We’ve all been there—staring at a messy room, knowing it needs to be cleaned, but struggling to find the motivation to even start cleaning.
Whether it’s a pile of laundry that’s been growing for days, dishes that have taken over the kitchen, or just the general clutter of daily life, cleaning can often feel like a daunting task.
Especially if you’ve spent all your energy working a job and/or taking care of kids.
And so if you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply left with zero motivation…letting a mess build up is not only natural, it’s perfectly normal.
But the truth is that a clean and organized home doesn’t just look good. It also feels good. A clean and tidy space makes it easier to feel in control, think clearly, and even relax. It can even improve your sleep quality.
And so if you’re looking for some cleaning motivation, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’re sharing 33 tried-and-true ways to motivate yourself to clean, so you can tackle those chores with energy and enthusiasm.
From quick tips to get you started to creative strategies that make cleaning fun, these ideas are designed to help you turn a daunting task into a satisfying accomplishment.
Ready to transform your space and your mindset? Let’s dive in!
33 Ways to Get Motivated to Clean
The first step of cleaning is simply finding the motivation to start. Below you’ll find over 30 ideas for how to get motivated to clean–including several that work for ADHD brains like mine.
Note that not all of the strategies will work for you. The goal is to find what actually works for you and helps you keep a clean home.
1. Listen to Upbeat Music that Gets You Moving
One of the best ways to motivate yourself to do anything you dread (be it exercising, cooking, or cleaning) is to pair it with something you do enjoy. And music certainly has the power to energize and motivate.
So create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs that make you want to dance. As the music plays, you’ll find yourself moving faster and more enthusiastically through your cleaning tasks.
2. Open Blinds and Get in Natural Light
Natural light can boost your mood and energy levels. Open the blinds or curtains to let in sunlight, which can make your space feel brighter and more inviting.
If the weather permits, you might also consider opening up the windows to let in the fresh air. The fresh, airy feeling might just give you the motivation you need to start cleaning.
3. Energy Drink or Caffeinated Drink of Choice
Frankly, sometimes a little caffeine boost is all you need to jumpstart your cleaning session. Personally, I love that sense of hope and possibility that comes once my morning caffeine kicks in.
So sip on your favorite energy drink, coffee, or tea to help increase your focus and stamina as you tackle chores.
(My drink of choice: lime, lemon, or pinapple spindrift sparkling water with Black Cherry Mio energy *chefs kiss*)
4. Listen to Audiobooks
If you’ve got a lot of cleaning on your plate, few things are as motivating as diving into an engaging audiobook while you clean.
You can even set a rule that you can’t listen to your audiobook unless you’re cleaning. Pick an engrossing audiobook and, trust me, your house will be clean in no time!
Use your library app to get access to free audiobooks.
5. Listen to Podcasts
Similar to audiobooks, podcasts can make cleaning more enjoyable. Whether you prefer true crime, self-improvement, or comedy, find a podcast that captures your interest and makes the time fly by as you tidy up.
Note sure where to start? Here are some awesome podcast series that’ll suck you right in.
6. Light a Nice-Smelling Candle
Sometimes you just need something that makes you feel good in your space to give the umph you need to start cleaning.
And a pleasant scent can create a calming and inviting atmosphere, making the task of cleaning more enjoyable. Light a candle with your favorite scent, and let the fragrance inspire you to create a clean and cozy environment.
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7. Break it Down with an Easy Cleaning Schedule
Trying to do everything at once is a recipe for overwhelm. Instead, an easy-to-follow cleaning schedule can help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Break down tasks into daily cleaning tasks and weekly cleaning chores. Knowing exactly what to clean and when can make the process feel more manageable.
Here’s an awesome free weekly cleaning schedule that breaks down your tasks for you.
8. Cleaning Dance Party with Kids
Not only does this make cleaning fun, but it turns it into a bonding activity with your family members. Play their favorite tunes and let everyone dance while they clean.
It’s a great way to bond, burn off energy, and get the house tidy at the same time. You may consider having a special “Cleaning Playlist” with all the best songs that gets your family moving and grooving.
9. Make a Numbered List of All Tasks, Roll Dice, and Go!
Make cleaning a game! Here’s what you’ll do:
- Make a numbered list of all the specific tasks you’ve got to do
- Roll dice or google “random number picker” and put in the number of tasks you have
- Set Timer for 15 Minutes (or whatever time you want)
- Work on that specific task until timer goes off
- Repeat Until All Done!
The element of surprise and the time limit can make cleaning feel less monotonous.
10. Visualize How Nice It Will Be When Clean
Sometimes the motivation we need is just visualizing the reward at the end–a home you can actually relax in. Take a moment to picture how your home will look and feel once it’s clean.
11. Set a Timer and Just Clean for That Long
When you’re exhausted, you don’t want to feel obligated to finish some huge cleaning project. But just doing something will make a big difference in the state of your home.
And so if you’re struggling to start, set a timer for a short period, like 10 or 15 minutes, and commit to cleaning during that time.
Often, once you start, you’ll find it easier to continue even after the timer goes off. Plus, many people find they get more done in less time with a timer.
12. Watch Hoarders
If you’re like most people, few things make you feel better about your housekeeping while also making you SUPER motivated to clean than watching an episode of Hoarders.
It provides a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a clean and organized home. And it can motivate you to tackle clutter before it gets out of hand.
13. Invite Company Over
My house is its absolute cleanest 5 minutes before we have company set to arrive. Because knowing that guests are coming over offers some serious cleaning motivation.
Set a date, send out a text to invite friends or family over, and use it as a deadline to get your home in order.
14. Get Cleaning Products that Get You Excited
Motivation can often come from something small that mixes up our patterns.
And getting a new cleaning product or two can give that extra motivation we need. Whether it’s a fresh scent or a tool that makes cleaning easier, trying something new can reinvigorate your cleaning routine.
Personally, cleaning tools that get me excited are the 360 swiffer duster (NOTHING makes dusting as easy) and all the great smelling multipurpose sprays from Mrs. Meyer’s, especially the basil cleaning spray and the lavender cleaning spray.
15. Get Nice Room Sprays (for After Clean)
We crave rewards. And knowing that you’ll get to spritz a pleasant-smelling room spray after cleaning can serve as a small but satisfying reward. It’s the final touch that makes your space feel fresh and inviting.
(I personally like spraying room with febreeze.)
16. Set Timer for a Basic Daily Cleaning Session
Trying to get motivated to clean daily? Truth is, getting into the habit of daily cleaning–even if just for a few minutes–is probably the most important habit you can develop to keep a clean and tidy house.
And you can make a habit of cleaning on a regular basis by setting a timer for a quick cleaning session each day.
This could be 10-20 minutes dedicated to tidying up high-traffic areas, keeping your home consistently clean without a major time commitment.
Two household chores I recommend daily: load/unload dishwasher, pick up floor and clear surfaces in high traffic areas.
17. Create a Cleaning Kit
Assemble a cleaning kit with all the essentials in one portable caddy. Having everything you need in one place makes it easier to move from room to room without interruptions, making cleaning more efficient and less of a hassle.
18. Pretend Your MIL Is Coming to Visit
For many, the thought of a mother-in-law visiting can inspire a cleaning frenzy. Even if she’s not actually coming, imagining a guest who might scrutinize your home can be a strong motivator to clean thoroughly.
19. Start with Easy Wins Then Ride the Momentum to Keep Going
Begin with simple tasks that will take only a few minutes to complete. This might be clearing off one counter, picking up one specific area of the house, or literally putting away ONE item.
The sense of accomplishment from these easy wins can create momentum, making it easier to tackle bigger tasks.
20. Skip the To-Do List and Make a Done List
Instead of focusing on what’s left to do (which can be crazy overwhelming), flip the script and make a “done” list. As you complete tasks, write them down and feel a sense of accomplishment.
This reverse approach can boost your morale by highlighting your accomplishments rather than all the stuff you’ve got still left (which can be endless and overwhelming).
21. Before You Can Do Something You Want, Set Timer and Clean for 10 Minutes
Want to watch an episode of your favorite show? Sip your coffee on the back porch? Use a bit of delayed gratification to motivate yourself.
Before you indulge in a favorite activity, set a timer and clean for 10 minutes. This way, you’re rewarding yourself with something enjoyable after making progress on cleaning.
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22. Put on Shoes
While this may seem like a weird one, it 100% works for my ADHD brain. Simply putting on shoes can signal to your brain that it’s time to get moving. It creates a sense of purpose and can shift your mindset from relaxation to productivity.
23. Buy Organizer for Cluttered Area
If you have an area that is constantly disorganized, invest in an organizer/bin system that helps you keep that area organized.
Not only will it give you motivation to clean and tidy with your new organizer, but having a designated space for all your items will make it easier to maintain order.
IKEA and Target have awesome organizers!
24. Watch YouTube Cleaning Videos/Cleaning TikToks
While YouTube or TikTok might seem like obstacles to cleaning, watching cleaning videos on YouTube or Cleaning TikTok can be surprisingly motivating.
These videos often feature satisfying before-and-after transformations and can inspire you to start cleaning your own space.
25. Schedule Cleaning for the Same Time Every Day
Pick a time of day when you typically have energy and reserve that time for cleaning each day–even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes. Establishing a routine by scheduling cleaning at the same time each day can be super helpful in making it a habit.
26. Give Yourself a Reward for Accomplishing Tasks
Set up a reward system for yourself. After completing a certain amount of cleaning, treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a snack, a relaxing bath, or some time to unwind with a book or show.
27. “Clean With Me” Videos
“Clean with me” videos on YouTube are designed to motivate viewers by showing them real-time cleaning sessions. Watching someone else clean while you clean along with them can provide a sense of companionship and motivation.
28. Have a Mantra That Motivates You
Create a personal mantra or motivational phrase that resonates with you. Repeat it to yourself when you need an extra push to start or keep going. It could be something like “One step at a time” or “Progress over perfection”.
My favorite mantra when doing anything I don’t want to do: “Just rip the bandaid”.
29. Set a Daily Cleaning Goal
While we can get overwhelmed feeling like we have to do all the things, having one daily cleaning goal can make it more manageable.
Set a specific cleaning goal for the day, such as “I’ll clean the kitchen before dinner” or “I’ll declutter the living room by noon.” Having a clear goal can keep you focused and motivated. The key is keeping it small and manageable.
30. Focus on High-Impact Areas First
Start by cleaning the areas that will make the biggest difference, like the living room or kitchen. Seeing these high-traffic areas clean and tidy can motivate you to continue with the rest of the house.
31. Turn Cleaning Your Home into a Game
Turn cleaning into a game by imagining that you’re conquering and claiming areas of your home. As you clean each area, it becomes part of your “territory,” and you’re motivated to expand your domain by tackling more spaces.
32. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Method is a time management strategy that involves breaking work into short, focused intervals called “Pomodoros.” These are typically 25 minutes long, followed by a 5-minute break.
You can apply this method to cleaning by setting a timer for 25 minutes (or whatever works for you) and dedicating that time to a specific cleaning task.
After the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to rest and recharge. Repeat the cycle as needed.
This approach can make cleaning feel less overwhelming by breaking it into manageable chunks, and the frequent breaks help maintain your energy and motivation.
33. Clean Your Whole House in a Day
While breaking big tasks down into smaller chunks is typically a helpful strategy…it’s not always what you need.
If small steps and incremental progress just doesn’t cut it, you may be more motivated by hitting the reset button and getting your entire house clean in one day.
If you’re motivated by this kind of reset, check out this guide on how to clean a messy house in one day (even if it’s a complete disaster). It also comes with a free cleaning checklist.
Find The Motivation to Clean Your House
Finding the motivation to clean can be challenging, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But with the right mindset and a few clever strategies, you can turn what feels like hard work into something manageable and even enjoyable.
By trying out the tips shared in this post, you’ll not only see your home transform but also experience the satisfaction that comes with an organized and clean home.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. So pick a strategy or two that resonates with you, start small, and watch as the momentum builds.
Happy cleaning!
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