Cleanfluencer Laura Mountford’s top tips for a clutter-free, calm home

Ever feel like you're buried under a mountain of laundry, dishes, and toys, and the mess just seems to add to your stress? You're not alone! Studies show that women with cluttered homes have higher levels of cortisol—the stress hormone—compared to those with tidier spaces. Now, imagine turning your house into a calm retreat rather than a constant mess.

Think a clutter-free home is out of reach? Laura Mountford, cleaning content creator, podcaster and woman behind the book Live, Laugh, Laundry, says it’s not only possible but easier than you might think with some simple everyday tweaks.

Her personal experiences have shaped the advice she offers. “I’m a homebird. My home represents my headspace, so if I’m stressed, my home will be messy. Taking time to clean and tidy helps me unwind and feel calm.”

With a combined social media following of over one million, thanks to her viral cleaning hacks, Laura’s tips are perfect whether you’re expecting your first baby, managing a busy toddler, or juggling a bustling family of four.

The mental load of motherhood

Let's face it: managing a household can sometimes feel like juggling flaming torches. Laura describes the mental load as the endless to-do lists and responsibilities—everything from meal planning to laundry and even remembering to pick up dry cleaning. She says, “Mental load is something that many of us experience on a daily basis, frantically trying to tick off our to-do lists whether it be juggling looking after our homes, families, and careers, not to mention trying to make time to look after ourselves, and see our friends."

On a daily basis, it can feel like the list is never-ending, and particularly caring for our homes can feel like a struggle because as soon as it is tidy, it then becomes a mess again! Often we have so many plates to spin that our homes and ourselves end up being near the bottom of the priority list.”

The mental load of maintaining a clean home can often be underestimated, but its impact on mental well-being is significant. Constantly thinking about what needs to be cleaned or organised can drain mental energy.

How a clean home boosts mental health

A tidy home isn’t just about appearances—it’s about how it makes you feel. Laura explains, “Cleaning and organising your home may seem like a boring or even overwhelming task, but it can be incredibly beneficial for our mental health. It can help you relax and release endorphins, seeing the transformation from messy to sparkling. Having a clean and organised home can also be the building blocks for so many other positive things in life; if you feel calm and cosy in your home, it helps you to rest and recharge properly, ready to tackle the challenges that life brings.”

When your environment is orderly, you’re more likely to experience less stress and a greater sense of peace. Think about walking into a clutter-free living room after a long day. The calm environment can help you unwind and relax. On the other hand, a messy space can add to your stress levels, making it harder to relax and enjoy your downtime.

A study published in the journal Mindfulness found that people who were mindful when washing dishes—in other words, they took the time to smell the soap and take in the experience—reported a 27% reduction in nervousness, along with a 25% improvement in "mental inspiration."

Laura's 5 practical cleaning hacks for every mum

Laura’s tips are all about making life easier and less overwhelming. Here’s how you can incorporate her advice into your daily routine:

Routine and delegation

Set up a cleaning schedule and get the whole family involved. Laura says, “Getting into a routine and sharing the load is essential.” For example, assign different tasks to family members—your partner could handle vacuuming while your kids help with tidying up their toys. This not only helps keep the house clean but also teaches kids responsibility.

Break down tasks

Feeling overwhelmed? Laura suggests breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Instead of tackling the entire house, focus on one area at a time. If decluttering seems daunting, start with just one drawer or one cupboard.

Speed cleaning

Use the timer trick to stay focused. Laura says, “Setting a timer and doing a speed clean helps to stop getting distracted.” For instance, set your timer for 15 minutes and tackle a specific task like wiping down the kitchen counters. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in a short burst of time.

Involving your kids in household chores

Laura emphasises the importance of involving children in household tasks. “Getting your children involved in looking after the home is really important,” she says. It not only helps you get things done but also teaches kids valuable life skills.

Surprising though it may sound, children as young as 18 months—perhaps even younger, depending on the child—can start taking on regular household responsibilities. Turn cleaning into a family activity. Make a game out of tidying up or offer small rewards for completed chores.

For example, if your kids help with putting away groceries, they could earn a fun family movie night. This approach not only lightens your load but also creates bonding moments and instills a sense of responsibility in your children.

Invest in cleaning gadgets

The right tools can make a huge difference. Laura loves gadgets that simplify cleaning, like her vacuum and mop combo. “Having the correct products and gadgets really does make cleaning so much faster and easier,” she notes. Investing in efficient tools can save you time and effort, making cleaning less of a chore.

Laura’s top five cleaning products

Electric scrubbing brush

Laura’s favorite cleaning gadget, the electric scrubbing brush, is a must-have for any home. “It is really versatile and has 13 different interchangeable heads so you can effortlessly scrub your whole home!” Laura says. With its long handle, you can easily reach high or low spots without bending or stretching—ideal for those who struggle with mobility.

Bissell crosswave

This all-in-one marvel vacuums, mops, and dries floors simultaneously. Laura notes, “It’s perfect if you feel like you’re forever vacuuming or mopping, especially with pets or kids!” This gadget saves you time and effort in your cleaning routine.

White vinegar

Laura buys white vinegar in bulk due to its versatility and affordability. “I always buy this in bulk because it is such a versatile natural cleaning and laundry product that is really inexpensive to buy,” she explains. She loves the lemon-scented version for its fresh, citrusy smell.

Lenor Outdoorable fabric conditioner

If you’ve ever struggled with laundry that smells damp, this fabric conditioner is a game changer. Laura says, “If you struggle with your laundry smelling damp, then this is a must-have. It keeps your clothes smelling lovely and fresh as if they were dried outdoors on the line.”

Dry Deluxe 3-Tier Heated Airer

A fantastic investment for those in the UK or anywhere with limited outdoor drying days, the Dry airer is cost-effective and efficient. “Last autumn I invested in the Dry Deluxe 3-Tier Heated Airerand it really is a game changer! It is really cost-effective to run and perfect living in the UK when we don’t get many days that we are lucky enough to be able to dry our laundry outdoors,” Laura shares.

About the author

Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.