Why January Is the Best Time to Start a Cleaning Routine (and How to Actually Stick With It)

January brings more than a new calendar, it brings a reset. After the holidays, homes feel cluttered, busy, and a little chaotic. This is why January is the most powerful month to start a long-term cleaning routine that sets the tone for a healthier, calmer year,

Here’s how to create a routine you’ll actually follow without the overwhelm.

Why January Is the Perfect Fresh Start

1. Clutter Is at an All-Time High

   Between gifts, decorations, guests, and holiday cooking, your home is fuller than usual.

2. Motivation Is Higher

   Studies show people are more willing to adopt new habits in January because it feels like a natural turning point.

3. Winter Allergens Build Up Indoors

   Cold temps mean closed windows, more dust, and stale air making cleaning even more important.

A Simple January Cleaning Routine (That Doesn’t Feel Hard)

Weekly Tasks

• Light dusting

• Vacuuming high-traffic areas

• Wiping kitchen counters

• Quick bathroom reresh

These keep your home feeling manageable and prevent buildup.

Bi-Weekly Tasks

• Scrub showers + tubs

• Mop hard floors

• Deep clean appliances

• Wash bedding and blankets

Doing these steps every other week keeps your home fresh all month long.

Monthly Tasks

• Clean baseboards

• Wipe down cabinets

• Dust ceiling fans

• Shampoo rugs

• Declutter two small spaces (drawers, closets, pantry)

These bigger tasks prevent the “January reset” from slipping away by February.

How to Make Your Cleaning Routine Stick This Year

1. Start Small

   Instead of trying to clean the whole house in one day, break the tasks into 10-minute chunks.

2. Create Habit Triggers

   Link your cleaning tasks to existing habits, like: vacuuming after breakfast, tidying the kitchen before dinner, washing bedding on Sundays.

3. Use Non-Toxic Cleaners

   When cleaning feels better, you stick with it longer. Plant-based products create a safer environment, especially during winter when windows stay closed.

4. Schedule a Monthly Deep Clean

   Consistency becomes easier when a professional team handles the hard parts.

   Organically Clean Utah can take the heavy cleaning off your plate so you can focus on maintaining, not catching up.

Why Non-Toxic Cleaning Matters in Winter

Indoor air quality gets worse during winter because:

• Doors stay closed

• Humidity drops

• Dust recirculates

• Heating systems push allergens around

Non-toxic cleaners keep your air clean without adding harsh chemicals into the mix.

FAQs

How long does a January reset clean take?

Most homes need 3-5 hours depending on size and clutter.

Should I deep clean before or after decluttering?

Declutter first, then clean. You’ll get better results.

Is a professional clean worth it at the start of the year?

Yes. it gives you a clean “baseline” that’s easier to maintain all year.