A new year is full of new beginnings, including the opportunity to freshen up your home.
Performing a deep clean can wash away any dirt, dust and bacteria from the previous year, preparing for new experiences and memories.
Here are seven things you can clean to freshen up your home this new year.
Floors
Your floors take heavy traffic throughout the year and starting the year with new ones can help you get off on the right foot.
Even if you regularly sweep, taking time to clean each floor deep can help them shine throughout January.
Here’s how to clean your floors.
Cleaning hardwood floors too often can cause them to break down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do a deep clean a few times a year to keep them gorgeous and sanitary.
● Sweep dust and loose dirt off of the floor.
● Combine your favorite floor cleaner with water.
● Saturate a rag or mop in clean water before ringing it out until it is just damp.
● Run it over the floor, gently scrubbing away any stains.
● Wipe up any excess liquid that you can.
● Allow the floors to air dry.
To deep clean your carpets, you can use a carpet cleaner with an appropriate cleaning solution, but there is another way.
If you don’t want to splurge for an expensive cleaner, you can easily use household ingredients for a similar, chemical-free result.
● Combine equal parts salt, vinegar and borax until its a paste-like consistency.
● Apply the paste to the carpet, focusing on any stains.
● Let it dry on the carpet before vacuuming it off.
To clean vinyl or linoleum, you only need a few ingredients.
● Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to a gallon of hot water.
● Sprinkle baking soda over the floor.
● Add a few drops of baking soda to the water and vinegar solution.
● Dip a microfiber mop into the solution and mop over the baking soda to scrub the floor gently.
● Rinse the floor with clean water until there is no baking soda residue.
Finish your floors with an appropriate polish, and you’re good to go.
Refrigerator
Your refrigerator is home to tasty treats, but over time, crumbs, spills and bacteria can make it dirty.
Over time, it’s easy to forget about expiring spreads and condiments, which can clutter it and cause odor. Cleaning out your refrigerator at the beginning of the year can give you room for a fresh start.
● Combine two tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of hot water.
● Spray the solution onto all inside surfaces, including the walls, doors and shelves.
● Wipe the solution off with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
A sparkling fridge is ready to hold healthy resolution food or classic recipes.
Oven
Your oven may go to high temperatures, but it still needs cleaning now and then. What’s a better time to clean than after fall comfort food and holiday baking?
As with the previous kitchen tip, baking soda and vinegar are key.
● Combine a cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar to create a paste.
● Slather the paste on the interior surface, carefully avoiding the heating element itself.
● Let the paste sit for around six hours before removing it with a damp sponge.
With a clean oven, you can bake confidently so that your food will cook efficiently and without risk of contamination.
Gutters
Your gutters can take a beating through the wall and winter, with leaves, wind and storms, leading to dirt and buildup.
A clean at the beginning of the year can prevent poor drainage and clogs.
● When the ground is dry and conditions are safe, ask someone to come over as you clean your gutters in case of an emergency.
● Wear protective gloves and use a sturdy ladder to remove debris from the gutters.
Once the gutter is clean, carefully climb down. If you are not sure, you can safely complete the job, consider contacting a professional cleaning service.
Windows
Snow, ice and holiday lights can make your windows cloudy. Performing a mid-winter clean can help you take in views and get enough natural light in the new year.
● Add a few drops of dish soap to cold, clean water.
● Dip a gentle cloth or sponge into the water before wiping off dirt and debris.
● Dry the window before using vinegar and water or a designated window solution to shine them.
● Dry the windows again with a clean towel or newspaper.
With clean windows, you can easily see the world around you.
Drapes
Window drapes are an often-forgotten piece of fabric to clean.
Some drapes can go in the washing machine, while you can clean others right on the rod.
● Vacuum the drapes using an extender.
● Fill a steamer with clean water.
● Once the steamer is ready, hold it around six inches away, spraying the whole length of the drape.
The steam can straighten and even sanitize them, creating a cleaner environment.
Bathtub
Your bathtub serves as a source of pampering and returning the favor for the new year can help you stay free from lingering bacteria and soap scum.
● Combine a gallon of water with ½ cup of bleach.
● Use a sponge to apply the mixture around the tub’s surface and wait around five minutes.
● Scrub the mixture with the sponge, rubbing off lines and stains.
● Carefully rinse the mixture off with cold water.
Cleaning your bathtub can help you and your family stay healthy throughout the year.
Walls
Walls rarely get cleaned but they capture debris throughout the year, which can affect your air quality.
A New Year’s cleaning can help you prepare your walls for all of the exciting times to come.
● Add a few drops of dish soap to a bucket of clean water.
● Dip a sponge or sponge mop and dip in the bucket before ringing it out.
● Scrub a small test patch on the wall to ensure no paint is fading.
● After the test patch dries without damage, circularly scrub away marks or debris.
Let your walls dry and you’re good to go!
Preparing Your Home For This Year
Your home is a place for relaxation, rejuvenation and making memories. A clean home helps you and your household stay healthy throughout the year.
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