I always love learning about how other cultures do different parts of life, and right now I’m just curious about how the French women keep their homes clean.
It feels like they already have amazing mindsets when it comes to other parts of life, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that they had some great habits around keeping the home clean.
And I’m gonna be honest, I feel like these are things I would actually adopt.
When I read over these different tips and ideas, it felt like a better way to keep the home consistently clean.
And if you’re curious, then I’d definitely recommend reading them over!
JUMP TO SECTION:
1. Less is More
This goes for everything in the French home, so think about things like clothing and furniture.
They prioritize quality (items that are gonna last) over filling their home with things that’ll keep it cluttered and cause more work.
So think about getting rid of pieces that you know are just keeping your home disorganized and are always taking up space.
Make it a priority to only have things in your home that you’re truly happy to have there.
2. Cleaning After Breakfast
Some French women tend to clean in the morning after breakfast.
This does two things:
1. They have certain set days for doing different tasks which means their home is staying clean and kept up.
2. It allows them to enjoy a clean home all day long, and this provides for a relaxed atmosphere.
3. The Extras
Cleaning the home isn’t just about making sure there isn’t clothing on the floor or dishes on the coffee table.
It’s also about making it feel fresh; a place you truly enjoy existing in.
Karen from Living a French Life says, “In France, tidying up each week includes adding fresh flowers to a room, using the copper cookware you just polished, and line drying your sheets with a spritz of pure lavender water.”
4. French Women Clean in Moderation
According to The Independent, the French do less housework than anyone else (less than 16 hours a week).
This comes from their habit of doing a little bit at a time every day instead of a huge cleaning spree each week or two.
Also, their habit of only keeping quality items in their home (as discussed earlier) can help with this as well.
5. Their mindset is Also Different
I thought this insight from Deanna from Life With Dee was great:
“They don’t think of cleaning as a chore but simply as part of what it takes to have a beautiful environment. The French phrase for ‘cleaning your house’ is faire le ménage which means “to make the household.”
PS – How the French women take care of their beauty is also a pretty interesting read.