Whether you’re moving into a new home, getting ready to sell an existing home, or just staying put, getting (and keeping) your home neat and tidy is key to feeling calm and cozy for the fall season. After all, it’s hard to truly relax in a space that feels dirty and disheveled. The problem: Achieving a relaxing, comfy home takes work–and there’s nothing calm and cozy about sweeping, scrubbing, or sanitizing. Unless, that is, you intentionally make it that way.
One way to make the work feel, well, less like work: Incorporate a chore into something you’re already doing—aka habit stacking—to make your cleaning routine stick. We vote for picking something to clean while you wait for your coffee (or tea) to brew. Three to five minutes is the perfect chunk of time to achieve something meaningful without getting exhausted. Plus, you can do it in your pajamas.
Exactly how long you have to clean depends on your go-to brewing method. Regardless, you’ll finish with a sense of pride and a built-in reward: your morning cup. Need ideas? We’ve got you covered. Ahead, 7 things you can clean when you’re waiting for your coffee to brew every morning.
Clean your microwave
A microwave is essential for your next Netflix binge session, but a dirty microwave can put a real damper on your Rings of Power marathon. Luckily, as long as you have the right tools on hand, you can take your microwave from splattered to sparkling in just a few minutes. Here’s how: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with two cups of water and two cups of distilled white vinegar, and cook it for three minutes. Let the steam work its magic for a minute before opening the door, then wipe the inside with a microfiber cloth. Along with neutralizing smells, the vinegar steam will cut through grease and grime, making it easy-peasy to wipe down–so it’s 100% ready for movie night.
Spruce up your sofas
Your couches, sofas, and loveseats are supposed to be one of the most inviting places in your home. If they’re feeling less-than-inviting, take a few minutes to straighten up the back and seat cushions, fluff your throw pillows and put them where they belong, and fold any blankets. They’ll feel like new when it’s time to lounge!
Shine up your sink
You may not immediately associate your sink with cozy things, but trust me: The sight of a shiny sink does wonders for your ability to unwind. To deep clean your sink, sprinkle baking soda all around the inside, then squirt a bit of dish soap and run a bit of water over the mixture. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub the paste in the direction of the stainless steel grain. Don’t forget the corners and the crevices of your drain! To finish, rinse and dry the sink, then buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth.
Reset the playroom
If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated space for your kids, making your little ones’ stuff easier to find (and play with!) is key to their downtime and your sanity. Do a quick clean by throwing all errant toys in their baskets and wiping down any visibly sticky, crumby, or otherwise dirty surfaces.
Deodorize a trash can
One oft-neglected item that can seriously hamper cozy vibes? A stinky, sticky trash can. While your cup of joe is brewing, take your trash out and spend a few minutes refreshing a trash can from your kitchen or bathroom. Remove any crumbs from the bottom of the can, then rinse it out in your sink or bathtub. Next, sprinkle the bottom with baking soda, which can help fight nasty odors and scrub away grime. Use a brush to scrub out the bottom and sides of the bin, adding a bit of dish soap if you’re working with stubborn or sticky spots. Finally, rinse the bin and wipe it clean!
They say eye-level messes are the most noticeable, but dirty floors have a way of making an entire space feel less-than-comfortable. Spend a couple of minutes sweeping your floors in the one room you spend the most time in. If you have time, grab your vacuum and hit the rugs, then use the hose attachment to dust the baseboards. It only takes a few minutes, and your space will feel so much cleaner.
Go through entryway clutter
Like the junk drawer of the house, entryways have a tendency to become catch-alls for mail, keys, bags, coats, and shoes. Spend a few minutes going through anything making your entry or mudroom look messier than it has to be—for example, hang coats in the closet, neaten up shoes or boots, and discard any mail you don’t need. An immediate facelift!
Choose any one of these tasks and you’ll enjoy that morning cup of Joe that much more. Choose all of them (one for each day of the week) and your home will feel cleaner and cozier. Win win.
In the market for a new coffeemaker? We’ve been eyeing Smeg’s coffee and espresso machine in matte jade (green is the color of 2022 after all). Equally chic (and considerably less pricey) is this drip coffee maker from Zojirushi.
