Today I met with one of my kids who is a bit older. We were discussing things we have to do versus things we want to do, and how to get the motivation to do the things we can’t stand.

One thing both he and I had in common?

Yep, that’s right. Cleaning. I hate to clean. I like to keep things minimalist and uncluttered, but BOY do I hate to clean.

In the interest of being a good role model, I first admitted to my client how much I detest cleaning, and then gave him some reasons for why I make sure to get it done anyway.

“If I don’t dust, my allergies get even WORSE” I emphasized, remembering that his parent had mentioned allergy shot appointments earlier on.

“If I don’t put my keys and wallet in the same place, I can’t find them, and then I might end up being late for something I WANT to do,” I continued. Always remind them of the things they  might miss out on.

Finally, the closer: “If I don’t do my laundry and put my clothes away to keep them from getting wrinkled, I will have a harder time looking professional and getting a job.” I know this kid values independence and being a grown up above all.

I had successfully convinced him for the day. But had I convinced myself? Lord knows I try to keep things as neat and tidy on a daily basis so I don’t have to break my back when I clean the kitchen or the shower. But what do I hate the most? Well, why not a list?

The Hierarchy of Hateful Chores: Best to Worst

10. Laundry. I actually kind of love to do laundry. The warmth, the fresh scent of the dryer sheet. Soft clean dry laundry… what’s not to like?

9. Organizing/ putting things away. It can be time consuming, but deep down I feel best when everything is out of sight and I have a blank environment to look at.

8. Sweeping. Usually I can feel the difference on our floors after I sweep, and I like that. Plus, you can use the broom handle as a dancing partner!

7. Vacuuming. This would have beat sweeping except the noise is so HIGHly irritating.

6. Dishes. It’s a quick task, and I always feel accomplished after all of the dishes are done for the day. But I don’t love it, and it dries out my hands.

5. Wiping down counters/ cleaning sinks/ cleaning the shower. Not my favorite. I hate the toxic smells, I don’t like getting chemicals on my hands (or breathing them if I use gloves), and it feels thankless because I know it will be messy in like a minute.

4. Cleaning toilets. I have a routine, and its weird. It involves multiple flushes, swirling the toilet brush around with my eyes shut facing away from it, and cleaning the brush with the chemically treated water before I’m done. Don’t judge.

3. Dusting. Who doesn’t hate dusting? It makes me gasp and gag for air every time. And it collects almost immediately.

2. Mopping. I don’t know if its the sticky socks I always end up with, the gross dirty water that’s left when you’re done, or what. But boy do I hate mopping. Almost as much as…

drumroll please…

1. IRONING. Yes, that is my most hateful chore. I hate ironing. I’m bad at it, I burn myself, my clothes never get unwrinkled, and its stupid. I haven’t ironed in years, and I don’t intend to any time soon. Deal with it.

What are your most hated chores or cleaning tasks? Which ones do you secretly (or not so secretly) enjoy? How do you motivate yourself to get it all done?

Meri