We’ve compiled a checklist to help you organize and schedule your cleaning this year. So let’s get to it!
Cleaning Supplies
Before you get to work, gather all of your supplies. Many people prefer to stay natural, especially if they have kids in the house. Baking soda, white vinegar, and Castile soap are essential natural cleansers that can be effective almost anywhere in your home. A microfiber mop will also be useful, preferably one that’s machine washable. Plant-based sponges and reusable spray bottles will also come in handy. Lastly, make sure you’ve got plenty of your favorite mild dishwashing liquid.
Wipe Walls & Ceilings
Use a vacuum to remove dust first. Get rid of surface grime especially prevalent in kitchens and showers with a solvent-free degreaser. Test it in a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface.
Reseal Grout Lines
The grout between tiles is very porous and stains easily. After it’s been cleaned, protect it with penetrating grout sealer. This will make your grout-cleaning job much easier next time.
Vacuum & Shampoo Carpets/Rugs
Carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep cleaned using a rotary shampoo machine and hot-water extraction machine. Rugs without backings will need to be cleaned professionally.
Dusting
Dust everything. The tops of ceiling fan blades, window casings, and shelves. Take everything off the shelves and brush them with a feather duster. Use a vacuum’s crevice tool to reach into tight spots. Always start from the top of a room and work down, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor at the end.
Clean Upholstered Furniture
Take the cushions outside and beat them by hand to remove dust. If you discover stains, check the tags for cleaning information. Use vacuum attachments to clean under the cushions and in the cracks.
Wax Wooden Furniture
Wipe these surfaces with a cloth dampened with water and your dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax a few feet at a time with a cotton rag folded into a square pad. Give the wax time to try, then buff it with a clean cloth.
Wash Window Screens
Use warm water, your dishwashing liquid, and a brush to scrub dirty window screens. Rinse them thoroughly and give them a few minutes to dry before you reinstall them.
Clean Window Treatments
Most curtains and draperies are machine-washable, but check the labels just in case. A cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid works for wood, metal, and vinyl blinds.
Floors That Aren’t Carpeted
Vinyl and linoleum floors should be waxed with a polish designed for them. Stone or tile floors can be treated with either a paste or liquid wax designed for those materials. For wood floors, start by dusting. Use a mixture of about 4 cups of warm water with a few drops of castile soap or dishwashing liquid. Mop small sections at a time and then dry with a clean cloth or separate mop.
Bathrooms
Organize all of your bathroom products and throw out anything expired or that you never use. Clean mirrors and glass by spraying them with a vinegar/water solution, then wipe them with a soft cloth in a zig zag motion from top to bottom. Fold your cloth to use a dry side, or use a separate cloth to dry/buff. Don’t forget to scrub the tub/shower and the toilet! The shower head can be cleaned by filling a plastic bag with the vinegar/water solution, then submersing the entire shower head and tying the bag up with string or twist ties. Let it soak for several hours and then use a brush to scrape off any remaining buildup. Finish by running hot water out of the shower head for a minute or two.
If you prefer an in-depth, printable checklist, we’ve got that here. Thanks MarthaStewart.com! All that’s left to do now is relax in your sparkling home!
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