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Clover Lane

Home » Blog » Clean Counters Are Heavenly

Clean Counters Are Heavenly

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Family Life

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When my kitchen counters are clean and uncluttered I feel like my whole house is clean.  Really, that’s my starting point.  Floors next.  For some it’s dusting.  Not me, I hardly ever dust!  For others it’s toys picked up.  I would have answered strongly in favor of that about 10 years ago, but I’d make myself miserable if that was my goal now. 

What’s it for you?

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April 6, 2010 · 70 Comments

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Comments

  1. Aimee says

    April 6, 2010 at 8:13 am

    I can't handle a dirty bathroom. I don't know why, but I have to always have a clean bathroom, even if the rest of the house is a wreck. Since starting Fly Lady's program, I agree with you on the sink/counter and either the kitchen or TV room is next on my priority list.

    BTW, I love your kitchen! The black counters with the white cabinets is a combination I have considered when we remodel our kitchen.

    Reply
  2. katef says

    April 6, 2010 at 9:08 am

    if I had that much counter space I don't think it would ever be that clean!!!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    April 6, 2010 at 9:35 am

    vacuumed carpets. Trying having dark carpet and a fluffy white cat (or a child who gets more biscuit on the floor then in her mouth, which I am sure you are more likely to relate too 🙂 )

    Reply
  4. Carin says

    April 6, 2010 at 10:37 am

    Clean kitchen always does it for me too, though ours being a lot smaller than yours means we have to have some stuff on the counters. As long as they're tidy and clean looking though I'm happy. My other thing is clean floors. I rarely dust either but have the hoover out several times a week and the dust buster several times a day.

    Reply
  5. No Longer 25 says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    It's a clean bathroom for me, that's always where I start. Then the kitchen worktops would be next on my list.

    Reply
  6. Emily says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Same as you – a clean kitchen and shiny counters. I can handle the toy chaos and laundry everywhere as long as my kitchen is clean.

    I guess I can't log in anymore with my url 🙁

    Emily@remodelingthislife

    Reply
  7. Unknown says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    I like clean kitchen counters too, but I think clean bathroom counters are even better. When I see my bathroom after a good cleaning, it always makes me smile.

    Reply
  8. Angela says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    Having a clean kitchen is a must for me too. It is a refreshing feeling to wake up and not have dirty dishes waiting for me in the morning. I am a new follower of your blog, LOVE it! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Sheri @ www.careergirlinterrupted.com says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Clean counters and a shiny sink when i wake up in the morning – i think the fly lady rules have now been officially ingrained in me. At least the shiny sink part and getting dressed all the way in the am including your shoes to get me motivated!

    Reply
  10. Lisa@Pickles and Cheese says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    The dog sheds so much that for me lately it's the floors. The house looks and feels so much cleaner to me when I don't see tumbleweeds of dog hair blow across the floor when the door opens!!

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    Cleared off anything – counters, table, shelf- anything that's a surface when we just sit things that accumulate!

    Reply
  12. You Can Call Me Jane says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Clean floors and most toys away is bliss for me!

    Reply
  13. Lelan @ Good Gravy! says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    A clean kitchen island does it for me. It's such a focal point that if it's cluttered, so is my head!

    Reply
  14. TaylorClan says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    the kitchen floor must be swept, sometimes I sweep up after a meal (yes, i must do it after every meal, i have a 2 year old and twin 11months old) and then realize I haven't a)done the dishes, b)wiped the table and counters-oops!

    Reply
  15. Talia says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    It's a tie between a clean bathroom and swept floors! When both are finished, I have a sense that all is right in my world.

    Reply
  16. Pamela says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    I'm just like you – clean counters and floors.

    Reply
  17. Colleen says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    FLOORS!!!! When the rugs are vaccuumed and the floor is mopped ~ all feels right with the world. Oh, and of course a yummy candle has to be burning 🙂

    Reply
  18. Rachel says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Vacuuming! I love to feel clean under my feet… and with baby still crawling around on the floor and climbing the stair and exploring, it has to be clean!

    Reply
  19. Ruth H. says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    I'm there with you on the kitchen counters. I am blessed with a large kitchen that has both an island and a bar. The bar is my nemesis. It is 8×3 feet of space that everyone uses as a dumping ground (including me, unfortunately). Things pile up fast. It doesn't matter how filthy the rest of the house is, if that pesky bar is clean, I feel like such a housekeeping hero!

    Reply
  20. Java says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    I don't think my counter tops ever looked like that! Where do you put all your stuff?? If my bathrooms are clean, then I feel like my whole house is clean!

    Reply
  21. Brian and Staci says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    I DON'T like piles!!! And generally they seem to accumulate on my kitchen counters 🙁 So, I'm with you….CLEAN countertops make me a happy girl 🙂 I find the less that there are on any counters….the more I clean them 🙂 I don't like moving things around! Hope your family had a wonderful Easter 😉

    Reply
  22. From All Stitched Up says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    I agree with you – when the kitchen is cleaned up I feel ready to tackle anything !

    Reply
  23. teresa-bug says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    If my house is vacuumed then I feel like my house is on the way to being clean. Next is kitchen counters, oh how I dream of having completely cleaned off counters…to bad I don't have enough cabinet space!

    Reply
  24. ~Laurie~ says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    Amen to the clean counters! We are getting ready to list our house and I am realizing I have way too much clutter. Away the stuff goes for a yard sale!!

    Reply
  25. meg duerksen says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    you've encourged me to get off my butt and clean up my kitchen.
    see ya!

    Reply
  26. Lacey says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    I'm with you – clean kitchen counters really tickle my fancy.

    Reply
  27. vera says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Floors, floors, floors! If I can't walk around barefoot on our wood without feeling dirt on my feet, the whole house feels disgusting. If the floors are shiny and I can wear white socks and they stay white, life is good!

    Reply
  28. ...You May Say I'm A Dreamer says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    For me it's making my bed! I can't even begin to get anything else accomplished until that's done. When I was little, someone told me that if I didn't make my bed, evil spirits would sneek under the covers during the day and I would have nightmares at night…seriously, that was it for me! (I know, I probably need therapy for that one!) Have a great week and enjoy those clean counters:]

    Reply
  29. Pam says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    We have similar posts today! I'm all about clean baseboards. Love how you can see the reflection in your clean countertops!!

    Reply
  30. Anne McD says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Ditto Java– where is everything! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Lia says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    Dust, sweep, vacuum are always first on my 'to do' list. I love clean counters but they don't stay that way for long.

    Reply
  32. Jenn says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    A clean & spotless kitchen makes me giddy 🙂 It is always in use so it is not always spotless all the time. Oh well. One can dream…

    Reply
  33. Nutty says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    Its totally the kitchen for me, too! I always feel better with a clean kitchen.

    Reply
  34. stephanie says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    a freshly made bed, and a couch with all of the pillows in place.

    those are my musts.

    Reply
  35. mholgate says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Maybe that's why I feel so out of sorts lately…my kitchen counters are getting cluttered again. I could clean all day but if my counters aren't clear and clean, then I feel like the entire house is a wreck.

    Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    Clean counters and made beds! Your home is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  37. Haylee says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    I'm happy to see that I'm not the only one who starts with making the bed and rearranging the couch so it looks nice again! That's my starting point, but the kitchen is next on my list. I CAN'T cook if my sink is full of dishes or my counters are dirty…seriously, it's impossible. It makes my brain stop working. 🙂

    Reply
  38. Dana @ Bungalow'56 says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    I only feel like things are clean after I've vacuumed. I love vacuuming. And I have hardwood throughout the house. I hate sweeping it is so ineffecient, and to follow with a swiffer is just double the time. So vacuuming it is.

    Reply
  39. Mrs. Everything says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    I totally agree! It's clean counters/sink… then made beds… and vacuumed floors!

    Reply
  40. Lisa says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    Floors first for me! I vacuum, sweep, and swiffer to excess but it makes me feel happy to have clean floors to walk on. My counters are small and always cluttered but being wiped off and clean comes after floors. Then made beds. Then clean bathrooms.

    Reply
  41. Nic says

    April 6, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    For me it's a combo . . . clean counters (kitchen and bathroom), sofa pillows ON the sofa, and toys in the living room picked up. Toys could be everywhere else all over the house but if they are picked up out of the living room I'm good.

    Reply
  42. Anonymous says

    April 6, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    Clean counters are nice! Do you put your coffee pot/toaster in a cabinet when not in use?

    -FringeGirl

    Reply
  43. Danielle @ Transforming Home says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    Fresh vacuumed carpets – with the lines in it.

    Danielle

    Reply
  44. LizzyP says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    A clean counter proceeds a clear mind–doesn't that sound like a Chinese proverb?

    Reply
  45. Love Being A Nonny says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    Laundry done…that's my thing. Don't like dirty laundry!! My countertops are mostly clear but like where is your coffee pot and maybe some knives or a toaster oven?

    Reply
  46. Cara @ Gardenview Cottage says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    My starting point is I have to have the beds made. My Mom always told me that when your bed is made your room is 50% cleaner. If I walk by a room and the bed isn't made it drives me NUTS!

    Reply
  47. Shelly says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    clean kitchen, clean floors

    i love your kitchen!

    Reply
  48. Lana says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    I have to have all the beds made or my house is not clean. I don't know why, but it just drives me insane and I have to make them as soon as everyone is up. My kitchen is tiny so keeping the counters clean is a must and clean floors are another biggie.

    Reply
  49. Rana says

    April 6, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    My bed has to be made every morning or my day gets shot to heck. I just feel like I'm starting out with a fresh day with a clean room and the bed made.

    Reply
  50. Maureen says

    April 6, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    I'm with you – clean counters, clean sink, clean table. Then beds, then toys, then bathrooms. Dusting is always last.

    Reply
  51. PaminOh says

    April 6, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    With a shedding golden retriever, it has to be the kitchen floor…usually 3 times a day.
    As someone else said, the island must be cleared off or the entire house feels messy to me.

    Uh, where are your small appliances? Doesn't look like anyone lives there.

    Reply
  52. Erin Deegan says

    April 6, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    Counters and floors. Same as you! Also bathroom mirrors. I agree if I always stressed over the toys, I would lose my mind.!

    Reply
  53. Tracey says

    April 6, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    If the beds are made and the sink and dishwasher are empty I feel like I can conquer the whole house!

    We have that same little stroller. Only ours is rigged together with jute because the kids both sat it in Christmas morning and it immediately broke! Total Sanford and Son

    Reply
  54. Robin Johnson says

    April 6, 2010 at 10:15 pm

    I love clean kitchen counter also.

    For me if my counters are clear and my bed is made the rest of the house can stay as it is. Momma's happy!

    Reply
  55. Seizing My Day says

    April 6, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    Yep… when my kitchen is clean… I am a happier woman!! I love love your kitchen!! *sigh* =)

    Reply
  56. Sarah Barry says

    April 6, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    oh how I love clean counters too! There's nothing better.

    Reply
  57. Kara Herron says

    April 7, 2010 at 12:04 am

    For me it's cleaning the kitchen – you can see my kitchen from the front door, so if it's clean people notice. Plus, I love having the beds made – it's helps the bedrooms look clean.

    Reply
  58. Marie {Make and Takes} says

    April 7, 2010 at 1:01 am

    I always start with my kitchen, as I feel the same way. Sometimes that's the only room that ends up getting clean, but it is so true that the whole house feels clean when that room is!

    Reply
  59. Chinny and Poom says

    April 7, 2010 at 2:56 am

    I have never seen cleaner counters ever! Wow. The never dusting thing..I live on a dirt road with a cinder driveway and live in a log cabin, dust unfortunatly is my nemesis.

    Reply
  60. Amy Parris says

    April 7, 2010 at 3:20 am

    Cleaning the kitchen is how I end every day. Dishes done, counters wiped, floors swept and appliances wiped down. If it's not done and I have to wake up to a dirty kitchen I feel like I start my day behind the 8 ball.

    Reply
  61. Melanie says

    April 7, 2010 at 3:21 am

    I like my kitchen clean and my beds made. That makes me happy but dusting doesn't:(

    Reply
  62. Kim says

    April 7, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    I love clean counters too! I wish I could have the energy to make this part of my bedtime routine. But right now my bedtime routine consists of putting my little man to bed and then vegetating with my hubby until I fall into bed myself. I just hit a wall after supper.

    Sometimes if there is a big mess in the kitchen, I start with something smaller like a swish & swipe in the bathroom or making the beds to get myself in the mood first.

    Reply
  63. Frugal Chic Living says

    April 7, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    I'm the same way. I adore clean counter tops. I've been trying really hard not to go to bed unless they are spotless – it really makes my morning that much easier.

    Reply
  64. Amber@Munchkin Land says

    April 7, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    I'd say it is my family room space first with all pillows fluffed and blankets draped neatly, next it would be on to my kitchen, and vacuuming is always in between switching rooms. :o)

    Reply
  65. Laura says

    April 8, 2010 at 1:24 am

    I try to stay on top of the dishes throughout the day. and then I start with the clutter. Once I tackle the clutter – then I feel like the rest of the task might happen.

    Reply
  66. Unknown says

    April 8, 2010 at 2:27 am

    Me too!!! Any clutter in my kitchen freaks me out!

    Sadie at heyMamas

    Reply
  67. Molly {Eeny Meeny & Moe} says

    April 8, 2010 at 4:51 am

    No dishes in the sink!

    Reply
  68. Mary says

    April 8, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    I'm right there with you! Our whole living space can be a disaster, but the kitchen counter (specifically the island) is where I HAVE to start getting control.

    Reply
  69. Melissa says

    April 8, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    Hmmmm..at night I love a clean kitchen with the dishwasher running, a candle burning and the light over the stove on. Everything seems at peace in my world if I make it to this point! 🙂 Hope you're having a wonderful time!!

    Reply
  70. Ann says

    April 20, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    I love your kitchen!

    Reply

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