I always love learning about how other cultures do different parts of life, and right now I’m just curious about how the French clean their homes.
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!
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 in the Morning After Breakfast
Some French women tend to clean in the morning after breakfast which is honestly one of the best housekeeping tips.
This does two things:
- They have certain set days for doing different tasks which means their home is staying clean and kept up.
- It allows them to enjoy a clean home all day long, and this provides for a relaxed atmosphere.
So whether they pick up clothes or do the dishes, it’s all a part of a routine.
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.”
This French home care idea really is such a great way to make the space around you more beautiful and comfortable.
And whether it’s flowers, pretty cookware, or a romantic light, there are so many ways you can create an amazing ambiance!
4. French Women Clean in Moderation
When trying to find the right cleaning routines to create a welcoming home, this cleaning secret might be something you wanna keep in mind.
According to The Independent, the French do less housework than anyone else (less than 16 hours a week).
This comes from their habit to clean in moderation. They do 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
One of my favorite home remedies on this list, they don’t just do daily cleaning, they also change their mindset around keeping the home tidy.
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.
Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.