People With Clean Homes All Share These 5 Habits

Hi, I’m Melissa Maker, one of the founders of Maker's Clean. Since 2006, I’ve been running a cleaning company in my hometown of Toronto, Canada. Ironically, I started the company because I really struggled with cleaning myself! Over the years, I’ve gotten better at it, and in this post, I want to share five habits that have helped me maintain a cleaner home.

Habit 1: Identify Your Daily Non-Negotiable Tasks

One of the most effective habits is identifying your daily non-negotiable tasks. These are the things that, if left undone, make your blood boil. They’re different for everyone, depending on your lifestyle. For instance, if you work from home and your kitchen table is your workspace, your non-negotiable might be cleaning the table at the end of each day.

For me, a couple of non-negotiables include vacuuming the kitchen floor daily (we have a cat and a daughter, so it gets messy) and running the dishwasher at night, then unloading it in the morning. When these tasks don’t get done, it’s chaos! Take some time to figure out your non-negotiables. You’ll feel more in control, and your home will feel more manageable.

Habit 2: Create a Cleaning System

As someone who had no prior cleaning experience before starting a professional cleaning business, I quickly realized the importance of having a system. Over the years, I developed what I call the Three-Wave System, which has cut my cleaning time in half. This system helps you clean efficiently and consistently, almost on autopilot.

The takeaway here is to create a system that works for you. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but having a routine ensures you get the job done well every time.

Habit 3: Declutter Regularly

Decluttering is another essential habit for maintaining a clean home. When you’re tidying up, don’t just gloss over piles of stuff—edit them. For example, we receive magazine subscriptions, and I make it a point to regularly sort through them to avoid a mountain of paper.

This principle applies to clothes, countertop items, or even that catch-all console table near your front door. Decluttering might mean recycling, donating, or finding a better use for items elsewhere. Keeping only what serves you will help maintain a tidy, organized space.

Habit 4: Choose Tools You Love and Learn to Use Them

Cleaning is much easier when you enjoy the tools you’re using. Invest in high-quality cleaning tools that you love and take the time to learn how to use them proficiently. When you know how to use a tool well, cleaning becomes faster and more effective.

I always recommend the principle of “buy once, buy well.” The tools I recommend today are the same ones I’ve been talking about for years because they work. Avoid buying unnecessary gadgets and focus on items that truly make a difference in your cleaning routine.

Habit 5: Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, give yourself some grace. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect. Even my house, as a professional cleaner, isn’t always immaculate. On a really good day, it’s about a 7 out of 10. Life gets busy—we have a daughter, a business, and other priorities.

It took me a while to accept that perfection isn’t the goal. Now, I do what I can and forgive myself for the rest. Letting go of unrealistic standards makes cleaning much less stressful and more manageable.

I hope you found these habits helpful! I’d love to hear from you: What’s one cleaning habit you know you should do but just can’t seem to stick to? For me, it’s making the bed. I know it makes the room feel better, but mornings are always so rushed, and I rarely make time for it.