5 New Year’s Cleaning Resolutions for Your Home

New Year, new….cleaning resolutions, right? We think that’s how it goes! Seriously though, we are spending more time at home than ever before so now is the perfect time to commit to keeping our spaces clean! Many people’s homes are now also serving as home offices, school classrooms/day cares, games etc. Keeping things neat and clean is more important than ever but also slightly daunting! Lucky for you, we have 5 tips to get you on track and keep your home healthy and spotless going into the New Year.
The first step, and often the most difficult, is getting started. It can be overwhelming when you have a whole house to clean and no plan. Setting up a cleaning schedule and sticking to it will make the whole process easier. Come up with a schedule that tackles the whole house room by room (and assign chores to other family members!) so the task doesn’t seem so daunting. You can create your own or download and print one to keep you organized and feeling accomplished.

Counter-intuitive as it may seem, your cleaning products themselves require a deep cleanse now and then. Why not now when we are trying to start fresh?! Care for your wooden broom by shaking out dust and debris from its bristles or gliding bristles along a firm edge. Refrain from standing your broom on its bristles to prevent breakage. Mop heads must be rinsed in hot water after each use and stored in a well-ventilated area to dry. Scrubbing brushes should be gently rinsed after usage and dried thoroughly before each use. Vacuum cleaners require more attentive care due to their complex parts, including emptying vacuum bags as needed, wiping dirt from casings using a damp cloth and mild detergent, gently cleaning the belt with dry towels, and replacing paper filters as needed. Believe it or not it’s more fun to clean when your supplies are in top form!
One way to cut down on clutter fast is to purge your home of unused or unneeded items that are taking up space and contributing to the mess. A good rule to implement is: for every new item that moves in, three move out. Now is the perfect time to initiate this process since it is right after the holidays. For every new toy or article of clothing the kiddos received, have them donate 3! Give back and get your home looking great at the same time! While the kids are doing that, take an inventory of your own closet and drawers and do the same. Move onto the bathroom and throw away expired shampoo, makeup, shaving supplies, etc. If they still have life but you won’t use them, you can always donate them to a neighborhood shelter as well.

Since we’re hanging out on the bathroom already, let’s talk toilets! That pesky promise pledge-to-do-better cleaning list always stops in the dreaded bathroom. I make sure to tackle the toilet (especially the sides and bottom where it screws into the floor) hardcore then move along to the sink and tub then wipe down the mirror. Bonus points: run a Swiffer duster along the vent/ducts then remove trapped hair by soaking the drain with hydrogen peroxide.

Now that the house is in tip top shape, you have about 13 minutes to enjoy it before life happens and it’s messy again, right?! But it doesn’t have to be that way! By following these quick daily don’t-misses, you’ll always be on top of the mess: Wash dishes. Wipe down counters. Spot sweep. Have every family member do a daily 10 minute pick up of their rooms and common areas. One load of laundry. Make bed. Take out the trash. Divide these chores up among your family members and your home will remain shiny all through 2021!

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