Martha Stewart's Clean-Home Secrets

Martha Stewart, 2006. Photo courtesy of Peter Duhon under CC BY 2.0.

Maintaining a clean, inviting home doesn't require daily scrubbing or deep cleaning. Instead, adopting a few small daily habits can make a huge difference in how organized and tidy your home feels. These 10 simple routines from experts like Martha Stewart are easy to incorporate and save you from spending hours cleaning up on weekends. Here's how to keep your home looking effortlessly neat every day!

1. Make Your Bed Right Away

Start your day with a win by making your bed as soon as you get up. This simple task instantly makes the bedroom look cleaner and sets a positive tone for the day. Plus, a well-made bed gives a sense of calm and order to your space, making it a place you'll want to relax at the end of the day.

2. Clear Kitchen Counters Every Evening

After dinner, wipe down the kitchen counters and stove for a few minutes. Food crumbs and grease can accumulate quickly, making the kitchen look cluttered and less inviting. Just a quick wipe with a cloth helps keep your kitchen spotless and prevents build-up that's harder to tackle later. Giving your kitchen countertops and stovetop a wipe-down every evening (if you cooked) will reduce bacteria that can affect your health.

3. Sweep or Vacuum High-Traffic Areas

A quick vacuum or sweep of the main areas you use daily, like the kitchen or entryway, reduces dust and dirt. This habit keeps your floors cleaner, which means less time spent on deep cleaning later. Focus on areas where crumbs and dirt are most likely to accumulate, and you'll be amazed at how much cleaner your home feels.

Consider a wet/dry vacuum for convenience and versatility. Martha Stewart recently gave the Bissell Crosswave^® OmniForce^™ a rave review, saying "The design is simple, the parts easy to clean and anyone can use it," adding "this is an unpaid recommendation because I love the machine!" as reported by Yahoo Life.

4. Keep Bathroom Surfaces Clean

After your morning routine, take a few seconds to wipe down bathroom countertops to remove toothpaste marks, hair, or makeup smudges. Regularly cleaning up small messes like these keeps your bathroom fresh and prevents grime build-up, making deep cleaning much easier.

5. Wash Dishes Right After Use

Leaving dishes in the sink creates visual clutter and attracts pests. After every meal, take a few minutes to do your dishes or load them into the dishwasher. This daily habit keeps your kitchen organized and prevents dishes from piling up, which makes you feel instantly accomplished. Washing dishes daily can remove unwanted odors and mitigate stains.

6. Declutter as You Go

It's easy for small items to accumulate throughout the day. Get into the habit of putting things back in their designated spots after you're done with them. Whether it's books, toys, or your car keys, this habit keeps surfaces clear and reduces clutter, making your home instantly more organized.

7. Give the Kitchen Sink a Quick Clean

The kitchen sink can harbor bacteria if left uncleaned. After doing the dishes every evening, rinse your sink and wipe it down. Dry it off with a dish towel to prevent water stains. Not only does this keep your sink fresh, but it also avoids the hassle of scrubbing off dried food or stains later on.

8. Squeegee Your Shower

After each shower, use a squeegee or a cloth to wipe down glass shower doors and tiles to prevent water stains and mildew. This simple habit keeps your shower cleaner and minimizes the need for intense scrubbing, making it one of the easiest ways to maintain a spotless bathroom.

9. Open Windows for Fresh Air

Ventilating your home daily by opening windows for even ten minutes helps reduce indoor humidity and musty odors, leaving your home smelling fresh. This habit also helps reduce dust build-up and improves air quality.

10. Do a 'Nightly Reset'

Before heading to bed, take a few minutes to do a quick tidy-up around your main living spaces. This includes putting away blankets, fluffing the sofa pillows, and organizing stray items. This closing ritual gives your home a sense of calm and helps you start each day positively, free from visual clutter.

Creating a few mindful habits is all it takes to keep your home clean and welcoming. Embrace these simple, daily tasks and enjoy a tidier, more relaxing space without the stress of extensive cleaning sessions.

References: 9 Things You Should Clean Every Day | 20 Simple Daily Habits to Keep Your House Clean and Tidy | Martha Stewart Says This Wet-Dry Vacuum That 'Does It All' Is the 'Best New Home Appliance' She Owns