Hi Domestic Darlings! I came across this amazing thread and couldn’t wait to share it with you. Someone had asked, “What’s a cleaning rule you swear by that no one can change your mind about?” The answers were *chef’s kiss.*
Whether you’re a seasoned homemaker or just trying to keep the floors visible under life’s chaos, (same same girl!) these tips are pure gold.
Grab your coffee, and get ready to be inspired by the cleaning wisdom of women who’ve been there, done that, and have some time tested hacks for keeping a happy, clean home.
@PokeeBae’s Cleaning Tips from a Pro Cleaner
@PokeeBae, who knows her stuff as a former professional house cleaner, shares this set of non-negotiables we can all learn from. She says:
- “Making the bed every day is useless and a waste of time.”
- “Using the dishwasher is more environmentally friendly and more sanitary than handwashing because of the extreme heat.”
- “If you’re letting your pets on your countertop/tables, your house is never actually clean.”
- “You clean from top to bottom always—that way dust/crumbs, etc., fall to the floor before you vacuum and mop.”
Now, this is spot-on wisdom, especially about cleaning top to bottom. Honestly, I live by this rule! Also, while I’m not a “make-the-bed” girl myself, I do believe in airing the bed in the morning. It helps reduce allergies and fights dust mites. You can check out my post here to see how and why I do it this way. (But I also put the body doubling video of me airing the bed, down below in case you’d rather just watch.)
Cleaning Rule #1: @uwondacarter
@uwondacarter says:
“Bathing towels are not for wiping spills.”
“Always keep your house guest ready.”
“Do not put wet towels, washcloths, or clothes in the hamper. Let them dry first.”
“Do not use an indoor broom outside and vice versa.”
Listen, she is out here making sense. I mean, who wants damp smelly laundry in the hamper causing mildew and mold? When it comes towels, I personally keep white fluffy towels for baths and cheap colored ones for cleaning spills. This way everyone knows what each is for.
For staying guest-ready, I do a quick 30-minute cleaning routine every morning. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but it’s just enough so I’m not panicking when someone drops by. (You can get my 30 minute cleaning routine here!)
Cleaning Hack #2: @msmellowee
@msmellowee knows what’s up when she says, “Cleaning up while cooking—not letting the countertop get messy.” This tip right here? It’s the only way I survive cooking most of our meals from scratch.
If you haven’t yet hopped on the clean-as-you-cook routine, you’re missing out. I dedicated a whole YouTube video and blog post to this gem because it seriously works wonders. You can check it out here.
Cleaning Rule #3: @Witt2457
@witt2457 keeps it real and gives us all permission to breathe a little with her cleaning motto. She says, “My house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy. The operative words being clean enough. Martha Stewart does not live in my house.”
This is a perfect reminder that your version of “clean” doesn’t have to look like a Jennifer on Instagrams perfectly curated home on her IG feed. Personally I believe a good bare minimum standard is sanitary bathrooms, a clean kitchen, available clean clothes, and picked-up trash. If you have kids, the toys will come back out anyway!
Cleaning Hack #4: hello.itsminji
When it comes to mopping, @hello.itsminji nails it with a golden rule. She says, “You should vacuum/sweep before mopping. You can’t mop if you haven’t vacuumed all the crumbs and dust.”
This is 100% right. I usually spot-sweep and mop in the evenings as part of my evening cleaning routine, but once a week, I have a dedicated “floor day” where I go all out with a deeper clean. You can check out my full evening routine post here and my weekly cleaning schedule here.
Cleaning Rule #5: @_lighter.days_
Overwhelm is real, which is why @_lighter.days_ advises us to clean as we go. She says, “A little task throughout the day so there’s not a seemingly insurmountable task at the end. It honestly just works in every area of the home. Cleaning as you go prevents overwhelmed paralyzation from mess later.”
YES. Taking things one small step at a time is how I manage to keep my head above water too. It’s easier to chip away at clutter rather than face a giant mountain of it all at once.
Cleaning Hack #6: @clback_xo
@clback_xo shares a rule we’ve all heard many a time. Because it’s TRUE. She says, “Everything has a spot to be. Don’t put it down; put it away. And put it away where it goes every time.”
This is so simple yet so effective. It’s a habit I teach in my cleaning routines because it keeps clutter from taking over.
Cleaning Rule #7: @oliviaannan
@oliviaannan puts it perfectly. She says, “Do the dishes after every single meal and fold the laundry as the dryer finishes.”
Here’s my take on dishes, especially when you’re cooking and the kitchen gets chaotic. I recommend filling one side of the sink or a tub with hot soapy water as you cook. Toss dishes in to soak as you use them, then wash or load as soon as you can. It’s easy, and honestly, it just feels good to get ahead!
Cleaning Hack #8: @sitabiantiara
@sitabiantiara’s rule is one I’ve have myself because it’s a lifesaver. She says, “Deep cleaning my house before traveling, including emptying the laundry basket, changing the bedsheets, mopping the floor, cleaning the fridge, and taking the trash out.”
Not gonna lie, there’s nothing like coming home to a clean house post-travel. Personally, I listen to one of my Domestic Daydreams Radio episodes before we leave on a trip. The Saturday morning routine where I change sheets and do a reset is my favorite, but you can find some free episodes to try here.
My Favorite Cleaning Rule
For me, listening to Domestic Daydreams Radio is the #1 rule I can’t live without. Each episode guides you step-by-step through morning or evening routines, giving you clear instructions (and removing decision fatigue!). With just 30 minutes a day, my home stays guest-ready, and I don’t have to feel overwhelmed.
Want to try it for yourself? You can find free episodes here.
Which rule speaks to you the most? Maybe it’s clean-as-you-cook, top-to-bottom dusting, or putting everything in its place. Whatever you choose, remember that small, consistent habits are what matter. You’ve got this! 💕