12 Transformative Cleaning Tips to Kickstart Your New Year
Welcome to the new year! A time for fresh starts, new beginnings, and exciting resolutions. As we move past the hectic holiday season, it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter, organize, and revamp your cleaning routine. To help you kickstart your cleaning habits and create a cleaner, more efficient home, I’ve put together 12 comprehensive cleaning tips that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. Remember, this year is all about working smarter, not harder.
1. Stay Stocked Up on Cleaning Supplies
There’s nothing worse than running out of essential cleaning supplies right in the middle of a cleaning spree. To make sure you’re always prepared to tackle any mess, consider signing up for subscription boxes from companies like Grove Collaborative, Branch Basics, or Dropps. With these convenient services, you’ll never have to worry about running out of cleaning supplies again.
2. Get Everyone Involved in Laundry Duties
Laundry can quickly pile up and become overwhelming. Streamline your laundry routine by involving everyone in the household in the task. Even young children can help by sorting laundry by color or bringing their dirty clothes to the laundry room. Implement simple rules like the “one-touch rule” to keep your laundry organized and under control.
3. Create a Cleaning Calendar
To effectively manage your cleaning tasks, create a cleaning calendar with weekly, monthly, and yearly chores. Plan ahead for tasks like chimney cleaning in the spring and garden equipment maintenance in the fall. By scheduling your cleaning tasks in advance, you’ll never forget important cleaning duties again.
4. Use Cleaning Products Efficiently
To work smarter, not harder, make sure you’re using your cleaning products correctly. Read the labels on cleaning products to determine the right strength and application method. Allow the product to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing to make your cleaning tasks more efficient and effective.
5. Start at the Top When Cleaning a Room
When tackling cleaning tasks like washing walls or dusting, start at the top of the room and work your way down. This way, you can catch any dust or debris that falls as you clean, saving you time and effort in the long run.
6. Keep the Dirt Outside
Reduce your cleaning workload by keeping dirt outside where it belongs. Place doormats at every entrance, opt for easy-to-clean entryway rugs, and encourage family members to leave their shoes at the door. Provide a designated area for shoe removal and storage to keep your floors clean and dirt-free.
7. Keep Cleaning Supplies Accessible
Make cleaning easier by keeping your cleaning supplies within reach. Utilize vertical storage space in closets, over-the-door organizers, or a convenient rolling cart to store your cleaning essentials. Consider having multiple vacuums or floor cleaning tools if you have a multi-story home to make cleaning more convenient.
8. Clean Your Cleaning Tools Regularly
Dirty cleaning tools like mops, vacuums, and brushes can hinder your cleaning efforts. Make sure to clean your cleaning tools regularly to ensure they’re working effectively. A dirty mop will only spread dirt around, so give your cleaning tools a good clean to maintain a sparkling clean home.
9. Do a Quick Clean After Every Shower or Bath
Spend a few minutes after each shower or bath doing a quick clean to maintain a tidy bathroom. This routine will help extend the time between deep cleanings and keep your shower or bathtub looking fresh and clean.
10. Reduce Dust Build-Up
Dust can quickly accumulate in your home, making cleaning a constant battle. To reduce dust build-up, keep doors and windows closed, invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter, use an air purifier, regularly groom and bathe pets, and change your HVAC air filters frequently. These simple steps will help you keep dust at bay and make cleaning easier.
11. Finish What You Start
It’s easy to get distracted or interrupted while cleaning, but try to finish each task once you’ve started it. This will help you stay on track and ensure that cleaning tasks are completed in a timely manner.
12. Declutter Your Space
The best cleaning tip for the new year is to declutter and simplify your living space. Embrace minimalism by getting rid of unnecessary items and organizing your belongings. Decluttering can make cleaning easier and more manageable, giving you a fresh start for the new year.
In conclusion, by incorporating these 12 transformative cleaning tips into your routine, you can start the new year with a clean, organized home. Remember, it’s all about working smarter, not harder, so make cleaning a breeze with these practical tips. Here’s to a cleaner, more efficient home in the year ahead!
