Quick Cleaning Habits to Adopt for a Fresher Start to the Year

Starting a new year is the perfect time to reset and establish habits that help maintain a clean, organized, and refreshing home environment. These 10 small but impactful habits are easy to integrate into your routine and will set the tone for a tidy and stress-free year. Let’s explore them!

1. Begin Each Morning with a Mini-Tidy

Start your day with a quick five-minute cleanup. Make your bed, pick up stray items, and wipe down surfaces in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom. This habit sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

2. Embrace the One-In, One-Out Rule

To prevent clutter, adopt the habit of removing an old item whenever you bring in something new. Whether it’s a piece of clothing or a kitchen gadget, this simple rule keeps your space from becoming overcrowded.

3. Create Cleaning Caddies for Each Room

Stock a small basket with essential cleaning supplies for each area of your home. Include items like microfiber cloths, sponges, and Catena-Clean’s Peppermint Scented Cleaner (Shop on Amazon). Having everything within reach makes quick touch-ups a breeze.

4. Wipe Down Counters After Every Use

Whether it’s in the kitchen or bathroom, wiping down counters immediately after use keeps grime from building up. A quick spritz of Catena-Clean’s Unscented Cleaner (Shop on Amazon) ensures surfaces stay spotless and fresh.

5. Set a Timer for Power Cleaning Sessions

Dedicate 15–20 minutes each day to a specific cleaning task. Use a timer to stay focused, and tackle jobs like vacuuming, dusting, or organizing a drawer. Short bursts of cleaning are more manageable and productive.

6. Incorporate Seasonal Decluttering

With spring cleaning on the horizon, start decluttering now. Each week, choose one area to purge—closets, kitchen cabinets, or even your digital files. Regular decluttering ensures your home remains organized year-round.

7. Prioritize High-Touch Surfaces

Make it a habit to clean frequently touched areas like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. These surfaces often harbor germs and benefit from a quick disinfecting wipe daily.

8. Schedule Regular Laundry Days

Avoid the laundry pile-up by setting specific days for washing, folding, and putting away clothes. Stick to this schedule to keep your laundry routine efficient and stress-free.

9. Practice the Five-Minute Night Reset

Before heading to bed, spend five minutes tidying up. Put away stray items, load the dishwasher, and prep for the next day. Waking up to a clean home makes mornings much more pleasant.

10. Take Breaks and Reward Yourself

Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Break tasks into manageable chunks and reward yourself with something small—like a cup of tea or a favorite show—once a job is done. It keeps motivation high and makes cleaning more enjoyable.

Make This Year Your Freshest Yet

Adopting these quick cleaning habits can transform your home and your mindset. For more ideas to keep your space sparkling, check out our blog post “How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom in Under 30 Minutes”. Together, these tips will help you maintain a clean, organized, and inviting home throughout the year.