10 Cleaning Hacks for People Who HATE to Clean

If you clicked on this article then there’s a good chance that you probably hate cleaning, just like me. You see because I hated cleaning so much, I started a cleaning business in 2006 to help people just like me. Since then, I’ve learned so much about cleaning from trial and error, experimentation, and doing research. Along the way, I figured out some tips and tricks, especially for those who hate cleaning, and I wanted to share some of them with you today.

Set a Goal

Part of the reason I hate cleaning is that sometimes it just feels like a never-ending story. That’s why, if you want to really get something done, it’s best to start by setting a goal. Whether it’s a particular surface, a room, or the amount of time that you are going to spend dedicated to cleaning, first set a goal. You’ll find it really helps to actually accomplish tasks in an efficient manner instead of putting them off. You’ll feel better about your cleaning routine and more empowered in your ability to keep your space clean and tidy!

Pick a Starting Point

The best way to maximize the time you spend cleaning is to first spend your time on the things that are most important to you. I don’t think there’s much value in cleaning something that doesn’t necessarily bother you, but instead is something that you see others cleaning on tik tok. So, prioritize the important stuff and get that done first!

Most Important Areas

Begin by thinking about your MIA’s, most important areas. These are the ones that give your body a physical reaction when they are dirty or the ones that bug you the most. If I’m in a dirty or messy kitchen my heart rate literally increases and I start to feel anxious. For me, this is a clear MIA and a place that I work hard to keep as clean as possible throughout the day and during my cleaning sessions. So, think about those areas that are most important to you and focus you’re cleaning attention and time on those. Of course, I’m not saying you never have to clean the lesser important areas, but you can let go of the feeling that you need to clean those areas all the time or right away.

Simplify Your Cleaning Products

Something that leads to the disdain for cleaning is the overwhelming process of deciding which cleaning products to choose. This is why I recommend slimming down the amounts of products you used and considering going back to the basics. First off, you can do an amazing amount of cleaning with just soap and water, so don’t underestimate this simple combo. Next, add a few simple pantry staples to the mix like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, and you’ll be good to go.

I know so many folks stand in that cleaning aisle, kind of bewildered, trying to decide what to get, and that just makes the cleaning process frustrating, so make it simple and only buy what you really need. If you’re looking for more simple homemade recipes check out our eBook 50 DIY Cleaning Recipes. Here you’ll find tons of easy cleaning solutions that will cost you pennies and work even better than store-bought products!

Tackle Tough Tasks First

If there’s a cleaning task that you’re dreading the most, then tackle that one first! This will allow you to get the frustrating stuff out of the way and clear your mind for the rest of the cleaning tasks ahead. Trust me, if you do this, all your other tasks will seem much easier!

Use Quality Cleaning Tools

What I’m talking about here are the tools of the trade. Your sponges, brushes, vacuums, mops, and brooms, among other things. These will enable you to clean more efficiently and effectively. Now, if you’re picking up inexpensive, flimsy cleaning tools, you will have to work hard to compensate for the crappy quality of your tools. If you hate cleaning, this can be a real headache because it means you’ll have to work harder and longer. So, if you can, try and pick out some higher-end cleaning tools and ensure that you give yourself the best chance of getting an efficient and good clean. Check out Maker’s Clean Whole Home Cleaning Bundle for fantastic quality cleaning products that get the job done right!

Ditch the Distractions

We exist in a very distracting world and for someone who has to do something that they don’t love doing, it’s very easy to choose the distraction over the task at hand. It is so easy to procrastinate cleaning tasks, which is why I have a routine when I clean. I put in my Air pods, turn on a podcast, and put my phone where I can see it so that I am not distracted by checking my phone or watch for messages. If they come in, I will see them, and respond when I have a moment.

Sometimes I’ll even turn my phone or watch on do not disturb, just to make sure that I’m not distracted by any texts or calls, so that I can spend the least amount of time cleaning and be more efficient. The more we are distracted, the more we have to prolong the pain of cleaning, so ditch the distractions and focus on the task!

Stack Tasks

If you don’t like cleaning, then try to figure out ways to stack your tasks on top of one another so you don’t have to spend a whole bunch of time doing things that could have been condensed into one cleaning session. For example, I often talk about the important of pre-treating a surface. This means finding a dirty surface, spraying it with a product, and letting it soak in and sit for the correct amount of time, allowing the product to do the heavy lifting. This way, you don’t have to spend as much time scrubbing and the product will work as it’s intended to, lifting dirt and killing bacteria.

Now, while that’s happening you can accomplish tons of other tasks. In fact, when I’m cleaning, I will pre-treat my surfaces, unload the dishwasher and put things away, so that by the time I get back to the surfaces, I have much less scrubbing to do and can get my routine done faster!

This also works when doing laundry. You can throw a load of laundry in, hang clean laundry, and tackle other cleaning tasks while you wait for the load to be done. Stacking tasks allows you to work faster and minimize the total amount of time you spend on your cleaning routine!

Don’t Over-Clean

I am one of the few people on the internet who talks about cleaning that will say this, but you shouldn’t waste time over-cleaning. I think so many people online love creating all of this cleaning content and they are cleaning things that don’t even need to be cleaned! In my opinion, over-cleaning is a waste of time and gets in the way of doing other tasks. I think cleaning should be done and then forgotten about, and certainly not obsessed over.

That being said, I also know and respect the fact that there is a spectrum of emotion when it comes to cleaning, and that some of us care deeply about cleanliness, whereas others are only interested in the bare minimum. Be honest with yourself, know where you fall, and adjust your routine appropriately.

Learn to Clean

When I teach cleaning I usually talk about the trifecta of products, tools, and techniques. I believe these are the key to accomplishing any task, cleaning or otherwise. As long as you know the products, tools, and techniques that you need, you can get any job done. When I think about what really upset me about cleaning when I was growing up, it’s that I found it time-consuming and frustrating to master.

Frankly, I didn’t know how to do it, making silly attempts and wasting my time. I wasn’t getting great results and I felt crummy in the end. Yet, along the way I’ve learned, tried, and researched, and now I feel comfortable not only mastering any cleaning project but also sharing my techniques with others. My recommendation if you hate cleaning is to spend a few minutes and research the best techniques to get done the jobs that you have to complete. Check out our eBook called The 3 Wave System for a great strategy to tackle any room in your house!

Why Do You Hate Cleaning?

You live your life, you have your people, your job, your circumstances, and your community. We all do. But, it is really hard to live a life where you are comparing yourself to other people, whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or for heaven’s sake, even an influencer. Remember, influencers’ jobs are to make it look like they live the perfect life, with a constantly clean room in a perfect home, and they’re standards are unreasonable.

I truly don’t ever try to espouse that, but so many in the cleaning space do and in the end, it only hurts the average viewer. It makes us feel bad about our own standards and spaces, and this is never a good thing. So, my best advice here is to simply let it go. Let go of what other people are doing and just focus on yourself and what you can do today, at this moment.

Sometimes I’ll get messages from people who have just had babies and they’re like, “I can’t keep up Melissa. What did you do when you had a baby? How did you keep your house clean?” Well, I’ll tell you, I hired help and most importantly lowered my expectations. I told myself, “My house isn’t always going to be this messy and hectic, but I have to give myself a break right now. I have to lower my expectations and I have to spend a little money on help because that’s what will give me my sanity.” And that was it. I didn’t feel bad about it and I didn’t overthink it. It was a totally guilt-free move, and that’s what I needed in that moment. So, please please please, let go of those expectations, let go of what other people are doing, and just focus on you and what you need to feel good and clean in your home.

Well, hopefully now you have some strategies to overcome that disdain for cleaning and can speed up your cleaning routines!