Cleaning is rarely anyone’s favourite task. Dusting, scrubbing, and vacuuming can feel tedious at times, making it easy to tune out halfway through. But the right podcast changes everything.
Suddenly, you’re laughing at clever commentary, getting swept up in true crime mysteries, or fully immersed in learning something new. All while making real progress on your householdtasks. The chores themselves fade into the background.
Here are some of the best podcasts to keep you entertained, engaged, and moving effortlessly through your cleaning routine.
1. How I Built This
How I Built This takes you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most successful businesses. Host Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs about how they turned simple ideas into hugely successful ventures.
You’ll pick up inspiration and practical insights as you tidy or vacuum, and you might even start thinking about your own creative projects. Even mundane chores feel more motivating when you’re listening to tales of persistence, innovation, and unexpected breakthroughs.
2. Radiolab
If you love exploring big ideas and getting lost in fascinating stories, you’ll enjoy Radiolab. Each episode mixes science, philosophy, and human experiences in a way that’s thought-provoking and easy to follow.
While you’re dusting, vacuuming, or folding laundry, you’ll find yourself completely absorbed in the stories, and your chores will fly by without feeling like work.
If you like discovering new perspectives and having your mind stretched, this podcast will make cleaning feel like a mini adventure every time.
3. The Daily
While you’re folding laundry, wiping counters, or tidying up, you’ll stay informed without even noticing the time pass. If you enjoy staying connected to the world while checking off chores, this podcast makes it effortless and surprisingly engaging.
4. Casefile
If you’re fascinated by true crime and love unravelling mysterious cases, you’ll be hooked on Casefile. The calm, detailed storytelling draws you deep into unsolved crimes and infamous mysteries, making even ordinary chores feel suspenseful.
You’ll find yourself vacuuming, dusting, or organising while following every twist and revelation, and before you know it, your cleaning is done. If you enjoy your chores with a side of intrigue, this podcast keeps you entertained and fully absorbed.
Even the most mundane tasks suddenly feel like part of an engrossing investigation that you can’t stop listening to.
5. Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
While you’re dusting or vacuuming, Off Menu will keep your mind buzzing with fascinating stories. Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite guests to share their dream meals, leading to hilarious, unpredictable discussions that will keep you laughing.
While you’re washing dishes, folding laundry, or tidying up, you’ll find yourself completely entertained by the witty banter and funny tangents.
If you fancy turning mundane chores into moments of laughter, this podcast makes even the most boring tasks feel light and enjoyable. Listening to Off Menu can transform cleaning from a chore into the highlight of your day.
6. Stuff You Should Know
Ever wonder about the weird, fascinating, or surprising facts that make the world tick? Stuff You Should Know takes you on a journey through science, history, and everyday mysteries in a fun, easy-to-follow way.
While you’re dusting, vacuuming, or folding laundry, you’ll find yourself learning something new without even noticing the time fly by.
Each episode makes chores feel less like work and more like an opportunity to expand your mind. It’s perfect for anyone who likes being entertained and informed at the same time.
Tips for Choosing the Right Podcast
Choosing the right podcast can completely change how cleaning feels. The perfect show keeps you entertained, motivated, and maybe even inspired while you work through your chores.
Here’s how to choose podcasts that make cleaning time fly by, and even feel like time well spent.
Match Podcast Length to Cleaning Tasks
The right podcast can turn boring chores into something you actually look forward to. For quick jobs like wiping counters or putting away laundry, aim for 15–20 minute episodes, which is just enough to finish without rushing.
Longer tasks, like vacuuming multiple rooms or deep-cleaning the bathroom, work best with 45–60 minute episodes. That’s how you can fully immerse yourself without having to pause mid- episode.
Choosing the right timing keeps you engaged in both the podcast and your cleaning, making chores feel faster and more rewarding.
Explore a Variety of Genres
Explore different topics and shows. Chances are you’ll find new favourites that keep you engaged while dusting, folding laundry, or tidying up. A bit of variety can turn even the most mundane cleaning into something you actually look forward to.
Set the Right Volume
Finding the right volume can make a big difference in how enjoyable your cleaning sessions are.
Loud episodes could cover up the doorbell or important notification sounds. Plus, they can make you tense or stressed. On the other hand, quiet audio will make you struggle to stay engaged.
Aim for a level that keeps you fully immersed in the podcast, while remaining aware of your surroundings. That way, you can enjoy the show, stay safe, and keep your chores moving smoothly.
Make Chores More Manageable
If deep-cleaning ever feels overwhelming, consider outsourcing it to regular home cleaning services. With the big jobs taken care of, you only have to take care of smaller, quicker tasks—perfect for pairing with a podcast.
Suddenly, dusting, folding laundry, or wiping down counters becomes a chance to relax, laugh, or learn while you tidy.
Conclusion
By the time the episode ends, your chores are done, and the time has flown by. With the right podcast, cleaning can feel like a mini escape rather than a drag. Explore shows that make you laugh, think, or get inspired. So, grab your headphones, pick a podcast, and turn your next cleaning session into the best part of your day!
