Best Tips for Deep Cleaning Your Home for the New Year
It's officially the new year, which means it's time to winding down from the busy holiday season and clean up your home. While Christmas tree pine needles and extra wrapping paper may still be lingering, we're not just talking about your typical, every day cleaning routine.
A new year clean is a deep clean of your home - it's the perfect opportunity to throw unnecessary clutter away and dust in the places you probably haven't touched in months, maybe even all year. There's no better feeling than relaxing in a clean house, and knowing that you got every crease and crevice can make it all the more satisfying.
Now that the holiday celebrations are over, it's time to start the new year fresh with a clean, clutter less home!
How Often Should You Deep Clean?
While the new year seems like the most opportune time to deep clean your home, you should realistically be doing more than just once a year. The number of times you should deep clean is dependent upon a few factors - some of which being if you have children, pets, and excessively messy roommate, etc.
However, the standard recommendation is you should be deep cleaning your home once every three to six months. If you have children or pets, that number may shrink to four to eight weeks.
Not only does deep cleaning feel great, it can also be essential for the health of you, your family, and your home. Although you may not notice the dust collecting on the mantel, it could be affecting the air you breathe. And while you may not see the bacteria in your kitchen or bathroom, it's still there just waiting to strike.
A Deep Cleaning Schedule
To create a deep cleaning schedule, first determine how much your home needs this type of cleaning. Whether it's every four weeks or every six months, mark it on the calendar and stick to it.
Although cleaning the entire house is one day may seem overwhelming - and maybe impossible depending on the size - breaking it up into sections will help the task feel more digestible.
Pick one room and stay in it until it's done. Moving back and forth from one room to another can result in lazier cleaning and ultimately just two jobs only half-done. If you can't get your cleaning done all in one day, split it in between a few days. Take one whole weekend and dedicate it to cleaning.
Routine is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent through the year and ensure that your home is getting deep cleaned when it needs to be.
How to Deep Clean Your Home for the New Year
So, let's get down and dirty. Learn the best tips on how deep clean your home for the new year and for the future deep cleans to come.
Make a List
Ah - the beauty of a list. While it may seem simple, Harvard Business Review believes that lists can be more beneficial than not when completing a task. Writing your cleaning list down can help hold you - and your roommate, spouse, children, etc - more accountable for the tasks as the looming "to-do" section could be motivating.
Along with accountability, marking a task off the list can help us feel a sense of accomplishment. You may even choose to reward yourself with a snack or a short TV break after crossing off an item.
Lastly, creating a list can help those of us who be more forgetful than others. We've likely all had a moment where we walk into a room and completely forget what we're there for. This list will be a simple reminder of the things we need to get done.
Gather Your Cleaning Products
The first tip may seem the most obvious, but it's just as important. Gathering all the cleaning products and equipment you need before you start cleaning can help you stay organized and make sure you have everything you need. The last thing you want is to realize you ran out of Clorox wipes mid-clean.
Put all of your products in one spot so they're out of the way but still accessible. This can also help you save time, so you're not having to run back and forth from the pantry to grab your mop, spray, etc.
Move Your Furniture
When you're just doing a quick sweep of the room, it's normal to vacuum around the furniture instead of under it. However, you'd be surprised how much dust, crumbs, hair ties, and more get crammed under your couch or bed. This makes a perfect feeding ground for bugs and bacteria, all where you spend much of your time hanging out.
That's why it's important to move your furniture when you're deep cleaning, so you can vacuum and mop in those places that don't get nearly as much love as they should.
If you need help moving some of your heavier furniture, ask a neighbor, friend, or family member for help.
Take Rugs Outside
Even if you vacuum your rug, it's constantly collecting dirt, air pollutants, fumes from fireplaces, and more. When it's time to deep clean your home, consider taking your rug outside and shaking it out. You can even wash your rug manually - if you don't have a machine washable rug - with these steps.
While your rug may need some love, it's not the only thing in your home you can clean outside. Think your dog's bed or the throw blanket on your couch.
Don't Forget the Baseboards
Although you're not always looking down at the floor, you should especially when you're deep cleaning. Dust, dirt, and gunk can all collect close to the floor and make the baseboards look dirty and a breeding ground for bacteria and bugs. Before you grab your cleaning supplies, learn the best tips on how to clean baseboards.
Go over the baseboards with your vacuum attachment to help get the first layer of dust off. You can also use a small broom or dry Swiffer if you don't have a vacuum.
Mix vinegar, warm water, and dish soap together in a bucket.
Use a sponge or small cloth to clean the baseboards with the mixture. Use a clean toothbrush to get deep inside the crevices.
When you're done cleaning, be sure to wipe down with a clean towel, as the water could damage the wood if left on too long.
Rub a dryer sheet along your freshly cleaned baseboards to help prevent static from attracting more dust.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Clutter
While you may not be a hoarder, we can all be guilty of holding onto unnecessary clutter for too long. Whether it's old mail, unused furniture, or clothes that don't fit, there are plenty of reasons to throw away the things we no longer need. Go room by room with a trash bag or donation box and see what you can trash or give to a local shelter or Goodwill.
You'll be surprised how much cleaner and spacious your house can look when it's not full of items you no longer use.
Use Baking Soda as a Deodorizer
Although Febreeze can be a great way to keep your house smelling fresh daily, there are some places that need a little extra love. Using baking soda as a deodorizer can be a helpful and inexpensive way to help remove odor from things like your furniture. Sprinkle it on your mattress when you're washing your sheets, on your couch cushions and pillows, and on your carpet.
Let the baking soda sit for several hours or overnight if possible. The longer the baking soda stays on the area, the more effective it can be. Once the baking soda has sat, be sure to vacuum all of it up.
Start the New Year Fresh
Whether you love or dread the time to deep clean, you'll feel so much better when it's done. Your house will not only look and smell clean, but you'll know that it actually is clean of the dust and bacteria that was there just days before.
Create your cleaning schedule and stick to it. Start the new year off right with a fresh and clean home!