Simple and effective Cleaning routine: Hacks for a Tidy Home
Two days.
It took me two days to clean my house.
Another two days to finish cleaning up my yard.
Why so long?
The better question is why was I so bleeping tired?
Having to tackle something like a whole house cleaning, and getting things right as the rain outside after winter is hard on anyone. But I created a plan.
A simple spring cleaning plan that gave me the motivation and the can-do attitude that helped me get through the cleaning chores.
House cleaning is daunting no matter who you are, even if you love cleaning. Keeping house is another daunting task, but it’s something we have to do.
The greatest lesson I ever learned when it came to keeping house, or cleaning hacks, was when I moved on my own to NOLA (New Orleans), and that was that it is a task that never ends.
Unless you follow a simple and effective cleaning routine.
Ready?
Let’s go.
What makes a simple and effective cleaning routine?
Taking the time out to figure out what can wait and what needs to be done now.
For example, where I live in France, the weather is very much like it is in the Pacific Northwest. And with that type of weather, there is a lot of maintenance that needs handling.
One of the things I read online that people noticed about the French is that they are constantly cleaning their windows. After living here for five years, I understand why.
There is a lot of moisture that gathers on the window panes, which in turn causes things to mold or worse.
So for me, cleaning the windows is something I have to do at least once a week.
In case you missed it, this is hack number 1.
Choosing what is pressing and tackling it before things become worse or so bad you can’t ignore it anymore, and it takes you two days to really get it clean. (just saying)
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Why Spring Cleaning Matters More Than You Think
Spring cleaning isn’t just about having a tidy home—it’s about hitting a reset button. Whether you’re dealing with post-winter clutter or just trying to breathe a little easier, spring cleaning offers the perfect opportunity to realign your space with your lifestyle.
For me, those two days of scrubbing, sweeping, and organizing weren’t just physically draining—they were mentally freeing.
A clean home helps create a peaceful mind, and when you have a plan in place, house cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a marathon.
Cleaning Hacks That Changed My Life
Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t thrilled at the thought of a deep clean. But the right cleaning hacks can make all the difference between burnout and breezy. Here are a few of my go-to tips for keeping house without losing your mind:
Hack #2: Clean by category, not room.
Instead of cleaning one room at a time, tackle categories like all windows, all floors, or all laundry. You’ll build momentum faster and feel more accomplished.
Hack #3: Use natural cleaners.
One of my favorite cleaning hacks is mixing vinegar, lemon, and essential oils for a budget-friendly and chemical-free solution. It works wonders on kitchen counters and windows—and it smells like spring! For more ideas on natural cleaners, check out my blog post here.
Hack #4: Timer trick.
Set a timer for 20 minutes and focus on just one task. You’ll be amazed at how much house cleaning you can get done without getting overwhelmed.
Hack #5: Keep supplies where you need them.
Instead of dragging your cleaning supplies from room to room, store basics like microfiber cloths, a small broom, or surface spray in multiple areas of the house. It makes keeping house that much easier.
Don’t Overthink It—Just Start
The biggest obstacle to spring cleaning or even regular house cleaning is thinking it has to be perfect. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Every task you complete brings more peace into your home.
For me, it was about embracing the mess, taking a deep breath, and simply beginning.
My Spring Cleaning Essentials Checklist
If you’re ready to start but don’t know where to begin, feel free to steal my list below. It’s saved me countless hours and so much stress:
Daily Cleaning Tasks
- Make the beds
- Wipe down all surfaces (especially in the kitchen and bathroom)
- Sweep & mop kitchen floors
- Put dishes away
- Take out the trash
- Fluff pillows and tidy the living space
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
- Clean bathrooms (sink, toilet, mirror, floor)
- Vacuum carpets and floors
- Wash and change bedding
- Shake out or vacuum rugs
- Clean all windows (inside and out!)
- Dust shelves, surfaces, and décor
- Tidy up the yard or garden space
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
- Deep clean kitchen appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher)
- Replace air fresheners and refresh diffusers
- Vacuum and clean upholstery
- Shampoo rugs if needed
- Swap out and wash bathmats
- Dust curtains or wash if possible
- Check for cobwebs in high corners or sunrooms
Final Thoughts on Keeping House (Without Losing Your Cool)
Whether you’re deep into your spring cleaning checklist or just trying to stay on top of the daily chaos, remember this: you don’t have to do it all in one day. A clean home is built over time, with grace, consistency, and the right systems in place.
House cleaning is part of taking care of yourself—your future self will thank you.
So take it from someone who just spent four days digging out of clutter: create a plan, breathe, and keep it simple.
You’ve got this.
Thank you for stopping by and allowing me to share with you my hacks for keeping house. If you found these cleaning hacks helpful, share this post with a friend or bookmark it for later! I’d love to hear your favorite ways to keep your home tidy—drop your go-to tip in the comments!
Until next time
Christina
