Is the Clean Mama Planner Worth It?

The Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner combines a unique cleaning method with enough paper space to write in any extras you’d like. But does it live up to its reputation as the ultimate tool for organizing your home and simplifying your routine? Take a peek inside!

Watch the Video Below!

Table of Contents

Intro

The Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner helps simplify your everyday life by making cleaning and organizing routines streamlined, easy, and stress-free.

It might have mama in the title, but I can see anyone who has a desire to create a consistent cleaning routine benefitting from this planner. The planner inspires you to clean and keeps you on schedule and on track.

Front page of Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner Welcome Page

Clean Mama created this planner with quality materials. There is plenty of space for your own additions. The Clean Mama planner could be the only planner you use for all facets of life. Or you could simply just use it to keep track of your cleaning and organizing routines. The planner offers both monthly and weekly layout pages. But the best part is all of the pre-scheduled cleaning tasks that rotate on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis.

I personally did not invest in the Clean Mama planner to write down my events or work to-do list. Rather, it’s to stay on track with her specific cleaning schedule. This way I don’t have to think about it, and instead just execute the plan.

I also love paper planners, so it’s perfect for me! If you aren’t a paper planner girl like me, she also offers digital formats on her website Clean Mama.

planner page outlining Clean Mama's weekly tasks method — *The front of the planner outlines the basics of the Clean Mama method, which can also be found on her website, Clean Mama.*

Why Buy the Clean Mama Planner?

You might decide to buy the planner if you want a “set it and forget it” cleaning and organizing routine. You are really buying into simplifying homekeeping and creating routines. Similar to Fly Lady, Clean Mama has her own set of routines that she abides by.

If you’d like to invest a little money in something to help make this aspect of your life a bit easier without investing in a cleaning service itself, this might be the perfect middle ground.

With little kids and life being so busy, I love that I don’t have to keep track of mundane tasks like cleaning light fixtures or kitchen appliances. The Clean Mama planner has this all outlined and scheduled for you. And the best part is her stress-free philosophy that you don’t need to necessarily complete all the tasks. If you didn’t get to something, she says not to worry, as it will all cycle around again and you can catch it the next time it’s on the list.

Planner Overview

Beginning of Planner

The planner itself first starts with an overview of her cleaning philosophy. She briefly outlines the 5 daily tasks, weekly tasks, rotating tasks, and a monthly focus. If you aren’t familiar with the Clean Mama method, you can also find this information on her website, Clean Mama. Next is a 2025 and 2026 monthly overview.

The January task page for the beginning of the first month in the planner — The *January Monthly Focus is found right before the monthly calendar.*

Middle of Planner

Then we get into each of the 12 monthly tabs. Each month has its own focus. For example, January’s monthly focus is whole house declutter. There are quick tips, a list page for important dates and goals, and a pre-written checklist for monthly rotating tasks and a monthly focus.

A sample image of how the Clean Mama monthly calendar looks like in the 2025 planner

Next is the monthly calendar for January.

After that is the weekly spread. You’ll find Sunday through Wednesday on the left and Thursday through Friday on the right. Each day has a checklist for the 5 daily tasks.

The right side of the weekly layout for the Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner

There’s also a lot of room for your own added-in tasks or events. This is the space where you can make it flexible and decide to add in whatever you want.

For me, I’ll just use that space to transfer any monthly or seasonal tasks to a specific date. There is also room for a meal plan for each day as well as a home icon, indicating the last section of the planner. This format continues January through December.

cover page for recipes and checklists Home tab section — *The Home tab section at the back of the planner.*

End of Planner

The last section is indicated by the home tab. It outlines cleaning recipes and seasonal checklists.

Quick Clean Checklists for cleaning the kitchen and also kitchen appliances

There are checklists such as spring cleaning and summer cleaning. She also outlines “Quick Clean” checklists for the whole house, bathrooms, kitchen, and kitchen appliances.

Homekeeping Planner notes pages at the back of the planner

There are 5 blank notes pages at the end of the “home” section.

There is one page of functional stickers at the back of the planner

Finally, the planner ends with one page of functional stickers.

Aesthetics

Exploring your Cover Options

The planner is beautiful! There are four options to purchase, each for $58 on the Clean Mama Shop section of her website. There are two cover choices, a neutral Classic Navy and a gorgeous Lemons with a pretty blue background. You can also choose between dated and undated. If you’re starting in the middle of the year or think for some reason you won’t use it for the entire year, then purchasing undated is the way to go. At the time of writing, the Classic Navy Dated option is sold out.

Accordion style folder on back cover of planner — *The accordion style folder is on the back cover. It’s a pleasant surprise, but it’s made of thin paper.*

The front cover has a place to write your name and the back cover has an accordion-style horizontal folder attached to it. The folder is a bit flimsy and made of just regular paper, so I wouldn’t recommend using it on a daily basis.

Planner Specs You Need To Know

The planner pages are 9×7 inches and the entire planner weighs just under one pound. The planner is composed of almost 250 pages, 13 tabs, and 1 sticker page. Both the Classic Navy and the Lemons covers have the same interior, which is a beautiful aqua gingham print.

Planner Materials, Durability and Quality

The cover is made of durable cardboard. While I can tell it won’t hold up as well as an Erin Condren cover that is laminated, I also expect it to hold up pretty well overall. I especially like the added feature of the rounded-edge corners covered by metal. This way the corners won’t bend easily and they were also conscious about not making the corners pointed and thus a possible weapon for anyone in the planner’s vicinity! Major bonus points for this decision.

On the other hand, I don’t love the planner’s coil binding. While the coil could be worse, comparably Erin Condren’s durable and flexible coil can withstand years of rough use. Unfortunately, I can already see the bottom ring is bent just a little bit in my Clean Mama planner. If there is one thing I wish that they improve for next year, it would be to invest in a higher quality coil binding for the planner.

Finally, the paper quality is excellent. It is good quality and thick enough to avoid ghosting when using a black Paper Mate Flair pen. Clean Mama’s planner paper quality really surprised me and impressed me. They did a great job investing in this aspect of the planner and I’m personally very happy with it.

Overall, I think this planner’s aesthetics are simply gorgeous, streamlined, and beautiful. While it might not hold up if you carry it around in a bag to and from work daily, I do think it will be durable enough for home use for the entire year.

The cover of the aqua and lemon option for the Clean Mama planner

Pros and Cons of the Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner

What I Like Most About the Planner

I love this planner for its combination of beauty and functionality. It is pretty, made of quality products, and helps guide me to create a consistent cleaning routine with little thought needed. I love that the pages are made of quality paper. While each day has the Five Daily Tasks listed, there are two more columns for all the tasks you’d like to add in for the day.

I love that the Clean Mama routine helps me avoid overwhelm by providing me with a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal routine. Her cleaning directions are detailed, yet they streamline and simplify the process so you only need to clean a bit each day.

What resonates most with me is her stress-free philosophy: it’s okay if you don’t accomplish everything on your list for one day. You can revisit any missed task on a “catch up Friday” or just wait for it to cycle back in the routine again. It really helps make the planner work for you versus you working for the planner or the system. I love how easy it is to adapt to real life as a result. This approach takes the pressure off and makes the planner feel like a supportive tool rather than a rigid schedule.

By following these tips and using the recommended tools, you can transform the Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner into a personalized, efficient system tailored to your unique needs.

Let’s Compare the Clean Mama Method to Others

If you’re like me and you’ve tried other cleaning routines in the past, you might want to give this one a try. I’ve tried Fly Lady before but it just didn’t stick for me and seemed a little unorganized for my brain and the way I work. Just like there are different curriculums and learning styles that work for one kid and might not work for the next, you’ve really got to experiment and see which cleaning method works for you and your train of thought.

If you like having a clear and organized cleaning plan, like making a list and getting the satisfaction of later checking each task off, and also like clearly knowing the method’s cycles and always having a plan for the year, then the Clean Mama method just might be for you. You can also practice it for a few months and then adapt it to what works best for you, your life, and your home personally after you’ve got a handle on the routine.

What Doesn’t Work as Well

This is the first full year I’m using the Clean Mama planner, so the true test will be if I repurchase her planner for 2026. I do hope the coil for the Clean Mama Planner is stronger and higher quality next year.

Who is the Planner NOT for?

If you already have a housekeeper handling most of your cleaning tasks, this planner likely won’t be necessary. Similarly, if you feel confident and experienced in managing your own cleaning and organizing routines, you might find it is not needed.

For those who prefer digital tools over paper planners, but are still curious about Clean Mama’s method, consider exploring her digital or printable versions instead. This way, you can test out her system without committing to a physical planner.

She also has lots of free information on her website, blog, and Instagram account. For the month of January she is leading everyone in a challenge titled “30 Days to a Clean and Organized Home.” So if you’re not sure if a paper planner or even the Clean Mama method is for you, check out her free stuff first to help you decide.

Who is the Clean Mama Planner Best For?

I think this planner is ideal for moms with young kids who are craving a little more guidance on cleaning and organization but are a little short on time.

It’s also best to purchase a paper planner if that’s how you love to plan, like me! Don’t forget if you’re a digital planner she also has that as an option.

However, I think this planner can be more than just for young moms and paper planner enthusiasts.

I personally might have wanted to purchase this when I just started out in my first apartment, as a newlywed, and maybe even as an empty nester. Essentially, if you’re looking for a new homekeeping routine and you think Clean Mama’s method might work for you, then I think this planner is the perfect way to dip your toes into a new cleaning method.

How to Get the Most out of the Clean Mama Planner

The Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner is more than just a planner; it’s a tool designed to streamline your home management routines. To maximize its potential, here are some practical tips and ideas for using and customizing the planner effectively.

Tips for Using the Planner Effectively

Start with the Basics: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the planner’s layout. Take some time to review the weekly and monthly spreads, cleaning checklists, and any additional features. This will help you understand how to integrate it into your daily life.
Check Your Supplies: See if you need to purchase any new cleaning supplies to get ready to implement this new cleaning routine. For me, I needed to repurchase a new duster. I also decided to try out her homemade cleaning recipes. I am trying to move away from using harsh cleaning chemicals, so I purchased new spray bottles, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and restocked some essential oils.
Implement the Routine: The planner’s cleaning checklists are perfect for establishing a consistent homekeeping routine. Assign specific tasks to certain days to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example, January’s monthly focuses on decluttering the kitchen and bathrooms can be further broken down into small, achievable tasks that are handwritten on specific days of your choosing.
Review Weekly: Dedicate a few minutes each week to planning ahead. Look at upcoming events, prioritize tasks, and adjust your cleaning schedule as needed.
Track Your Progress: Use the checkboxes to mark off completed tasks. There’s something satisfying about seeing tangible progress, which can encourage you to stay on track.

How to Customize the Planner to Fit Your Cleaning Routine or Goals

Highlight Your Priorities: Use highlighters or colored pens to draw attention to the most important tasks each day. For example, assign one color to weekly cleaning and another to deep-cleaning tasks.
Add Personal Touches: Personalize your planner with stickers, washi tape, or inspirational quotes. These small details can make planning more enjoyable and reflect your personality.
Adapt Checklists: If the pre-printed cleaning checklists don’t fully align with your routine, add your own tasks in the blank spaces. This ensures the planner fits your specific needs.
Incorporate Family Goals: If you’re managing a household, use the planner to assign tasks to other family members. Write down responsibilities for everyone to keep the household running smoothly.

Fun Tools to Pair with the Planner

Quality Pens and Markers: Opt for pens that won’t bleed through the pages, such as gel pens or fine-tip markers. Popular choices include Pilot G2 or Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens, but my favorite is Papermate Flair.
Stickers and Washi Tape: Add a pop of color and creativity to your planner. Use stickers for reminders or decorative purposes and washi tape to section off areas or highlight key dates.
Sticky Notes: Keep sticky notes on hand for temporary to-dos or quick reminders. They’re great for tasks that may move around throughout the week.
Page Tabs or a Planner Bookmark: Use tabs to mark frequently used sections like cleaning schedules or monthly calendars. This makes navigating your planner faster and easier.

By following these tips and using the recommended tools, you can transform the Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner into a personalized, efficient system tailored to your unique homekeeping needs.

The back cover also has the same aqua and lemon style, with the name Clean Mama and the website in the bottom footer

FAQ

This planner is intended to help you implement the Clean Mama routine. This helps you easily work towards a clean and organized home. Everything is streamlined and prepared for you, all you have to do is execute the plan and check off tasks as you go.

It’s designed for busy moms, but anyone can benefit from the Clean Mama method and planner. I would have loved this planner to be gifted to me when I was living in my first apartment, or any point after that. If you already have a strong handle on your cleaning routine or you have a housekeeper, you might not need this planner. If you’re an adult looking for more inspiration on keeping your home, the planner might work for you.

The five daily tasks are the same and repeat daily. They are written in for each day of the year. Then there are two columned lists for each day for you to write in whatever tasks you would like. The beginning of the month has monthly tasks and a monthly focus. You can then break those tasks down in whatever way you see fit and assign them to specific days that work for you. There are also quarterly tasks at the end of the planner that you can add if you see fit.

The clean Mama planner currently sells for $58, and there are sometimes 15% off sales. I think it is worth the price, but I love investing in paper planners. It really depends on your budget and how you like to spend your money to truly determine if it is worth it for you. However, I think the value the cleaning method provides and the quality of the planner itself is worth the price.

Of course! You can use as many or as little planners as you’d like in whatever way you’d like. I am using a homekeeping planner, teacher planner, daily planner, and personal planner this year. If you’d like, you can also purchase a digital version of the homekeeping planner on the Clean Mama website.

The planner is slightly larger than 9×7 inches, as this is the size of the interior paper. It should fit in any bag that can fit a 9×7 book or planner. However, this planner may see some wear and tear if you plan on taking it to and from work or school daily.

My personal favorite planner pen brand is PaperMate Flairs.

No, you cannot customize the planner when ordering. However, there is plenty of room to handwrite in your own items for each day. You can choose between a dated and undated version, and there are two cover options.

You can purchase it directly on the Clean Mama website.

Yes, this planner would be great for a beginner to maintain a cleaning and organizing schedule for the year.

I recommend choosing a specific time block in your day to complete the cleaning and organizing tasks. Ideally, it’s the same time of day most days of the week so that it becomes habit.

This is one of my favorite parts of Clean Mama’s philosophy! There is no need to feel guilty. You can try to get the tasks done on Friday, a catch-up day, or simply wait for it to cycle around again. Eventually, it will come time to do it again and you can get it done next time.

I also plan on using the Erin Condren teacher planner for homeschooling, a separate Erin Condren teacher planner for work and personal life, and the Sprouted daily planner to bring it all together. The possibilities are endless, and you can choose what works best for you.

Links

I do not have any affiliate programs at this time, but I still recommend these products!

Conclusion: Is the Clean Mama Homekeeping Planner Worth It?

I think this planner is absolutely worth it for me and many others. It is definitely worth it if you are seeking a little more guidance and inspiration to up your game at your homekeeping, cleaning, and organizing routine. If you’re looking for someone else to do the hard work for you and create a consistent, successful, tried-and-true schedule, then I’d say buy it!

However, if you have a housekeeper or someone else doing the majority of your cleaning, there are probably other paper planners that are better suited for you. If you have a strong routine going and don’t need any help with cleaning or organizing, it might not be worth it to purchase the planner.

If you’re on the fence, first start with Clean Mama’s free resources available on her website and social media. Then if you do like the method, you can always buy the planner and start at any time of the year.

If you’re interested in purchasing a digital version of the paper planner, she also has that available! There are many options so that most people will find something that works for them.

Do you have a good cleaning routine in place? What method works best for you? Have you tried the Clean Mama planner before? If so, how did you like it? Let me know in the comments below!

Pin It for Later

Check out my other Star Oak Lane Planning Posts!

Is the Clean Mama Planner Worth It? | Planner Review

Watch the Video Below!

Intro

Why Buy the Clean Mama Planner?