4 Cleaning Motivation Tricks That Actually Work for ADHD Moms

Cleaning as a mom is already a challenge, but throw ADHD into the mix, and you've basically unlocked the hardest level of a game you never wanted to play. The distractions, the overwhelm, and that never-ending chorus of "Mom, Mom, Mom!" are enough to derail even the best intentions.

The other day, I came across this post that said, “Once a woman cleans her house and lights a candle, don’t touch anything!” And honestly? I felt that in my soul. There’s just something about lighting that final candle that makes me feel like I’ve just won the gold medal of cleaning. But it also made me think about all the little tricks I’ve added to my routine that help keep me motivated to clean in the first place. Without these hacks, I’d honestly be swimming in clutter and convincing myself “cozy chaos” is an aesthetic.

Today, I’m sharing my go-to cleaning motivation hacks. Whether you’re into tiny rewards, mental tricks, or just trying to survive the day, these tips are perfect for ADHD moms (or anyone who needs a little extra nudge).

1. DIY Cleaning Supplies

I’ve got to admit, there’s something so satisfying about using cleaning products I made myself. It’s like adding a little personal touch to every room I clean. One of my favorites? My DIY non-toxic fabric spray. It’s a game-changer. I've even made a quick video showing how to whip it up (you can watch it below!).

Every morning, as part of my morning cleaning routine (you can find my post on my morning cleaning routine here), I air out the beds. Then comes the best part—I spritz them with my homemade fabric spray. Hearing that shhhh of the spray bottle and catching the light scent feels like a tiny treat, and it makes the whole process a lot more enjoyable. It’s honestly one of those small things I look forward to every day. If you want to give it a try, you can grab my non-toxic cleaning recipe printable right here! 

2. Cleaning Cart + Adorable Aprons

When I decided to fully lean into my “Homemaker Era,” one of the first things I did was build my very own cleaning cart and stock up on cute aprons. Did I go a little overboard? Maybe. But I don’t regret it for a second.

I started by snagging some dreamy vintage aprons from the 1950s because, honestly, who doesn’t want to channel their inner retro housewife while cleaning? For those messier, deep-cleaning days, I also bought a few practical aprons from Amazon that I don’t mind getting a bit dirty.

The cleaning cart, though? Total game-changer. I’ve got a separate blog post on how I set it up (check it out here!) and a video walkthrough below if you’re curious. It’s packed with all my go-to natural cleaning ingredients and favorite DIY recipes (get my non-toxic recipe printable here). Plus, I always keep my routine checklist handy (you can grab yours here) so there’s no guessing what needs to be done.

Rolling that cart around the house and checking off tasks as I go feels weirdly satisfying. It takes cleaning from “ugh, do I have to?” to “heck yeah, I’ve got this!”

3. Little Luxuries Turn Dreaded Chores into Self-Care

Confession time: while I love making my own cleaning products, I’m also a sucker for a good Bath and Body Works scent. It’s all about balance, right? And when it comes to dishes (AKA my least favorite chore in the world), those little luxuries are what keep me sane.

Here’s how I make it less awful. First, I light a cozy candle. Then I grab some beautifully scented hand soap and matching hand cream to set the vibe. I throw on my dish gloves, tackle the sink full of plates, and then reward myself with the nice soap and a little hand cream once I’m finished.

This simple ritual has been a total game-changer. It turns a task I used to dread into a little self-care moment. Trust me, no chore is as terrible when you know there’s a luxurious hand cream waiting for you at the end. And if, like me, you have ADHD, rewarding yourself as you go instead of waiting until the end can do wonders for staying motivated.

4. Cleaning Motivation Meets Old-School Radio

Now, this tip? It’s my ultimate secret weapon. Domestic Daydreams Radio! It’s basically the best thing to happen to my cleaning routine.

With just the press of a button, I can turn chores into an enjoyable 1950s-inspired experience. These guided audio cleaning routines pair tasks like tidying, folding, and wiping down counters with nostalgic radio shows like Dragnet! or Father Knows Best. It’s like having a chore buddy who also entertains you the whole time. Each routine is just 30 minutes, and by the time the show is over, I’ve finished my cleaning for the day.

And the best part? I’ve got free episodes you can try out for yourself! Seriously, you need to experience it. Queue up an episode, follow the checklist, and see how these routines completely change your perspective on cleaning. You might even start to look forward to it (okay, maybe not look forward but definitely dread it less). Grab your free episodes here and see what I mean!

Wrapping It Up

Cleaning when you’re an ADHD mom doesn’t have to feel impossible. With a few fun tricks and some sneaky “treat yourself” strategies, you can stay on top of the chaos and maybe even enjoy (gasp!) parts of it. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding what works for you and sticking with it. Now go light that candle and crush your cleaning goals!