The fire is crackling, the hot cocoa smells sweet, the dust has settled, it’s probably time for a clean sweep. The holidays at the end of the year are a bustling time for family gatherings and large feasts. Many are playing with new toys and gadgets or cuddled up with tea and a book. After the craziness of holiday gatherings settle, the horrific mountains of gift wrap, cookie covered counters, and pine needled carpets might turn you into a cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge. Luckily, there are a few ways to get the home back in order with these motivational tips.
Decluttering:
“Out with the old, in with the new” is a popular New Year’s motto that not only applies to resolutions but stuff. It’s not uncommon to receive gifts that need a proper place in your home. Now, it’s time to evaluate which things can leave. Purging your items will help immensely in tidying your space and getting in a deep winter clean. Items like unfit clothes, old prescription glasses, and outgrown accessories can be categorized as donations and packed away even during a frigid blizzard. Decluttering can also mean organizing your space for new items and the faster you find a proper place, the faster the gift-pile corner of your living room becomes walkable.
Vacuum:
This small soldier combats the vast landscapes of grimy carpets. Sufficient cleaning before and after the winter holidays helps this machine become more efficient in sucking up festive particles.
To begin cleaning a vacuum, you’ll need to start in a well-ventilated area as you’ll be creating a dusty mess.
Check the owner’s manual if you still have one or online. Vacuums will either have a washable or non-washable filter, either wash or replace. Allowing the filter to dry thoroughly is an essential step.
For a bagless vacuum cleaner, refer to the manual to see if it can be washed in soapy water and air-dried. If not, a microfiber cloth and can of compressed air help you gather dust left behind.
Time to get to the gritty, often gross part of the vacuum. Wearing gloves could help manage to collect hair and strings that have stuck to the floor brush of the vacuum. Scissors are a great tool for cutting them loose.
Often times, a vacuum will stop working due to a faulty belt. Don’t rid of your sidekick yet. Check the belt for worn-out damage, these can easily be replaced.
Carpets:
Your carpets will see the worst of the holiday season. From pet hair to hundreds of lone Christmas tree pine needles, to the snowy muck dragged in from outside. Your carpets have a deep cleaning on their wishlist.
The best way is to use a machine to shampoo the carpet thoroughly, however, if you don’t have a machine there’s plenty of online DIY recipes for concentrated spot cleaning, like this one.
Also implementing a new household rule where shoes are off at the front door will help you clean less often or in one area.
As a gift to yourself, why not hire a professional service to give your home that deep carpet clean!?
Fridge + Freezer:
The fridge will be opened more frequently now that comfort food pairs well with 
chilly weather. It’s probably time to give your food keeper the attention it needs by cleaning it out. Use this as a family game time to see who can find the most expired product. A solution of vinegar and water can help remove stains by letting it soak over the area while you handwash shelves and drawers. For the freezer, use the same solution but with warm water to remove bouldering ice. Carefully, arrange the left-over holiday food from least to most perishable.
Microwave:
With leftover food comes leftover odors and splashes inside the microwave. An easy tactic for hardened stains is to microwave a glass bowl of water with a tablespoon of lemon juice. The steam will loosen the grime and can be easily scrubbed off with a damp towel and baking soda.
Having a deep clean can turn a house into a home this winter. Instead of waiting for warm spring breezes, sweep up dust, stains, and debris while cooped up inside. The hard work after the holidays allows you to enjoy the small touches and enjoy time with the family in neat, sparkling rooms. Happy New Year!
