Introduction:
With the first day of spring underway and New Year’s resolutions in the rearview mirror, now is the perfect time to map out a plan and take advantage of the new season. Cleaning can help clear the mind and alleviate stress, as you are taking the time to declutter and organize a frequented and highly utilized space such as your home. As we approach Stress Awareness Month in April, putting a routine into motion can aid in clearing your mind and make you feel better about your living environment. In this guide, we will be breaking down how to best utilize National Cleaning Week and which areas in your home to prioritize first.
Day 1: Foyer
A good starting point to cleaning should be the foyer or mud room, as both act as an entrance to your home. Keeping entrances clear is good feng shui and can prevent blocks in your mind from populating as you step foot in your living space. These areas tend to be frequently used yet most often overlooked, as outside materials like shoes, coats and pet supplies call this room home. That being said, it’s best to start by decluttering the space. That goes for all of the other rooms we are about to cover; remove anything that doesn’t belong and make room for organizing the items that are necessary. Then, utilize cleaning agents and wipe down the floors, walls, and storage compartments to rid them of any dirt or grime that may have been tracked in. Replace any rugs or doormats to spruce up the area and assemble all miscellaneous tools into bins that can be easily accessible.
Day 2: Kitchen
As the foyer can be considered the entrance point of life, the kitchen can be considered the heart – or stomach, if you prefer. Here, literal and figurative nourishment take place so it’s crucial to take extra care in the level of organization and cleanliness maintained. Many don’t think that you have to dust in a kitchen, however, surfaces like the top of the fridge and cabinets can hold more dirt and grime than you may expect. Of course, wipe down those surfaces like countertops and sinks too, but no need to buy fancy sprays or tools – A quick tip to keep in mind is to take advantage of what you have laying around, like white vinegar or baking soda. Just be mindful of specific surface types, as some elements may not react the best when mixed. Finally, add some finishing touches like updated towels or a fresh vase of flowers. While this is a small step, it can really spruce up the space and breathe new life into it.
Day 3: Living Room
Moving right along, Day 3 focuses on arguably the most utilized room in a house. With the same idea as in the kitchen, dusting those forgotten spaces such as the ceiling fan blades or framed family photos can eliminate heavy amounts of dust and other particles that accumulate over time. Similarly, wipe down most-used items like remotes or light switches to remove germs that can build up quickly. A task that is often forgotten is removing the couch cushion covers and throwing them in the wash. This will ensure that your couch isn’t left dirty, and also make the atmosphere feel fresh and like-new. Again, updating drapery or curtains can change the look and feel of the space and even make it more enjoyable to occupy.
Day 4: Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be a little tricky to handle as they require a higher amount of TLC and attention. Most don’t know where to begin when tackling cleaning a bathroom, but that is why this guide can help to eliminate any confusion. A good place to start would be by removing shower curtains, bath matts and towels to wash. Next, swab or mop the floors as well as sanitizing the countertops or sink area. Clean and polish mirrors with a glass specific agent to give them a shine like no other. Save the hard scrubbing of toilets and showers for last, and finish the day by adding fresh bath mats, towels and aromatic elements like candles or air freshener to your space.
Day 5: Bedrooms
For the final day of the week, we are focusing on the bedroom. A bedroom is a special place that is usually customized and personal to those who reside in it. People often spend more time in their bedroom than they realize, and this can lead to clutter build up. As with the bathroom, strip your bed of the sheets, duvet and pillowcases to give them a good wash. You should be implementing this step in your routine every two weeks or so to ensure a safe and clean environment. Vacuum your carpet or rugs to get rid of all the dirt and dust than can be tracked through the rest of the house. As for the closet, now is the perfect time to reassess the clothing that you own and get rid of those pieces that you no longer want. A best practice is to either resell or donate clothing to eliminate unnecessary waste by throwing them out. Dust and wipe down dressers or miscellaneous furniture, replace the bedding once freshened, and enjoy your brand-new, refreshed bedroom.
Conclusion:
National Cleaning Week is a great way to implement mindful habits that can be extended throughout the year. Viewing your home as one giant room can be overwhelming, which is why we’re here to help break it down in a way that’s simple and manageable. As each home is different, you can easily swap out different rooms based on needs at that time and customize it to your space. For example, once summer comes around it may be a good idea to spend a day on doing a sweep of the garage or basement. It’s as simple as that! Join us in celebrating National Cleaning Week in a way that’s practical and healthy in more ways than one.
By: Christina & George Vidal, Owners of You’ve Got Maids Clearwater