This is my calming 15-Minute Cleaning Routine to unwind. You can clean along via the video above if you like! I’ll guide you through each task.
Hey there, my sweet Domestic Darlings! It’s Cheyenne here, and doesn’t it just feel like the perfect day to give our homes a little love while re-centering ourselves too? Whether it’s a chilly winter morning or a golden summer evening, there’s something so grounding about taking a few minutes to tidy up and refresh our spaces.
Now, I don’t know about you, but cleaning used to feel incredibly overwhelming for me. I’d see these ladies with homes that looked effortlessly pristine, and I couldn’t help but wonder what I was doing wrong. How do they do it? Meanwhile, I’d start my day with the best intentions, only to feel completely drowned in the chaos of daily life by lunchtime. It always seemed like I couldn’t keep up no matter how hard I tried.
Turns out, the problem wasn’t me. I just didn’t have a system—a manageable routine that fit both my busy lifestyle and, well, my ADHD brain. After a lot of trial and error, I finally found one (and spoiler alert—it’s so simple!). It’s quick, calming, and perfect for those moments when you need a little reset—for your home and your mind.
Grab your apron, light a candle that makes you smile, and pour yourself some tea (or coffee, yummy). Let’s jump into this cozy 15-minute cleaning routine.
Step 1: Air the Beds
First things first, my lovelies, it’s time to air out the beds. There’s just something so soothing and fresh about this simple act. Head to each bedroom, pull back the covers, and neatly place the pillows and even your PJs on a chair near the window. I love cracking the window just a bit—even in winter—for a burst of invigorating fresh air for just a few minutes.
This quick little task not only makes your bedroom feel fresher but also starts the day with a sense of accomplishment. It’s like hitting “refresh” on both your bed and your mood.
Step 2: Start a Load of Laundry
Next up, laundry! Oh, laundry—the never-ending story of every home, right? But here’s the thing. Instead of letting it pile up for a weekend-long marathon, just do a small, manageable load each day. (I have assigned loads Monday-Saturday you can find my post on my laundry schedule here.) This keeps the mountain from becoming unscalable and helps you always feel on top of things.
Toss in a batch of clothes, turn on the machine, and give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back because future-you is going to appreciate this. And while the washer does its thing, we move on to…
Step 3: Unload/Load the Dishwasher
Time to conquer the dreaded task of the dishes—but trust me, it’s about to feel way easier than you think! If you have a dishwasher (or counter) full of clean dishes, unload it now. You can load it up right now if you have dishes in the sink, or you can stack them neatly on the counter to load later. You’ll love the satisfaction of a clutter-free sink later.
Here’s a little bonus tip if you want to shine things up even more—scrub your sink with some baking soda, a splash of Castile soap, and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Ah, the sparkle! And if you need to tackle a clog, sprinkle baking soda into the drain, pour in some vinegar to get a lovely foam going, and follow it with boiling water.
Step 4: Declutter the Chaos
Alright, sweethearts, here’s where we tackle the “bits and bobs” that somehow multiply around the house. Grab a big laundry basket or a rolling cart (if you have one, they’re game-changers!) and start scooping up any random items strewn about—books, shoes, rogue water bottles, you name it.
Move from room to room with your basket and see how much you can collect in a few minutes. Put things that you find away in the rooms they belong in. Progress, not perfection, is the name of the game here.
When I first started being intentional about clutter, I remember catching myself in this spiral of shame—thinking I’d never be one of those effortlessly tidy women. But you know what? I realized that they weren’t born with some magic gene—I just needed to be realistic about what I could do each day. A quick declutter session like this? It’s doable, and it works wonders.
I also like to attach a trash bag to the cart/basket, or even just a small grocery sack looped through my apron belt and throw trash away as I go too.
Why This Works
This routine isn’t just about cleaning your house—it’s about creating a space where you can breathe and unwind. These small, achievable tasks take just 15 minutes, but they can make an incredible difference in how your home feels.
And if you’re someone who’s struggled with cleaning systems in the past because they weren’t ADHD-friendly or they didn’t fit your lifestyle, this one’s for you. Just 15 minutes a day—no overwhelm, no marathon cleaning sprees.
And if you’re curious about how I keep my motivation going? Pair your tasks with something joyful! Personally, I love listening to my Domestic Daydreams cleaning routine episodes set to classic vintage radio shows like Fibber McGee and Molly or Lux Radio Theater. They’re timed perfectly for chores, keep my brain entertained, and make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like my own quiet little ritual. (You can try some here.)
I’ve turned those old radio shows into guided cleaning episodes that walk you through the biggest daily tasks—dishes, clutter, laundry—you name it. If you’d like to try one, I’ve got some free ones linked for you here. You can also get my printable of this routine I talked about in today’s post here.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or like cleaning just isn’t in your DNA—please know, you’re not alone. But also, you’re not doomed to live with piles of dishes and never-ending chaos, either. Start small with this simple 15-minute daily routine and trust that progress will come.
Light that candle, put on a feel-good playlist or podcast, and relax into the process. You’ve already taken the first step by showing up here. Keep going, darling, and remember—you’re doing such a great job.
Until next time, happy homemaking!
P.S. Love this post? Save it for later or share it with a friend who could use a little motivation to start their own unwinding routine!