We often get feedback about our podcast, asking why we talk about subjects other than cleaning or why we don’t literally clean while recording an episode. Since we are not able to reply directly to podcast reviews, I decided to provide some insight here.
Continue reading to learn how to get the most out of our podcast, Clean with Me, and other cleaning podcasts you might listen to.
Other Shows I Listen to and How I Use Them
To explain the intended purpose of our show, I’ll need to start at the beginning. As a creative person with lots of hobbies, who loves to read and write and is constantly on a new “kick” of some kind, I often get bored or sidetracked — especially when I’m trudging through mundane household tasks like washing dishes and folding laundry.
Enter cleaning podcasts.
Over the years, I’ve tried to keep myself focused on household chores by listening to various recordings and videos while I work. For example, I went through a phase where I listened to “Fly Lady” and then later discovered A Slob Comes Clean with Dana White, which I liked even better. I typically listen to Dana’s show while:
- Doing dishes
- Picking up my living room or bedroom
- Folding laundry
- Decluttering my wardrobe
Dana shares her struggles and viewpoints on various cleaning-related topics, and it helps motivate me to do whatever needs to be done at my house.
I’ve also watched a lot of “clean with me” videos, which are heavily edited, usually short, and something one would watch to get into the cleaning mood before starting to clean. (For some reason, watching shows like Hoarders has a similar effect.)
How Is Clean with Me Different from Other Cleaning Podcasts / Shows?
What’s unique about Clean with Me is that it’s designed to listen to while you clean and keep you focused on a certain task or a specific room of your home.
It’s not better than other cleaning podcasts and videos — just different. Unlike other shows in the same genre, Clean with Me walks you through the process of cleaning your house.
Listening Your Own Way
Many people I’ve talked to say they do not necessarily clean exactly what I’m telling them to clean while listening to the show.
Instead, they use the podcast like any other cleaning show and just turn it on for motivation and entertainment. One person even commented that she listens while driving.
Cleaning Along to the Best of Your Ability
Other listeners take my suggestions more seriously, washing their dishes when I announce it’s time to do dishes, wiping surfaces when I say to do that, and so on.
And while there’s no right or wrong way to listen to the show, I gear it toward someone who is doing their best to clean along. Because that’s what I was looking for in a show but couldn’t find.
That said, I try not to be overly specific about individual chores because I don’t know what needs to be done at your house or how long a given task might take you.
Why We Don’t Clean While Recording
Please don’t take the title “Clean with Me” too literally. Think of a radio host saying something like, “Join us next week for such and such…” You’re not literally going to join in the conversation with the D.J. — you’re just going to tune in and listen.
In much the same way, when I say, “Clean with me,” I don’t mean I’ll be cleaning while recording the show. I mean, clean with me in the sense that you’ll be listening to me while you clean.
You’ll be getting things done with my help and encouragement as opposed to cleaning with me in the literal sense.
But What About Those Few Real-Time Episodes?
Although recording myself cleaning was never the premise of the show, a while back, I experimented with doing just that.
In those “real-time” episodes, I got winded, hemmed and hawed, and drowned out the sound of my own voice when I turned on the sink to wash the dishes.
It was not my best work.
I know, I know. A few of you really enjoyed those episodes. I may make one like that again one of these days when I’m pressed for time and need to multitask.
But probably not.
It’s not like I’m broadcasting live, anyway, so even when I was cleaning-in-real-time, I was never really cleaning with you. The good news is that those few awkward episodes are still around for those of you who want to hear me clean.
Those Episodes are Not as Popular as Some Might Think
Over the years, I’ve taken surveys and talked to friends, family members, and financial supporters, asking them which kind of episode they like better. Some said they like everything I do, which is a huge compliment.
But by and large, most people admitted to preferring a more scripted episode, where I sit and talk using an organized outline that provides structure and direction for the episode.
The Importance of Having a Plan
Some episodes also have a theme that goes much deeper than just talking you through our typical cleaning routine. Just like a well-written essay you’d write for school, a good podcast episode should have a clear thesis statement and some kind of takeaway.
That said, some episodes are just casual chats, and I think that’s okay too.
A Delicate Balance
I don’t know about you, but when I listen to a new episode of one of my favorite podcasts, I’m excited because I don’t know what the host is going to say next.
While Clean with Me tends to follow a tried-and-true pattern in most episodes —and the routine works — I try to include some novelty as well.
It’s a balancing act, for sure.
For those who want me to only talk about cleaning and tell me exactly what I should say, keep in mind that it doesn’t make sense to be overly specific when we all have different houses.
Topics Not Related to Cleaning
My famous “rabbit trails” and any non-cleaning-related comments Jessica and I make are intentional. We are trying to keep you entertained, plus give you time to work on whatever task we had you start on.
I think I can speak for Jessica when I say we both strive to be somewhere in between a mom telling you what to clean and a friend who chats incessantly on the phone without letting you get a word in edgewise.
I’m half kidding, but obviously the podcast is a one-sided conversation in most episodes where it’s only one of us delivering a monologue.
Houses are Different Sizes, and So Are Families
Please keep in mind that we all have different-sized houses, different lifestyles, and different messes to clean on different days. So, in a way, the show has to be a one-size-fits-all.
Try not to be disappointed if we forget to tell you to clean the inside of your microwave before wiping down the counter or if one of us mentions an anecdote from our personal life that doesn’t happen to resonate with you.
Just embrace our differences and enjoy the show.
No Judgment Here
That said, I am not complaining at all. I appreciate all listeners, even though we are not always able to accommodate your suggestions. I just wanted to share my thoughts and help everyone understand the show’s premise.
In a nutshell, I hope you enjoy the element of novelty mixed in with a predictable routine that helps you get the job done — whatever that job may be at your house.
If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading, and as always, happy cleaning!
Also read: 5 Ways to Make Your House Feel Cleaner in Under an Hour