Cleaning styles are as unique as the people behind them. Whether you approach chores with military precision or avoid them like the plague, there’s a cleaner archetype for everyone. At Two Ladies & A Bucket, we’ve seen it all (trust us), and we know the quirks and habits that make cleaning such a personal experience. So, grab a coffee, kick back, and let’s explore the five types of cleaners we all know—and find out which one you are!

1. The Perfectionist

“If it’s not perfect, it’s not clean.”

Ah, the Perfectionist. This is the person who doesn’t just mop the floor—they mop it twice, buff it to a shine, and then examine it for streaks under the light. For them, cleaning isn’t a chore; it’s an art form. Every surface must sparkle, every item has its rightful place, and they’ll stop at nothing to achieve that showroom-perfect look.

Traits of the Perfectionist Cleaner:

  • They own more cleaning supplies than most department stores.
  • They clean “clean” items (yes, even freshly laundered towels get a once-over).
  • Dust bunnies fear them, and clutter doesn’t stand a chance.

Pros:

  • Their homes look like they belong in a magazine spread.
  • They’re the friend you call when you need advice on removing that stubborn wine stain.

Cons:

  • Cleaning takes forever because good enough is never good enough.
  • They might stress themselves (and everyone around them) out with their high standards.

Cleaning Tip for Perfectionists:

We get it—perfection feels like the ultimate goal. But here’s the truth: perfection is overrated (yes, we said it!). Trying to make every single surface sparkle and every corner flawless can be exhausting and overwhelming. Instead, focus on the essentials: what truly needs to be cleaned to keep your home feeling fresh and functional? Prioritize high-traffic areas, visible surfaces, and tasks that impact your daily comfort the most.

Save the nitty-gritty details for a scheduled deep-cleaning session. This way, you can tackle your perfectionist tendencies in manageable chunks instead of trying to achieve spotless results every time you clean. And remember, you don’t have to do it all yourself!

2. The Speed Cleaner

“I’m done before you’ve even started.”

If cleaning were a sport, the Speed Cleaner would win gold every time. Their mantra? Get in, get it done, and get out. They don’t waste time with unnecessary details—just the essentials to make the house look decent. Did they vacuum behind the couch? Probably not. But you’ll never notice because they’re that efficient.

Traits of the Speed Cleaner:

  • They work in record time (think whirlwind with a mop).
  • Their cleaning playlist is all fast-paced bangers.
  • They have a “good enough” mentality that serves them well.

Pros:

  • Their homes are always guest-ready in a pinch.
  • They’re masters of multitasking, often cleaning while doing something else (like catching up on their favorite podcast).

Cons:

  • Corners might get cut (literally—dust in the corners stays put).
  • Long-term grime can build up in those “hidden” areas they never touch.

Cleaning Tip for Speed Cleaners:

Your get-it-done approach is perfect for handling quick cleanups and keeping your home looking tidy on short notice. But even the fastest cleaner needs to slow down occasionally to address those hidden nooks and crannies. Areas like under the couch, behind appliances, or the tops of shelves might not catch your eye during your speed-cleaning sessions, but over time, they can become dust and grime magnets.

To keep your home truly clean and healthy, make it a point to schedule deeper cleans for those out-of-sight spots. You don’t have to tackle it all at once—try breaking it into manageable tasks over a few days or weeks. And if your busy schedule doesn’t allow for it, why not call in the experts? At Two Ladies & A Bucket, we specialize in those detailed, hard-to-reach tasks, so you can focus on what you do best: keeping your home guest-ready with ease. Let us take care of the details while you enjoy the benefits of a spotless space!

3. The Avoider

“What mess? I don’t see a mess.”

The Avoider would rather do anything but clean. Dishes pile up, laundry lingers, and dust gathers, but they remain blissfully unaware (or so they claim). Cleaning feels overwhelming, so they often procrastinate until they absolutely must tackle the chaos.

Traits of the Avoider:

  • They have an uncanny ability to ignore messes for as long as humanly possible.
  • They always have “something more important” to do.
  • Their cleaning gear is often outdated—or still in the packaging.

Pros:

  • They’re pros at delegating tasks (or making excuses).
  • They’re often more relaxed and carefree because cleaning doesn’t dominate their schedule.

Cons:

  • Mess and clutter can lead to stress and lost items over time.
  • When they do clean, it’s usually a major (and exhausting) project.

Cleaning Tip for Avoiders:

Cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially if the mess has piled up over time. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to tackle it all at once! Breaking tasks into small, manageable chunks can make cleaning feel much less daunting. Instead of trying to clean the whole house in one go, focus on just one area at a time—like the kitchen counter, a single shelf, or even a corner of a room.

To keep yourself motivated, set a timer for 15 minutes. You’d be surprised at how much progress you can make in that short window. Knowing there’s a clear end point makes the task feel more achievable, and you might even find yourself continuing beyond the timer once you get into the groove!

If you’re still feeling stuck, start with something easy or satisfying, like making the bed or wiping down a visible surface. Small wins build momentum.

4. The Gadget Enthusiast

“There’s a tool for that—and I own it.”

This cleaner loves their gadgets. From robotic vacuums to steam mops and UV sanitizers, they’re always on the cutting edge of cleaning technology. For them, cleaning isn’t just a task; it’s an opportunity to try out the latest and greatest tools.

Traits of the Gadget Enthusiast:

  • They spend hours researching cleaning devices and reading reviews.
  • They have a closet (or room) dedicated to their collection.
  • They’re always the first to recommend the newest cleaning hack.

Pros:

  • They find joy in cleaning because it feels like testing cool tech.
  • Their gadgets often do the heavy lifting, saving them time and effort.

Cons:

  • Some gadgets are overhyped or unnecessary, leading to wasted money.
  • They might spend more time setting up devices than actually cleaning.

Cleaning Tip for Gadget Enthusiasts:
We get it—cleaning gadgets are exciting, and they can make tackling chores feel like a tech-driven adventure. However, when it comes to cleaning tools, it’s always better to invest in quality over quantity. A handful of reliable, well-made gadgets that truly simplify your cleaning routine will serve you far better than a cluttered collection of devices that don’t live up to their promises.

That said, don’t underestimate the basics! Sometimes, the simplest tools—a sturdy mop, a scrub brush, or a microfiber cloth—can get the job done just as effectively (and often more quickly) than their high-tech counterparts. Technology is great, but it’s not a substitute for elbow grease when tackling stubborn grime or hard-to-reach corners.

Finally, be mindful of how often you use and maintain your gadgets. Even the best tools need regular cleaning and care to stay effective. Take time to declutter your arsenal and focus on the essentials that truly make cleaning easier and more enjoyable. And remember, a well-organized, practical toolkit will always outperform a cluttered one!

5. The Sentimental Cleaner

“I can’t throw this away—it has memories!”

The Sentimental Cleaner is equal parts cleaner and storyteller. They can’t declutter without pausing to reminisce about every item they touch. That old T-shirt from college? It’s staying. The half-broken trinket from their first vacation? Definitely not trash. Cleaning takes ages because nostalgia is their constant companion.

Traits of the Sentimental Cleaner:

  • They’re emotionally attached to everything.
  • Cleaning sessions double as trips down memory lane.
  • They have a hard time letting go, leading to clutter.

Pros:

  • Their homes are filled with personality and memories.
  • They cherish the items that matter most to them.

Cons:

  • Clutter can quickly spiral out of control.
  • Cleaning takes forever because every object tells a story.

Cleaning Tip for Sentimental Cleaners:
Letting go of items that hold sentimental value can be one of the toughest parts of cleaning. It’s natural to feel attached to objects that remind you of special moments, people, or experiences. However, holding onto everything can lead to clutter and make your living space feel overwhelming. A helpful question to ask yourself is: “Do I truly need this, or do I just cherish the memory it represents?”

If it’s the memory you value, consider taking a photo of the item before letting it go. A digital archive of these meaningful objects allows you to preserve the sentiment without taking up physical space. For particularly special items, you might choose to keep just a few favorites that best represent the memories tied to them.

Another strategy is to set clear boundaries for sentimental keepsakes. For example, designate a specific box or shelf for these treasures. Once that space is full, it’s time to re-evaluate what’s truly worth keeping. This way, you can hold onto what matters most while ensuring your home stays organized.

If you find it overwhelming, remember it’s okay to take your time. Decluttering sentimental items is a process, and it’s important to be kind to yourself as you work through it. You might even find that once you’ve let go of the excess, the items you keep will feel even more meaningful in their designated space.

So, Which One Are You?

Did you see yourself in one (or more) of these types? Maybe you’re a Perfectionist with a touch of Gadget Enthusiast, or an Avoider aspiring to be a Speed Cleaner. No matter your cleaning style, there’s no judgment here—just a bit of fun and a reminder that everyone approaches cleaning differently.

At Two Ladies & A Bucket, we’ve worked with all kinds of cleaners, and we know that life doesn’t always leave room for scrubbing, dusting, and organizing. Whether you need a deep clean, regular maintenance, or just a little help getting started, our team is here to make your home sparkle—without the stress.

Why Choose Two Ladies & A Bucket?

Based in St. Louis, MO, we’re more than just a cleaning service—we’re your cleaning partners. We specialize in transforming homes into clean, comfortable spaces where you can relax and thrive.

Our Services Include:

  • Regular cleaning tailored to your schedule.
  • Deep cleaning for those tough-to-reach spots.
  • Specialty cleaning (like post-renovation or move-out services).

Ready to see how we can help? Contact us today and let’s make cleaning a little easier—and a lot more enjoyable.

Call Two Ladies & A Bucket or visit our website to schedule your cleaning session. Because no matter your cleaning style, we’re here to help you shine!

We hope this fun breakdown gave you a good laugh and a little inspiration to tackle your next cleaning adventure. And remember, when in doubt, call Two Ladies & A Bucket. We’ve got you covered!