11 Things To Avoid If You Hate Cleaning - Low Maintenance Home

[@lutra-lutra]

My parents have open shelves in the kitchen with all the cups, mugs, spices, tea pots etc displayed. After cleaning it for half of my childhood I vowed to never make this mistake in my own kitchen.

[@MsGnor]

Feel you deep there @lutralutra5908 😂😂😂😂

[@GratitudeDueLife]

I feel this in spiritual level. My mother tends to buy stuff that aren’t even needed, especially those figures that are cheap and inconvenient; pretty annoying. What’s more she expect ME to clean it ALL. I can’t 😩😭

[@shelleyhender8537]

Xxxxq@@GratitudeDueLife I guess she NEEDS to INVEST a professional housecleaner, so you can keep you SANITY! If she can afford buying all those annoying “dust collectors”…YUK….😝 Personally, I have better, and more important/fun things to do!!! Often my mother will join me, and gleefully enjoy herself…far more than spend countless, wasteful energy on dreadfully DUSTING “ in adamant objects” not family heirlooms on display at a heritage site!! It’s certainly “inconsiderate” of YOUR TIME and FEELINGS!!! Fortunately, my parents were blessed with ann unexpected MIRACLE…Their only grandchild, and on’y granddaughter in the entire extended family! Between my parents’ desire to spend as much time with their little “Miracle” granddaughter, my mother has become more patient and GRATEFUL…and LESS irritating…not nearly as concerned and preoccupied with their Open-Concept home….BEAUTIFUL…but 5000 square feet is massive for my father to complete his half of the household duties, but, now he is essentially doing my mother’s half of caring for the house, and making meals, or even her own cup of tea! I told Dad he needed to rearrange a few items…one being relocating the electric kettle and a small fridge containing all the essentials for making a cup of tea, snacks, and medications that require refrigeration, for solely cares for all my mother’s needs, until she is able to recover and not be on bed rest! Sounds like you have some stressful days, so, I wish to extend a very JOY-FILLED MERRY CHRISTMAS, and an abundantly healthy, and prosperous NEW YEAR!!🕊✨🎄✨🕊 And…HAPPY HANUKKAH/CANUKAH to those celebratingly!🕎 SHALOM to ALL!!🇨🇦xx❤xx🇨🇦

[@terebintful]

Same here 😂 made multiple vows like this after home-leaving

[@why6212]

Everyone says this and it makes me wonder if they ever clean their cabinets. A simple shelf is easier to clean than a cabinet. Open shelves should only contain things that get run through the dishwasher on a regular basis. Dishes and mixing bowls.

[@YSLRD]

Lol. When I see heavily decorated, cluttered rooms, my first thought is: who's gonna clean that?

[@spacebar9733]

You don't have to like maximalism but calling it cluttered is far. Everyone can like what they like and maximalism will not bite you.

[@janellimarie]

Same! 🤣

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

I think the same thing myself. I just won't do it anymore. I have the things I really like to decorate with and it's getting smaller and just a few art pieces and a wreath, candles in that holiday color. It's so much better than trying to wipe dust from all those trinkets I used to have. I realized it just looks so much better.❤

[@aya4951]

Same😂

[@uteburragekruse9767]

Snap!😂

[@StephanieLuff]

What I love about this video is that he’s not saying anything is right or wrong, it’s just not consistent with a low maintenance home so you need to weigh your priorities

[@robotomato13]

KZbin has finally figured that I’m a lazy person. ❤❤❤❤❤ loving this

[@causticgit]

A good compromise for open shelving: glass-front cabinets. When my parents renovated the kitchen we had standard cabinet doors in high-use areas, but the upper cabinets on one wall were primarily storage for things like big beautiful baking dishes, party platters, wine and champagne glasses, etc. Things that belong in the kitchen but aren't used a lot. We got to enjoy looking at them and it made planning what dishes to put out at parties easier!

[@pinkroses135]

This

[@x-mess]

Never put them next to the oven… steam, grease, dust and glass do not mix

[@Maison_Marion]

Great tips! People often say things like "but without decor it looks boring!" However, you can hang paintings and pictures on the wall and add fun cushions that you can clean with ease. No trinkets doesn't mean a plain white house! Use wallpaper or a colourful chair etc... But every added decorative vase is another vase to clean...

[@HeronCoyote1234]

This is what I have done! A few large paintings are easier to dust than many small ones, and give me the “museum” look I want.

[@franglais-riders]

Exactly what we do to, large bright paintings on the walls, bright cushions, no trinkets.

[@imscanon]

My #1 tip for cleaning is to just put things away when done with them, don't consider a meal finished until it's cleaned up (and no dishes are in the sink), and at the end of the day, go around and set right anything that needs it so you start the next day with a fresh, clean slate. Clean each room on a different day so you aren't doing the whole house at once. It'll only take about 5 mins. to do one room if you did the earlier stuff as you just have to clean the toilet, swap out some towels, wipe the mirrors and counters and wipe down the tub and floor, which aren't that dirty if you did it last week and handled obvs. stuff as you saw it. I hate cleaning so doing it this way, I rarely spend more than 5 or 10 mins. cleaning at one time. Train everyone in the house to do the same. If you have little kids, well, I'd get a maid. lol Nobody has time for all that. lol Oh, and avoid nicknacks. If you have to move a ton of things to dust, you won't do it. I prefer artwork on the walls rather than stuff on the tables and sconces to table lamps, etc. so that most surfaces are pretty clear. Pet peeve...dishes in the sink when the freaking dishwasher is RIGHT THERE. Just pop it in there instead of in the sink. Nothing worse than going in to cook and having to clean the kitchen first of someone else's mess. Nope. Not in my house. lol

[@mplotusflower]

Well said! That is how it is done in my home!

[@Juhulia76]

I wish I was that organized.

[@Laurenherbert311]

I like the cleaning a different room a different day. I split up my cleaning by task per day. Like floors on Mondays and Fridays, Toilets/Tubs/Tables on Tuesdays, etc.. I also made a similar schedule for our laundry - cleaning towels on Mondays, kitchen towels on Tuesdays, husband's laundry on wednesday's, etc..

[@Niccy26]

If I could I would. I genuinely put things down and walk off without realising it. Low energy levels and depression and well as trying to balance my life means I'm not as proactive as I'd like. I'm exhausted. For anyone who can do what you can, hats off. I will be trying to do the dishwasher thing. I'm working on little things at a time so I can get back to how clean I used to be because I can't be like this forever ETA we are considering a cleaner. We have a small child and I'm expecting again

[@barbarapaige]

@@Niccy26 Hang in there - it does get better! As a mother myself, I hear you, but I would recommend doing what you said - little things can make a difference in your mood, and it will get easier with time. Teach your toddler to pick up their toys at the end of the day; look for ways to get help if you can. Definitely hire a cleaner if that's a possibility. Sending you blessings.

[@hilarygibson3150]

4 dogs. Thats my cleaning problem!

[@loes6839]

Get a high velocity dryer if they shed a lot. We wash our double coated dogs 3-4 times a year and it saves us sooo much hair inside. Also we just blow them dry after a muddy/rainy walk so they don't take all that stuff into the house.

[@LeendaRella]

I have a house cleaning business and everything that you said is true! I have learned what surfaces I don’t want in my home from cleaning for others😆

[@mirukusheki]

Do you have any additional tips that weren’t mentioned in this video?

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

Oh my gosh, many years ago, I picked up a beautiful-coloured paint that was on clearance. At the time, I had no clue about flat paints and semi-gloss paints, etc. I painted my living room walls, and it looked beautiful. A few weeks later, a friend was helping me install a shelf on one of the walls. The shelf was large and tricky to put up. He had to put his forehead against the wall to ensure that the screws were aligning properly. We finished putting up the shelf, and then I noticed that there was a spot on the wall where my friend's forward had been. Despite cleaning it immediately, it didn't come off. Over the next several months, I tried almost every cleaner I could find, and asked several people for advice. It never came clean. NEVER. I basically had the choice of repainting or hanging a plant off the shelf to cover the mark. I chose the plant!

[@kateowens45]

An oriental rug in a busy pattern (eg dark reds) will hide a lot of marks and mud from dogs and kids. When the mud dries you can run a vacuum over it. This is much better than mopping the floor several times a day. I discovered this when living in a rental with white tile floors.

[@juliefaulkner5497]

I am in a rental with white floor tiles and drives me potty, so going to get an oriental rug, good idea.

[@moonlights9146]

As a Moroccan, with handmade Berber rugs in my house, the thought of mud getting anywhere near them scares me 😅… We take extra care of them and avoid shoes on them. but they are durable, need washing and airing out regularly.

[@dominikakratochvil860]

When my grandma lived with me, it was difficult. I like simple, minimal, low maintance, she wanted all her “precious” she collected in her life to be shown. And I had cat, who liked to destroy any glass that was anywhere that wasn’t coffee or dinning table, or countertop (I trained him those was off-limit) In the end, we compromised. We showed her handmade Czech crystal glasses collections and a few timeless decorations that fit in in the main area, rest in her room. I put them in black Billy bookcase (make it look like installed in wall), with led lights to make that hand-made cutting on the glasses pop, and installed frameless glass door, so my cat and dust won’t get in so easily. Looks amazing. And works like magic.

[@OrthodoxInquirer]

Something else about light colored sofas. Even my microfiber ivory sofa has picked up colors from people's pants. I didn't know that the dye could transfer like that! A visitor put a newspaper on the couch and it stained it. I was able to clean it with rubbing alcohol pads but it's just a warning for others.

[@solidstate9451]

A visitor of ours sat on our grey, fake leather bench and stained it with her blue jeans. We still have the stain marks. We have no idea what she had in her trousers.

[@J.Ilene.]

@@solidstate9451most really dark washed jeans normally (not all the time) come with a label saying the dye can transfer. So if it was a newer pair of jeans that could be why.

[@EmptyZoo393]

​@@solidstate9451I went hiking with my sister up a mountain a few years ago and hit some pretty dense snowpack. Things were slick enough we just slid down the entire snowed area, but her new blue jeans left blue streaks for feet at a time. I can only guess that cheaper dye formulations don't have much staying power.

[@vb8801]

Dark blue jeans will absolutely transfer blue dye to upholstery, and even hands, can confirm 😂 they're over dyed so the colour pops, which results in bleeding of the dye for a long time.

[@vivthefree]

A clean, damp rag used regularly will clean just about everything in the home. If you wring it out and leave it hanging open and exposed to the air, it'll always be good to go. In damp climates, wipe condensation off the windows in the morning to help dehumidifying the home and keep your windows looking great. Always ventilate well when cooking and stick a lid over any hot food left in a pot or pan. If you've just bolied something, then you've just steamed your backslash, and a quick wipe will remove grease and grime that had settled there. A wet cloth over induction hobs, while they're still hot can be very effective.

[@bonnieoliver219]

Excellent advice. I’m renovating an apartment in Italy and my desire is very low maintenance. Many of your suggestions I have discussed with my architect. In addition, all bathroom fixtures will be wall mounted, not anchored to the floor. My robot vacuum and mop will breeze through those areas. All kitchen cabinets are enclosed with the exception of a very small shelf over the sink. It Will used for a few decorative items, as you suggested. My paint finishes will be low maintenance in order to hide scratches to the wall. Windows are low maintenance via a single but double pane energy efficient glass. No cleaning multiple pane surfaces. I subscribed because your content is well produced, concise, and informative. Thank you.

[@beatriz.divino]

Wow me too! Just bought my apartment in Treviglio (all original from the 60's) and I'm trying to understant how to renovate it in a smart way

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Excellent video. My “forget it, I’m not cleaning that all the time” is anything intricately carved. Chairs, lamps, mirrors… The only things I have that are intricate are three vases with silk flowers (kind of a hobby), which I take a blow dryer to (low, cool) once/week.

[@Daniko2]

Another option for glass tables is to get smoked glass. I grew up with a thick, smoked-glass, kitchen table. That same table is the one my now-adult nephews grew up with. The table was easy to clean, and without any maintenance other than wiping off while cleaning the rest of the kitchen, still looks new.

[@mustardseedfaith5314]

Thank you so much for this video. I thought I was the only one that think about maintenance. I have difficulty with white couches, because I want my family to live comfortably in our house. I could give you a million likes. This is one of the best lifestyle videos I have seen in months/years.

[@CPAndy-x5x]

Get furniture that you can Swiffer or vacuum under without moving. 3 inch minimum off the floor. Stove/oven "range" units are difficult to clean around and under (grease buildup and dust). If possible, get a wall oven and range that is integrated into the countertop. Choose kitchen lighting carefully - grease and dust are difficult to clean on delicate, blingy fixtures.

[@LynTaylorWade]

So glad I'm not the only one who looks at free standing tubs and thinks "I don't want to be cleaning around that"! LOL They look gorgeous, but ...

[@grouchostarx531]

Tell me you’ve never owned a freestanding tub without telling me. It’s not that hard to dust behind it for 30 seconds to a minute, or take a vacuum hose and vacuum behind it for another 30 seconds to a minute. Mopping takes less than 3 minutes. Y’all can’t spare 5 minutes a week to clean? Does it interfere with all the time you need to dedicate to watching KZbin? 😂 I don’t enjoy cleaning exactly, and I struggle with mental health on the daily, but COME ON, five minutes per week is too much for you? 🥴 You can keep your ugly tub/shower inserts, and good luck with all the mildew that builds up behind it that will trash your lungs! 😂 my 100-year-old cast iron tub and I will be enjoying ourselves for years to come while you renovate your molded bathroom walls. 😂

[@LynTaylorWade]

@@grouchostarx531 What part of the "11 things to avoid if you HATE cleaning" did you not understand.

[@b3thamphetamine]

@@grouchostarx531 Does it make you feel good about yourself to make such condescending, unnecessary replies to a complete stranger while you're behind a screen? What a big, tough person you are. Loser lmao

[@superlynnie]

@@grouchostarx531 How about comparing to the 1 min of wiping a normal wall tub? You might like to clean, but we are watching this video because we don't.

[@heidikamrath1951]

@@grouchostarx531you ok with vessel sinks as well? 🤔

[@thisisnichie6213]

As the person cooking in this house - gas stove is well worth the maintenance !

[@anaalves3658]

We love our gas stove, we used an induction one temporarily while we were renovating our kitchen and it wasn't something we enjoyed.

[@grouchostarx531]

Same! Like who can’t take 5 minutes to wipe down a gas stove when they’re done cooking? (And what kinda childlike messes is he making that have food going everywhere all over the stove?) Regardless of what type of stove you have, it’s going to be wiped down after cooking is over, right? So for a gas stove just remove the grates. Then another 5 minutes or so to hand-wash the burner grates. You have to clean the kitchen up at the end of the night anyway, it’s not that big of a deal. Put them right in the sink with the dishes so that they get washed. I soak mine while I’m rinsing off the other dishes and loading the dishwasher, then hand-wash the grates as my last task. When I’m struggling with my mental health I just soak the grates overnight and deal with them the next day.

[@sterntaler64]

Gas stoves are the best 😍

[@superlynnie]

@@grouchostarx531 Are you a SAHW with no kids? You are very judgy about cleaning, aren't you? For gas stove is to just remove the grates? Please walk to your stove now, and count the things you have to remove and properly cleaned. Why are yiu trying to make others feel bad that they don't like to clean? Why call people lazy? Maybe they have mental health issues too? Get over yourself.

[@solidstate9451]

I had gas and I have glass ceramics now. I prefer the later.

[@tamshah8981]

A gas stove is the worst type of stove to clean. Getting rid of the burnt stains is a nightmare. Thank you for such useful advice! Love your vlogs...

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

I so highly agree on this concept! One addition, I refuse sofas/couches with separate/single back pillows. You have to pick every single one up to dust (vacuum) them.. And: I do apply/adapt the no open shelving concept even to books! I keep them in glass cabinets/vitrines..

[@atathesteelcrownedqueen8070]

I work for a professional cleaning service; These are all excellent tips. Especially the one about freestanding bathtubs I freaking HATE those things! One thing you said that I don’t agree with is that glass is easy to clean… It isn’t. If it’s just fingerprints, somebody’s got on it then yes, it comes off fairly easily. However, some things don’t come off. I had one office where they put those gummy window sticker things up for Halloween, I never got all the residue off. I tried and tried it never came off. Thankfully they redid the reception area, those windows are gone.

[@molee8863]

All very true. That said, I do like cooking on a gas stove even though the cooktop surface gets filthy & requires some maintenance. I do recommend stainless steel over a black cooktop as a black cooktop shows every little spec of crumbs & dust.

[@rockshot100]

Reynard, I love your posts, and so much agree with most everything. Very solid and thoughtful advice, thanks. I have a clear glass dining table and love to work on it, even paint just scrapes off, 5 years hard use and still no scratches. Yes, it does show dust but a 15 second daily wipe down is not a chore. I got a big "California Shag" rug but put it in the bedroom, and still doesn't look like a wet dog. As with all rugs, you should vacuum like every other day, they say the grit gets into the base of the fibers and that is what wears them out the most. After vacuuming a rug, vacuum the back of it, you will be shocked by how much grit comes out of it. I never trusted the robo-vacs, but if you like them, I will think about it. I have thick jute rugs, and they are very easy to keep clean, but don't make the mistake of getting very light colored binding, or very dark binding, that is the only thing that looks dirty. I put scothgaurd on the binding and that helps. The bath rug binding was really light so got fabric paint and painted the binding, and that solved that problem. Thanks again, please keep the vids coming. BTW, I have a lot of glass and mirrors and tried every glass cleaner available. Finally I found the best and it is cheap. Fill a spay bottle with half DISTILLED water and half rubbing alcohol. A clean micro-fiber rag, and you will never have streaks.

[@reynardlowell]

Ahh that’s a neat trick, distilled water and rubbing alcohol. I’ll be sure to try it next time.

[@amarinegripond1915]

When we purchased our couches, the seller suggested slip-cover pure white : you can bleach it, and you may buy more adapted slip-covers at the same time as the couch.

[@rita7070]

if floor cleaning robot are mentioned, it should be say to plan your house to be bot friendly; try to have fornitures elevated enough from the floor that the bot will go under them, try to get chairs with spaced out enough legs that the bot will pass in between, try to avoid narrow spaces where the bot can't go

[@annemiura7767]

Marvelous video, especially for a young person starting out with their first home. I’m glad he mentioned what I consider the cardinal rules for a clean and tidy house - clean as you go , put things away. 😊

[@mihaelafarkas9750]

Videos are usually all similar content, but nothing really useful and real. Yours is different. Yours is the kind we need more of. I've noticed almost all these things myself over the years. Great job!

[@emilu8214]

Another thing I've seen in European homes is a fully waterproof bathroom so you can just clean it out and spray it with a hose

[@the1stmbbsteacher381]

What about electric switches and plugs?

[@xxnario7286]

@@the1stmbbsteacher381 They have a plastic lid that covers them. Switches are on the outside of the bathroom.

[@abeiradapraia]

That’s how it is in Brazil too! The design is more plain for sure, but I’ll be danged if it isn’t a million times more efficient to clean.

[@superlynnie]

Most likely Southern Europe?

[@solidstate9451]

We put a drain in the middle of our new built bathroom. No matter the wet mess the children make - it is swiped fast to the drain.

[@masonr1666]

The best advice I have heard is this: You need a liminal space in your home. This space should be right at the door. This is where you keep bags, shoes, and coats. Most of us use the same coat day after day. So use a hook instead of a closet. If you have guests, then use the closet to reduce clutter. If you keep the shoes by the door, the outside dirt will be [mostly] contained by that liminal space. A liminal space goes for every area in your home. A place that must remain "empty" after you have concluded using that area. Like on a desk. You have a space for a keyboard, you then move the keyboard out of the way so you can use a writing pad. Move the writing pad to read a book, etcetera. Cabinets are for storage, shelves are for displaying things, or easy access. The things you dont use everyday, should be in storage, but the things you do use everyday should be kept accessible. The next question is why do I have this item in storage? Ask yourselves will you use it, or should you get rid of it. The less things you own, the more you de-clutter your life. Less clutter => easier to keep clean.

[@melissac.5948]

Hi, I too have dust allergies, so all my storage cabinets and bookcases have doors. Glass doors are great for bookcases, display cabinets, and a few kitchen cabinets (for the pretty things). Actually, books can become very bad for allergies with time - they tend to grow things and they actually decompose. Librarians often develop serious lung conditions. So, I have one thousand ebooks on hand, and only keep the most loved or needed actual books in my collection. I don’t have rugs - period. I don’t have curtains or drapes - only wide-vaned horizontal blinds (a pain to dust, but once dusted don’t hold onto embedded dust). I use thin, washable bedspreads that can be washed alongside my sheets, blankets, and pillowcases - and just as often. I don’t go crazy with throw pillows - just a few well-chosen, beautiful ones. I store throws in lidded baskets or storage ottomans. I keep tabletops and countertops as clear as possible - easy to wipe down without hassle. I use a Swiffer, Swiffer Duster, or equivalent for touch-ups, without dragging out the vacuum cleaner constantly. No plants, as they get dusty and are fiddly to clean. Also, the soil can get smelly or mouldy. Fresh, non-allergenic flowers are better. I use a huge mop specially designed to dust walls when needed. Yes, they get dusty. A few really wonderful pieces of art replace a large collection. I constantly curate my stuff, and don’t let my things begin to overwhelm my environment. Sounds like my environment could look spare or clinical. But decorating with an eye for coziness and beauty works wonders.

[@Mrs.Silversmith]

Low pile rugs for the win! I have five kids and they are so much faster to vacuum or clean stains out of than fluffy carpets. Also, everyone with kids/pets should have something like a Green Machine if they can. It makes cleaning up messes on the carpets or furniture so much faster and easier.

[@solidstate9451]

I only have 2 children and I don't own any rugs.

[@MeanOldLady]

Carpet's always been super easy to clean... You spot clean a spill & vacuum it once a week & you're golden. And that's assuming you are using it in low traffic bedrooms & other areas. Constantly mopping hardwood or concrete's a real pain in the ass comparatively. Everything else, I completely agree with!

[@rohl374z]

Would love a Part 2 if you've any more tips to share! As someone with a dust allergy minimising dust in the home is very important to me. I will be getting my own home in a couple years and will refer back to this video when planning my house design! ❤

[@causticgit]

I want this, too!! Dust, dogs bringing in pollens, etc.

[@annemiura7767]

I don’t have a dust allergy but hate dust 😂 My tip is to get a robot vacuum ( I like the one in the video that doesn’t have to be emptied as much). Even with wood floors you will be surprised at how much dust and pet hair is on your floors.

[@zoegoodfellow1988]

Water orb air purifier!! Works amazing and more eco friendly than ones with filtters!

[@melissac.5948]

Hi, I too have dust allergies, so all my storage cabinets and bookcases have doors. Glass doors are great for bookcases, display cabinets, and a few kitchen cabinets (for the pretty things). Actually, books can become very bad for allergies with time - they tend to grow things and they actually decompose. Librarians often develop serious lung conditions. So, I have one thousand ebooks on hand, and only keep the most loved or needed actual books in my collection. I don’t have rugs - period. I don’t have curtains or drapes - only wide-vaned horizontal blinds (a pain to dust, but once dusted don’t hold onto embedded dust). I use thin, washable bedspreads that can be washed alongside my sheets, blankets, and pillowcases - and just as often. I don’t go crazy with throw pillows - just a few well-chosen, beautiful ones. I store throws in lidded baskets or storage ottomans. I keep tabletops and countertops as clear as possible - easy to wipe down without hassle. I use a Swiffer, Swiffer Duster, or equivalent for touch-ups, without dragging out the vacuum cleaner constantly. No plants, as they get dusty and are fiddly to clean. Also, the soil can get smelly or mouldy. Fresh, non-allergenic flowers are better. I use a huge mop specially designed to dust walls when needed. Yes, they get dusty. A few really wonderful pieces of art replace a large collection. I constantly curate my stuff, and don’t let my things begin to overwhelm my environment. Sounds like my environment could look spare or clinical. But decorating with an eye for coziness and beauty works wonders.

[@melissac.5948]

Hi, I too have dust allergies, so all my storage cabinets and bookcases have doors. Glass doors are great for bookcases, display cabinets, and a few kitchen cabinets (for the pretty things). Actually, books can become very bad for allergies with time - they tend to grow things and they actually decompose. Librarians often develop serious lung conditions. So, I have one thousand ebooks on hand, and only keep the most loved or needed actual books in my collection. I don’t have rugs - period. I don’t have curtains or drapes - only wide-vaned horizontal blinds (a pain to dust, but once dusted don’t hold onto embedded dust). I use thin, washable bedspreads that can be washed alongside my sheets, blankets, and pillowcases - and just as often. I don’t go crazy with throw pillows - just a few well-chosen, beautiful ones. I store throws in lidded baskets or storage ottomans. I keep tabletops and countertops as clear as possible - easy to wipe down without hassle. I use a Swiffer, Swiffer Duster, or equivalent for touch-ups, without dragging out the vacuum cleaner constantly. No plants, as they get dusty and are fiddly to clean. Also, the soil can get smelly or mouldy. Fresh, non-allergenic flowers are better. I use a huge mop specially designed to dust walls when needed. Yes, they get dusty. A few really wonderful pieces of art replace a large collection. I constantly curate my stuff, and don’t let my things begin to overwhelm my environment. Sounds like my environment could look spare or clinical. But decorating with an eye for coziness and beauty works wonders.

[@grimsqueaker5333]

I love our open shelves. But they are in the pantry/scullery through an open doorway and not next to the stove. Everything is used regularly and it is easy to put everything away after use. I find it's a good time to delcutter unused items when I wipe down the shelves every 4 months. The counter next to the stove and the tiles behind it need a daily wipedown though.

[@solidstate9451]

Big wall tiles have less grout to clean. If you can hang your furniture at the wall, there will be no legs where dust and hair gather. If you can hang your flower pots, you don't have to move them to clean your floor. Wall-rugs or curtains with seasonal decor can decorate your home, absorb noise, are not in the way of your cleaning, don't become dirty as easy as other decor and when can be cleaned easily. Having less stuff means having to clean less stuff. One big picture frame with many pictures is cleaned faster than many picture frames with a picture each. From early on we trained our children to remove their shoes as soon as they enter the house. And for god's sake: Go up to the ceiling with your cupboards! When did you last look on top of your wardrobe, kitchen cupboards, ...?

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

Agree. I thought that space above cabinets would be lovely for displays or whatever but it is NOT worth the maintenance. Great hack is to line shelves with cheap plastic tablecloths-hell, even trash bags would work, then at least cabinet tops remain clean.

[@YourSmartOlderSister]

I opened a small cleaning company a few years ago and my cleaners always draw straws when it comes to vessel sinks or free-standing tubs. I kept that in mind when I was tempted to buy this beautiful antique claw-foot tub. Thanks for this! I'm in the process of renovating and this was such a validating and informative video.

[@molee8863]

😂

[@EmptyZoo393]

Claw footed tubs aren't as bad as you can actually get underneath them. Vessel sinks though? I've always wondered if you have to use razor blades to clean the contact points properly.

[@lynneross319]

Totally agree. I have an older home with a marble bench top in the bathroom. Badly stained from water over the year. The black granite kitchen bench top is a nightmare to keep clean. Shows every streak. Great tips.👏

[@EmptyZoo393]

We recently rented a house with glossy black counters in the kitchen and bathroom. Lots of countertops, way more than we needed. Having to do a triple scrub on the kitchen counters (soap, rinse, dry) was a major pain in the neck, and the bathroom counters _never_ looked clean. Scrub those down, and the first time someone washes their hands you've got streaks all over it. I was overjoyed when we moved into our new house with rather speckled counters, as they hide crumbs incredibly well. I've also come around to glass top stoves, as leaving stovetop cleaner on them overnight followed by two or three minutes with a sponge gets them looking cleaner than a gas stove ever could. I haven't had the chance to try an induction cooktop yet, but the safety factor with young kids is become more and more appealing.

[@Laurenherbert311]

Here's another tip: Take your nasty shoes off when you walk in the door!!! Do not walk around the house with shoes on unless they are inside-ONLY shoes. I am absolutely disgusted by all the carpet I see in homes. Our landlord says they have the carpets cleaned during every turnover. It's a 10 year old unit. We have been vacuuming our carpet 2x/wk for over a year with a Dyson and I still get plenty of dirt and gunk coming up. We use a Bissle carpet cleaner weekly and the water we pour out is black every time. DO NOT GET A CARPET THEY ARE DISGUSTING I also don't understand the desire for a gas stove.. Glass top is SO much easier for cleaning. Sure gas might be better for a carbonara or some dish like that, but it definitely doesn't make enough of a difference to justify all the extra work that comes with cleaning a gas stove.

[@vindevinvin24]

Gas stove is cheaper than anything electric. Especially when electricity is very expensive, like in my country.

[@arioctober]

Yes, take your shoes OFF!!! It's like night and day the difference it makes.

[@kawnah3519]

Depending on the color of the carpet you may also be picking up dye in your cleaner

[@cogsworth2634]

Ten years is just about the lifespan of carpets, especially in a rental.

[@Cheffamily]

as a person who would never afford to buy a house, i find these tips very useful. as someone who hate dust on my books to the core, i vow to never have open shelving in my house (though i can never get one)

[@rachiboo14]

I like cleaning but I don’t want to spend an entire day doing it. So looking forward to these tips 😊

[@spacecaptain9188]

I agree that flat bottom sinks are (slightly) harder to clean, but they also have fewer things accidentally wash down the drain!

[@talithasmits]

Your voice is very good for speaking in videos like this.

[@margaretames6522]

I have a light sofa with slipcovers. I put a cover on the seating and it makes it easy to toss in the wash.

[@hremaddox]

Thank you, sir. These are very practical and sage suggestions.

[@kestiameshad]

Great tips! I also came across stunning 2 stories high windows or sunroofs in homes to let light in. And while it's beautiful, how on earth can anyone clean that?! I also grew up in a carpeted home when I was younger... never again. The amount of allergies I have today is significantly reduced after moving to a house with nothing but hard floors (but then again I live in tropics so cold isn't an issue). I also second the robot vacuum - best investment ever. I do have a couple of features in my home that makes cleaning a hassle. We have a sliding door that separates a studio/work room in front and the rest of the living area, dining and kitchen and that sliding door is metal with slats. Pain in the ass to clean! We also installed a metal folding gate at the staircase for extra security and that also is difficult to clean. Basically before you install something, imagine cleaning it. It'll save you a lot of hassle.

[@Simplyluvly]

I used to love open kitchen shelving but then I realized that it just collect dust, so now I keep all my stuffs in close cabinet. Vessel sinks is one of my dream, but thanks God, I watch your video, so it's not my dream anymore except I have maid to clean my house lol.

[@lindawilson4625]

Great video. People often forget about the cleaning and maintenance involved, then dissatisfied with that big reno they paid for.

[@tiahuff1528]

We have flat paint all over our home and I absolutely HATE it.. we plan on changing it and plan on painting eventually but we have 2 fluffy cats and are waiting a couple more years till they pass (they are senior cats). We also invented in a robo vacuum and the husband loves it. Its nice to have it run while we are at work and come home to clean floors. Helps with his cat allergies too!

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

Agree with everything. I feel people want to buy stuff for themselves as a treat so they purchase a small item to display and it turns into a menagerie of junk that looks awful and by then they are attached to these items and can't stop buying them; telling people they are in style is a lie they say to continue the purchases for their homes. Its never in style to have every surface of an entire home filled. We all? learned this with having to stay home with our "stuff" during the pandemic? Its to much and not healthy. Or at least some of us did. 😮

[@msaparajita849]

That open shelving point is SPOT ON! 🥺

[@shanie7192]

I agree with most of what you have said though I have glass splash backs and finds them easy to clean. The one thing I would change in my kitchen is my sink, it looks great but where the dish rack sits it is flat and doesn't have a fall into the sink. If there is water there it gets slimy and yuck, always have a fall so that the water drains into the sink.

[@VEE727]

Totally agree. It literally takes the same time to put something at the correct place as it takes to put it in a random place. It drives me mad.

[@anaalves3658]

I wish that my husband would learn this 🤦. I find things in the most random places 🙄

[@cairoanderson7944]

I disagree, it takes longer to reach up to a high shelf (or get a step stool) to just put it on the bench; it takes longer to put the vacuum cleaner away in the cupboard than just pushing it to a corner, etc. I think that's why it's important good design makes these tasks as easy and efficient as possible to do.

[@missmochiicecream]

This is a great video! It's really interesting to look at these tips from the perspective of someone with ADHD because oftentimes it benefits those of us with it to have things out in the open so that we can see them. The idea of having a partially closed, partially open storage in the kitchen is a really nice compromise between the things we can struggle with the most - not seeing things mean we forget about them, but also it's difficult for us to start tasks like cleaning or putting things away.

[@barbarapaige]

Mikachumikachu, thank you for explaining the issues for people with ADHD; it was helpful to those of us trying to understand relatives and friends.

[@mirukusheki]

As someone with ADHD and lover of closed storage, the struggle is real! I always end up just putting things where it’s easier to access until the clutter builds up. Or if I do remember to put things away, I often misplace items because I forgot where I put them even though I have designated areas of storage because I could have been distracted and put them somewhere else.

[@ПолинаЖданова-м6е]

Very thoughtful and real, I love your videos, style and manner of speaking 👏

[@robinq5511]

You had some really good advice that I have followed for years in various homes I have redecorated. The new laminate floorings certainly look good enough and are easy to care for because they are vinyl, but so are stone, tile and especially hardwood. You cannot refinish a laminate floor but a real hardwood floor can be repaired, sanded and stained. My current home was built in 1930 and the wood flooring is throughout the house except in the kitchen & baths where I used tile & travertine. In one bedroom addition I replaced tile with one of the new engineered "hardwoods" and their surfaces are so thin that they scratch easily and can't be refinished. I let the contractor talk me out of installing real hardwood (more work for him) and have regretted it ever since. Wool area rugs are also longwearing. But if you are going to go with white for your furniture - even if living alone, you might as well cover it with plastic...

[@ALinn-vr3nl]

Another low-maintenance tip is to keep horizontal surfaces clear of items, because they collect more dust than vertical surfaces. Horizontal surfaces can be wiped down so much faster if there's nothing on them. So, hang art on the walls, in streamlined frames protected by glass, or better, a thin plastic clear sheet, for quick dusting. Using deeper shelves, such as 12" deep, instead of 10", allows pushing the books further back so the spines don't catch dust.

[@missbilbybadinage1199]

When buy decor or anything really, after the price, the next thought is the cleaning, eyukgth. 1:25 I'm renting and have white tiles though out and it's a pain! As soon as I'm done, there's dust bunnies everywhere. I even got cheapish robovac to pick up the bunnies, but even that's not enough, they return if you turn your back. I demonstrated in front of the real estate agent to get her off my back, I was proved right. I miss lino. 5:34 I have and induction stove and one can't just any cleaning products and the slight thing can scratch them, and I'm always worried I'll drop something and it might shatter. Old school electic is fine (I still prefer gas).

[@yaeltuttebel]

I have a white couch, but I can wash the slipcovers. It's the ikea ektorp couch. Now that I have a toddler, I wash it about once a month. Works just fine. If there's a stain I just throw a blanket over it haha

[@beatriz.divino]

This video is LIFE! Who likes cleaning?

[@cidercik]

Also try tiled floors (with UF heating) as they can take regular cleaning products. Limit display items and have all furniture with legs so it's easy to get under and hoover and clean.

[@solidstate9451]

As a person with long hair, I can tell you: long hair tend to collect around the legs and refuse to come off with a vacuum cleaner.

[@tedros6917]

Adding to this, tiled floors with dark grout!

[@lorrainebonilla8052]

Love your videos i was thinking about glass coffee table not anymore thanks to you 😊

[@aussie405]

Also toilets that have gaps behind them. Same problem as free-standing baths.

[@Isachaismith]

Love those practical videos, very down to earth 😌

[@spacecaptain9188]

I have open shelving in the kitchen, and I've never found dust or cooking spatter on my dishes. Probably because I don't store them directly over the stove, and because I have only a few, so each dish and glass, etc., gets used (and then tossed in the dishwasher) at least once per week.

[@sinkintostillness]

It's taken me years, but I've finally got rid of the black glass tv stand my husband had when we moved in. That thing never ever looked clean! Bonus, I used a shelving unit we already had to put the tv on top of so didn't add any extra furniture to the room!

[@laetitiabailey-mortimer8532]

Engineered stone is a NO in Australia due to the lung problems (silicosis) it induces when not cut correctly. The industry wasn't protecting its workers adequately, tradespeople were getting sick (and still are due to the lag between cause and effect) so our federal and state governments agreed to prohibit its use. The ban comes into effect on 1 July 2024 but a lot of hardware stores will no longer sell it. There are plenty of safer alternatives. If you really want low maintenance kitchen counters, and you can afford it, go for commercial kitchen counters - stainless steel. Do note though that you can't put an induction hotplate on them, so go for something like ceramic / glass alongside an under surface mounted induction system - wipe done one flat surface.

[@ALinn-vr3nl]

Thank you for calling out vessel sinks and uneven surfaces, such as tile backsplashes. Just annoyingly impractical for cleaning. Why would anyone intentionally design or arrange a home in a way that requires more cleaning? All too often, more of the cleaning is done by women. This increases workload disparities. Thank you. This is great information. I especially appreciate your research on subjects such as low maintenance carpeting and paint.

[@fatemehebrahimi3844]

Hello. Your videos are very professional, not only in terms of content, but also in terms of editing and that’s with a lot of taste. I really enjoyed watching the video. Could you please introduce the software you use for editing your videos?

[@reynardlowell]

I use Premiere Pro for editing :)

[@Supersheep19]

Very informative video and I like how calm you look when talking about this topic. Thank you.

[@sh1pme2themune9]

1. White upholstery 2. Wall to Wall carpets 3. Shag rugs 4. Open kitchen shelving 5. Glass tables and surfaces 6. Black glossy surfaces 7. Gas stoves 8. Real marble countertops 9. Vessel sinks 10. Flat paint 11. Uneven surfaces Tips 1. Robot vacuum 2. Wipe surfaces regularly 3. Put things away

[@wahahabuh]

I agree with everything except for the gas stove. It depends on your cooking style. My cooking style doesn't make any stove messy. When i sold my last house, the real estate agent thought i never cooked even though i cook multiple times a week

[@lilylee5924]

Great advice and all so true. Thanks for addressing it. I have realized some of the things you had mentioned through the years with intensive cleaning needed for it.

[@AndreasLindholm]

If you have an older home, it is not sure you can always straight off replace gas with electric as the incoming electric line might not be able to bear the current

[@simon.kellerdesign]

Marble is not recommend for kitchen benchtops because it is not heat resisted if you put a hot pan on it it will crack and it stains even after you sealed it.

[@maryannspicher]

I’ve considered changing out my shower doors to the new clear glass ones until I saw everyone complaining about how hard they are to keep clean. Money saved I guess! I don’t understand the trend with open showers/wet rooms. I feel like that would be a giant breeding ground and hard to keep clean. I’m totally with you on not using flat paint. Never again! As for hardwoods, I finally bought a home a few years back with hardwood throughout. Im honestly not a fan. I have to sweep AND mop the whole house, where before I mostly vacuumed. It’s definitely more work, even if it looks better. And the carpet stopped dust and dirt from floating all over my home. Dog hair clusters floating with dust under everything I own! Ugh 🤦‍♀️

[@BP-nn7tq]

I’m redecorating my home around all these suggestions.

[@wildwestjanbutcher650]

I love white sofas. We are older and don’t have kids or pets, so they are easier for us than most, however, I had a pair of fabric sofas for 15 years and loved them. I could zip off the covers and pop them in the machine. They had cushion backs, which hubby didn’t like, so we swapped to white leather recliners. Big mistake. Dirt gets in the grain and is very difficult to clean without scrubbing and risking damaging the leather. The blue dye comes out of your jeans and stains them as well. They are also cold to sit on. We’ve ended up putting a throw on them to sit on, which I hate as it feels untidy and defeats the purpose of buying a beautiful sofa to begin with. Sofas seem to be the hardest thing to get right.

[@27Spiritgirl]

Yet another beautifully presented and thoughtful blog! Xo from Canada

[@TheCupcakeCup]

Ah! Loving these! I just purchased a house and on renovating. These tips really helps. 💜

[@juliem.3936]

Thank you for the tips! These items are definitely seen in modern design. I'm thankful I don't have any of them, but I still hate to clean!

[@marionbylsma1167]

OK I do everything you say in the still ring it a big chore to keep things clean and tidy, but I’m in my 70s now so I keep editing less I have to dust things the better

[@13months]

I put my glass fixtures in the dish washer on heavy duty cycle and they come out looking like new without breaking a sweat. I bought the rca counter top dishwasher for about $350.00 , not including install

[@spacecaptain9188]

I use wire shelving instead of wood. That way the shelves don't need much cleaning (doesn't collect dust, doesn't accumulate moisture, gets plenty of sunlight on all surfaces to reduce bacteria and insect life, etc.). I don't need to reorganize every day (or almost ever). Everything has it's place, and it's as simple as putting things away after the dishwasher does it's thing.

[@aiai-j7i]

I love your mellow demeanor 😊. I would like to say that Ruggables in my opinion are awful. They have them were I work and it just looks like a thick towel or mat at best and crap gets in between the top layer, the velcroed part it attaches to and under the velcro part. It is just gross overall. I really do not understand why they are so popular. They simply are not rugs. Yes, better get an indoor/outdoor rug.

[@reynardlowell]

Thanks! Yeah I think ruggable works at home for people who like the looks and ‘washability’, but I agree it’s more like a mat than a rug. I think it works well say in a kitchen. But yes I do think indoor/outdoor rug is the best of both worlds, although there’s not as many to choose from.

[@vb8801]

I have 2 ruggable runners in my hallway where my cat likes to have the zoomies. They work well for my needs in that area!

[@MaryFont62]

It can also be that one can't clean anymore. It is not only not wanting to, or laziness. Illness or age changes one's ability to keep up with tasks. And not having a budget for a cleaner or changing your interior.

[@diegoaguirre9703]

From Mexico Thank you Reynard love your videos

[@owieprone]

I have open shelves in my tiny kitchen for ingredients, utensils and a hand mixer I use every day. If I didn't i'd have to open all but 1 cupboard and 1 drawer to get everything I need for each meal - wiping down the 2 shelves occasionally and cleaning the containers when they need refilled is far less hassle. Noting having a cabinet where the shelves are makes the kitchen feel much less closed in that before I changed it. I agree with everything else, especially the robot vacuum, i didn't think i'd be impressed but leaving 'Tank' to do his thing once a week saves me soo much time, and that's with lifting stuff off the floor for him - he can toddle around during the day as I WFH. I dont have to worry quite as much about cat hair, biscuits, and fluffy-feet strewn litter quite as much.

[@vb8801]

You're in control of where you put your items, so if you love those items on an open shelf, that's great. They don't need to be all spread out amongst every cabinet you have 😂

[@anitas5817]

I have off white performance fabric on my chairs and it “works” - spills aren’t a problem. The problem is the ground in dirt from daily use and skin oils, etc, that doesn’t wipe off. Light fabric will get dingy and grimy no matter what.

[@fufufuaru]

what i miss about gas stove is cooking fried rice. i can’t do it the usual way on an induction stove unless i want to break the glass top

[@zodiacfml]

this just reminds me living with people who don;t clean much and keep buying junk. just don't fall into marketing or hype of products, do this and one saves money and don't add more to the task of cleaning. also, most people can't live with wide open spaces, they always feel the need to fill it with junk

[@heartdeyna]

my parents would always go for white over other light colors like beige. because you can always use bleach on whites but not beige or pastel colors.

[@rokhamler3352]

Glass should be used in a vertical position to close the open shelving while still displaying all your kitchy stuff you want everyone to see

[@lizabeta9347]

That was very good suggestions, thanks.

[@marycochrane9921]

This video is so refreshing! Very useful info.

[@GenRN]

The best thing I did when building a house having ZERO CARPET!

[@sophiegae]

Agree with all but the gas stove which I find much easier to clean than the induction top surface - especially if something boiled over and burnt onto it.

[@superlynnie]

I just switched to an induction, and I had the opposite experience. We cook at least 2 meals a day, both wfh and cleaning the stove has never been easier.

[@hellototheworld]

Thank you for sharing your videos are always excellent info and tips