{"id":2446,"date":"2025-04-29T16:14:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T16:14:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/?p=2446"},"modified":"2025-05-16T19:17:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T19:17:30","slug":"how-a-candle-and-a-mom-uniform-gave-me-the-cleaning-motivation-i-needed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/how-a-candle-and-a-mom-uniform-gave-me-the-cleaning-motivation-i-needed\/","title":{"rendered":"How a Candle and a \u2018Mom Uniform\u2019 Gave Me the Cleaning Motivation I Needed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I saw a tweet the other day that said, \u201cADHD is needing absolute silence to focus but also needing a podcast playing, a candle lit, and exactly the right hoodie on.\u201d And honestly? SAME. It\u2019s basically me trying to clean the house. <\/p>\n\n\n

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I don\u2019t know about you, but as a mom with ADHD, cleaning can feel like an uphill battle some days. I need everything to be just right<\/em> to even get started. It\u2019s a whole production, complete with the perfect podcast, the right vibe, and something comfy to clean in. Otherwise? Forget it. I\u2019ll sit on the couch, scrolling, convincing myself \u201cI\u2019ll start in five minutes.\u201d Okay\u2026even with all the stars aligned I might just sit on the couch anyways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But somewhere along the way, I figured out a few hacks that actually work for me. I\u2019m not saying they\u2019ve transformed me into a stepford-wife or anything, but they do help me stay motivated and (mostly) on task. If you\u2019re struggling to stay focused or just need to make cleaning less miserable<\/em>, here are the tricks that keep me sane:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cleaning Motivation Hack #1: Cleaning with a Podcast That Doubles as a Personal Coach<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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First up, I have<\/em> to have something to listen to while I clean. Total silence? Yuck. My all-time favorite is my Domestic Daydreams Radio Clean-Along podcast<\/a>. Yes, I made it myself (don\u2019t roll your eyes!), but it\u2019s legit the thing that got me out of my cleaning rut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how it works\u2014I play an episode, which combines old 1950s radio shows (there\u2019s true crime or comedy options) with a guided cleaning routine. While I\u2019m caught up listening to the storyline, the podcast also walks me through a five-step routine that covers things like airing the beds, starting a load of laundry, unloading the dishwasher, doing a quick clutter sweep, and knocking out a 15-minute weekly task. By the time the episode\u2019s over, my house looks decent, and I didn\u2019t get distracted!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re like me and find yourself bouncing between tasks or endlessly scrolling your phone, this kind of structure is gold<\/em>. And it\u2019s actually fun! I\u2019ve got free episodes if you want to give it a try right here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ADHD Cleaning Motivation Hack #2: Timing Myself with a Vintage Style Candle<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This might sound a little weird, but stick with me. I found these vintage style self-timing candles, and they\u2019re SO good for managing my cleaning time. <\/a>Basically, you light one, and depending on the specific candle, it burns for a set amount of time (like 30 minutes or an hour).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I love most is the signal it gives my ADHD brain. When the candle burns out, I know I\u2019m done. And honestly, it\u2019s kind of satisfying watching it melt down while I tackle whatever chore I\u2019m working on. Plus, it makes cleaning feel<\/em> nice, not just like another boring task. Plus it\u2019s made out of beeswax and purifies your air!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ADHD Cleaning Motivation Hack #3. Putting On a \u201cMom Uniform\u201d<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Okay, hear me out. Having a cleaning outfit has been a game-changer for me. I know it sounds extra, but putting on a specific outfit for housework gets me in the mood to get things done<\/em>. It sets my brain into cleaning mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, my aunt\u2019s cleaning uniform was iconic. She\u2019d put on a velour Juicy tracksuit with wedge flip-flops, curled hair, lip gloss, and earrings while scrubbing the floors. Total queen energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, I like to lean into a vintage 1950s housewife style outfit. Most days it\u2019s comfy pedal pushers, a cute blouse, and a hair scarf with my hair in rollers. I\u2019ve also tried colorful scrubs, and they\u2019re functional and flattering too! What\u2019s important is that it\u2019s comfortable, makes you feel cute, and helps you get into that \u201ctime to get stuff done\u201d mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why These Hacks Actually Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the thing about cleaning with ADHD (or, honestly, just being a mom in general)\u2014it\u2019s not about trying harder or being more disciplined. It\u2019s about finding ways to make it work for you<\/em>. That\u2019s what these little hacks do. (At least for me!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n