We have all been cleaning and sanitizing our homes due to Covid-19, however, deep cleaning those areas that are not obvious to the eye, or difficult to get to, is where we can commit a few hours for a day or two. I always make a plan of which room I will clean when, with a timeframe, and a playlist ready to go because who wants to clean ALL DAY?
You want to go through each room & make a list: behind furniture and large appliances, any vents, ceiling, corners, light fixtures, AC units and filters, top of any tall furniture, and all nooks and crannies.
Enlist the rest of your household to a room, or specific tasks on your list.
From top to bottom, tackle the list.
Let's start with the Entry since it is the smallest space in your home with almost as much traffic as the kitchen.
Go through mail and anything dropped by the door.
Place items in their home: handbags, backpacks, shoes, jewelry, groceries, online purchases, etc.
The Kitchen
Quickly go through the fridge and clean out what you know can be tossed.
Clean & place all the food containers, glassware, dishes, pots, pans, and utensils where they belong. Clean the dish rack & sink.
If you have a dishwasher, clean & empty.
Clean above upper cabinets.
The Bathroom
Go through the medicine cabinet, under sink, and over-the-toilet storage for items to pitch or place in its home.
Clean the medicine cabinet.
Clean sink & fixtures.
Clean toilet.
Replace towels.
Remove any excess items from tub area, then clean tub & fixtures.
The Bedroom
Clean from ceiling to floor, don't forget corners, ceiling lights and fans.
Clean the mattress by spraying a mixture of vinegar, an essential oil, and baking soda, let dry, then vac it off.
Do the laundry.
Use a room spray when done.
The Living Room/Dining Area
Go through the TV area and place items where they belong before cleaning the entire area.
Clean off each area in the living room, from top to bottom. Use furniture cleaners & polish where needed.
Clean off dining area and place a vase with flowers.
Overall Deep Cleaning
Launder those seasonal items, or take to the cleaners.
Clean those vents and replace filters, especially air conditioning units.
Move furniture to clean behind and under it.
If you have baseboards, or moulding on walls, clean it thoroughly. TIP: After cleaning baseboards and moulding, wipe it with fabric softener sheets. It repels dust, and makes it easier for next time.
Get all the cleaning tools ready before you begin, including ladders.
This is the time to clean windows. If you live in an apartment building, ask your super or landlord how to remove the windows... I still don't know how, LOL.
Clean everything you don't regularly clean that way you don't have to take it on for another 6 months.
Contact me here to help you with your next organization project.
Organized by Catherine O organizes all areas of your home, maximizes your space, and problem-solves time management and productivity challenges. We are based in New York City and serve the NYC-Metro area.
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