Now that we’re through the holiday season, it’s a great time to clear out the clutter and give the house a thorough cleaning. Just think of it as a makeover for your home!
It might not be spring yet, but these cleaning tips will help you say goodbye to dust and dirt and leaving your rooms looking refreshed and recharged.
Get Organized
The best way to tackle a cleaning project is by making a plan before you start. So get organized! Gather all the supplies you’ll need: duster, cleaning products, rubber gloves, sponge, bucket. Cut out distractions by turning off your cell phone or at least turning off the ringer. Then go through each room and make a list of chores. Not only will you have a feeling of accomplishment each time you check something off the list, but you’ll be sure not to overlook anything.
Delegate Duties
Don’t be afraid to ask for help… get the kids involved! Just make sure your expectations are clear – give them a list of chores, or ask them to help out for a specific interval of time. Kids do better with concrete information, so instead of saying “can you help me clean the house?” try something like “Let’s clean the windows. You spray, I’ll wipe” or “Please find all the toys in the house that belong in your room and put them away for the next ten minutes” And remember, even though they might not be master cleaners – if they’re trying, it’s a good idea to praise them for the effort, rather than focus on the results.
Nooks and Crannies
One of the most stressful parts of house cleaning is getting into all those hard-to-reach areas. First of all, make sure you have the right tools for the job. The PowerGlide with Lift-Off Technology from Bissell is truly amazing. It’s light-weight and really maneuvers – it has swivel steering that makes is so easy to use! And, with a push of a button you can move from brush to roll to clean your wood floors. It works great picking up pet hair and has a built-in filtration system to help reduce allergens. Did I mention that it’s also like having two vacuums in one? You just click the pod out and you have “lift-off’ with a light (9 pound) vacuum to clean your couch or stairs or any other smaller places you typically wouldn’t get to with a larger vacuum. Seriously, love!
Don’t Forget the Air!
It sounds silly, but for a true deep clean, you can’t forget to clean the air. Pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and other odors can make even a spotless house seem dank and dirty. Consider using an air purifier to suck up the microscopic particles that are hanging out in your home.
Make it Fun
Crank the music, open the windows and remember that cleaning doesn’t have to feel like work. Reward yourself for a job well done – go for a hike, get a manicure, go shopping. You’ll be surprised by how much better you feel when your home is in order!
