Do you ever feel guilty about the clutter in your home but still can’t find the motivation to clean? Or dread the idea of an unexpected guest dropping by when your home is a mess?
You’re definitely not alone. While some people can find cleaning relaxing or even therapeutic, most of us need a little extra push to get started. The secret to keeping your home tidy might just be finding ways to make cleaning fun, or at least fast and rewarding.
Cleaning isn’t exactly what comes to mind when we think of fun. For many, it’s the task that always ends up at the bottom of the to-do list, especially after long workdays or busy weekends. Yet, living in a cluttered space can quietly drain our energy, affect our focus, and even lower our mood.
Sure, hiring a cleaning service can help, but there are always daily chores that fall to us. So how do you turn a necessary task into something you actually look forward to, or at least don’t dread?
With the right mindset and a few clever tricks, cleaning can become surprisingly satisfying. You’ll feel more in control, relaxed, and proud of your space. Here are a few fun, practical ways to make cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a boost.
Turn cleaning into a workout:
Who says you need a gym to break a sweat? Scrubbing, vacuuming, and carrying laundry baskets all count as functional exercise. Put on a fitness tracker, set a timer, and challenge yourself to beat your step count or calorie burn while cleaning. You’ll end up with both a cleaner home and a healthier body – talk about multitasking!
Create a power playlist:
Music can transform your mood in seconds. Build a high-energy cleaning playlist filled with your favourite songs: pop hits, throwbacks, or even guilty pleasures. Let the rhythm keep you moving and energised. Bonus points for singing into your broom handle!
Use the 10-minute rule:
Feeling overwhelmed by the mess? Set a timer for just ten minutes. Promise yourself you’ll stop when it goes off. Often, getting started is the hardest part, and once you’re in motion, you may find yourself wanting to keep going. This trick is perfect for busy days or when motivation is low.
Invest in tools you enjoy using:
Sometimes, the right tools make all the difference. A lightweight vacuum, eco-friendly cleaners with fresh scents, or colourful storage bins can make cleaning feel more enjoyable. Think of them as gadgets that make life easier, not punishments.
Make it a family activity:
Turn cleaning into a team effort. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member and work together towards a common goal. Not only does it lighten the workload, but it can also teach responsibility and teamwork. You might even turn it into a fun weekend challenge, complete with music and small rewards.
Combine it with “me time:”
Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring, so pair it with something you enjoy. Listen to an audiobook, podcast, or your favourite show while tidying up. Suddenly, chores become a chance to unwind or learn something new. Why not make cleaning part of your self-care routine?
Make cleaning a habit:
Consistency is key. Establish a simple daily or weekly cleaning routine that fits your schedule. When tidying up becomes second nature, it no longer feels like a burden. Over time, you’ll notice how much easier it is to maintain a calm, organised home.
Celebrate small wins:
Don’t wait until the entire house sparkles to feel accomplished. Celebrate each small victory, the cleared countertop, the folded laundry, or the freshly made bed. These small wins can build momentum and make cleaning feel genuinely rewarding.
Ultimately, a clean home doesn’t just look better, it feels better too. With a few small changes in attitude and approach, cleaning can shift from something you have to do into something that can help you feel refreshed and in control of your space.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 9 October, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link: