own is the frugal thing to do but lately, I’ve been buying Mrs. Meyer’s cleaners.

They smell so good and it cuts out a bit of prep time and lately, I’ve been putting more time into work so it’s nice to save time where I can. I also find I’m more motivated to clean when I have a new product or tool I want to try out.

Also having tools that make jobs easier is so nice. When you don’t have the right tools or products jobs are harder and you will get frustrated fast.

Do Something a Bit Extra

This may sound weird, doing more seems like the last thing you want to do. However, taking the time to do something that isn’t needed but makes you happy can help make the whole process more enjoyable.

Put out some fresh flowers, light a candle, redecorate a space, anything that makes your home feel homier to you and makes you happy when you see it.

During the spring months, I love to cut flowers from my yard and put them in vases around the house. It’s free and it makes the house feel cleaner and better for me.

I also will sometimes buy flowers from Trader Joe’s. They are lovely and affordable. I always try to pick types of flowers that last a long time. I have some from two weeks ago that I think I will have to throw out tomorrow but they have been going strong!

woman wearing a '50s style dress, heels, and holding a broom

Keep Decluttering

Nothing will unmotivate you and make cleaning worse more than a cluttered home. I know there is a trend right now to declutter the whole house is one massive decluttering and you may need that but be sure to keep up with it as well.

If possible have a place in your home where things go if you find you no longer need or want something. When whatever you have set up is full, take it to be donated.

If you need a bit of motivation check out Decluttering Your Life with 41 of the Best Home Organization Tips. It’s a great starting point. Don’t forget to get the rest of the family involved as well.

Make it a Race with a Prize

I like to set a timer on my phone and try and beat it. If I do I treat myself to a tv episode, a cup of tea, something relaxing. By beating the timer I have time for that thing and making it a race motivates me to stay on track.

If you have kids or someone else helping you clean you can even race each other and the loser can do something nice for the winner or there can be some kind of prize.

Hire a Housekeeper

This is a homemaking blog so maybe this suggestion will shock you but the former blogger The Glamorous Housewife inspired this post and this is something she talked about and was open about on her blog.

She had a housekeeper and she also had a cleaning company do a deep clean of her house once or twice a year. This is a luxury that most can’t afford but if you can it may be worth considering.

I personally don’t have help and I’m not sure how I feel about it because I’m a perfectionist and I don’t do well with letting others do things for me. But for many, it can be a huge help.

Even just hiring a company once a year, maybe before the holidays or the start of the school year can be helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed.

I know people that also just hire a teenager to help with a few chores. This can be a very affordable option if you just need a little help during a busy time.

You can be a homemaker and still have help. A CEO isn’t less of a CEO because they have an assistant. Don’t do something you can’t afford but accept help if you need it and can get it.

woman in red apron and gloves mopping

More Cleaning Resources

  • 9 Steps to Getting Your Family Organized and Keeping Them that Way
  • How to Clean Any Room in 5 Minutes
  • Vintage Cleaning Tips You Should Steal from Grandma

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Filed Under: Cleaning, Homemaking

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Comments

  1. GIULIA says

    June 18, 2019 at 3:20 am

    CLEAN WITH MUSIC IS MY BEST DEAL

    Reply

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Welcome to my blog! My name is Lisa and I'm the Retro Housewife trying to live a greener life. I share my love of all things vintage, homemaking and green living here on the blog. To read more, click here.

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