How to Have Cleaner Home Without Spending Your Days Cleaning

I’ve got mixed emotions about cleaning and having a clean home. On the one hand having everything clean and in its place makes me feel more at peace and clear headed. On the other hand I hate the time it takes. I don’t want to spend my days cleaning while my boys are playing and growing up without me. I’ve come up with a few things that help achieve a little of both – a clean-ish house and not missing out.

Redefine clean – this is probably the biggest one. My version of clean still involves toys and spots on the floor. At this moment there are probably spots from last weeks popsicle, maybe a macaroni under the table, and a ride-on Lightning McQueen in the kitchen. Upside down at that.

Budget for deep cleaning – I know this may just not be possible for everyone, but if you can fit it in, it is so so worth it.  We have our house cleaned every 3 weeks, and it’s the only way things like toilets, the oven, the fridge, basically any real cleaning would ever get done.  We both work 5-6 days a week, and I’m just not spending the days off cleaning. For me it’s worth giving other things up. Ideas for budgeting for it? Ditch cable, make coffee and most meals at home, keep your phone longer than a year, don’t buy things you don’t need.

Baskets, Boxes, Cabinets – These are a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning.  They look great with your décor, but they easily hide all of your stuff. Throw it all in the basket and house is clean! Bonus points for lids!

Have less stuff! With less stuff comes less mess.  Everything can easily and quickly find a place.  Purge the things you don’t need or use.  And DONT BUY MORE!  Decorate your house with bigger, more meaningful items and family photos instead of little trinkets everywhere.  Even if you haven’t dusted or swept your house looks and feels cleaner with less clutter.

Last tip – an essential oil diffuser! We have a 140 lb mastiff who stinks.  The sweetest dog you’ll ever meet, but boy does she stink.  But a little lavender and mint or citrus in the diffuser covers up the dog and not so clean house smell.  Without the harsh chemicals in air fresheners or candles!

Are you a clean freak or do you embrace the mess? Or a budding minimalist like me who hates to clean?