Do you find yourself obsessed with a clean house?

Bonnie - posted on 04/06/2011

I have days when I am not motivated to clean at all, but if something looks dirty, it gets me in the mood to clean and then usually I am on a roll. I usually divide up the cleaning over a few days so I am not doing everything in one day and then I do touch ups the rest of the week.

We all can't be machines. We will wear ourselves down within no time. Don't forget, it's not just cleaning, it's meals, taking care of the kids, running errands, etc. It's a lot.

Gemma - posted on 04/06/2011

I found I was doing the same - I hoover everyday, at times 2 or more times, beds are always made, floors bleached, I clean the loo everytime I go and generally never stop cleaning. I eventually saught help as I began to wake in the night and start panicking, I couldn't sleep without knowing everything was clean, no dishes, no washing, hoovering etc, and it turns out I have OCD I have been on meds for a year now and they help, no more midnight cleaning for me! but I still have an urge to have everything clean even though I have a 3 yr old and a 10 yr old I'm just less stressed about it!

So I would advise you keep an eye on yourself and seek doctor's advice if it gets worse :) You are not alone :)

Liz - posted on 04/06/2011

I'm the opposite; I wish I could get motivated to do more. Sometimes it's overwhelming with a baby.

Something that has helped me over the years (even before baby) is the Minimum Principle. You write down the MINIMUM that you need to feel satisfied, and then try to stick with that. For instance, I wouldn't be too happy without clean dishes or clean laundry, so we prioritize that as a daily chore. You can ask yourself, does your house really need vaccuuming every two days? Could it be twice or even once a week? You can Google the term "Minimum Principle."

Sorry if this doesn't help. It's a constant struggle, mama!

Ambyr - posted on 04/05/2011

Yes, I'm really bad when I am pregnant but when I'm not I still obsess over it just not as bad. I am always cleaning and tidying up everything. When my kids go to bed I do my last clean so its done for the morning.

Kel - posted on 04/05/2011

I am such a neat freak! I find it difficult to function well in a messy environment. I'm trying to manage my time better. Making sure my house is spotless everyday, with a little boy is too time consuming. Like Danielle said, maintaining realistic goals is the key. Easier said than done though, LOL!

Stifler's - posted on 04/05/2011

Yes Facebook and CoM is a bit of a saboteur to my housework sometimes too!

Sherry - posted on 04/05/2011

I have 3 children 3 and under and one on the way. It sounds like you want to have a good balance. It may be that you are obsessing a bit. If it's interfering with your relationships like your husband and child and you are stressing about the lengths you go to then maybe it's time to make a weekly/daily schedule of household responsibilities and stick to that. Personally I need more of your discipline. As we speak I am looking at a dirty floor scattered with toys. I have 2 full baskets of laundry to do and dishes in my sink. Yikes. I find it so so hard to keep up and here I am on my computer. Priorities!! Gotta go and get my butt in gear LOL!

Alexis - posted on 04/05/2011

I like my house to be clean and things put away, however I do not stress over toys except when I need to pick them up to vacuum or for company. If the laundry doesnt get put away by bedtime I don't stress over it though. I also have days where nothing gets done because we are out and about all day. I would say IMO that your being a little controlling, I understand wanting a clean house but it sounds like you can't let it go if it doesn get done, by staying up until 1-2 in the morning.

Stephanie - posted on 04/05/2011

I have three kids and one on the way... I clean when I can ignore it when I can't... I learned a long time ago dishes and laundry will always be there but your kids won't!! My kids are 20, 18, 15 and due in September :o)

Kymberly - posted on 04/05/2011

I have the same problem so don't feel bad! I OBSESS literally about the entire house....when its a mess I feel like I'm gonna have an anxiety attack! My husband personally thinks its funny but it was never this bad until I became a stay at home mom. My routine is basically the same as yours and I'm happy that I'm not the only one out there! My daughter just turned 18 months and I'm due with our second daughter May 31st...I dread thinking about the first 6 weeks after she's born cause I know the house will a disaster! Atleast by my standards :/

Stifler's - posted on 04/04/2011

i have one kid he's 14 months... i clean on mondays. i change our sheets, logans sheets, wash them, vacuum, mop and wipe the bathroom counter, clean the toilet, dust, wipe the windows and scrub the shower. my kid just follows me making clean mess with his toys. i pretty miuch just sweep all his toys into his room at the end of the day. the rest of the week i spot clean like wipe up spills, dust buster or sweep under the high chair, take out trash, do dishes, wash a few loads of laundry etc. the house is usually pretty tidy. don't obsess, no one expects your house to be clean with little kids!

Catherine - posted on 04/04/2011

I guess I fall somewhere in between the other two posters. I vacuum every other day, or more often if I need to, I sweep every day, but I only mop 2-3 times a week. I do the bathroom 2-3 times a week, and I make sure the dishes are done and the kitchen is clean every day. Is my house clean, yes, is it spotless, no.

Sometimes I feel like I should do more, but then I realize that would take time away from my son, and I think that's more important than getting every pair of socks matched up. I clean for about an hour a day while he naps, and then when he's awake I might pick up general stuff, but I don't do any heavy cleaning. Laundry is definitely not something that should be keeping you up at night, it's just not that important.

Ashleigh Jade - posted on 04/04/2011

I have 3 kids under 5 and seem to always be cleaning!
My house is usually tidy and picked up.
I vaccum everday twice,dishes,washing,mop floors,make beds,pineoclean,bathroom,toilet, backyard and ironing.
Then on sunday its our big clean day.

I cant really give you advice on how not to stress about mess because im the same way!

Shannintipton - posted on 04/04/2011

Hi Danielle,
No, quit the opposite. I find myself stepping over piles of stuff. Would you please come to my house, I could use your help{:+)
shannin tipton