Making New Year’s resolutions is easy. Sticking with them is much harder.
If you’re looking to make 2018 less stressful and better organized, we have some simple resolutions that not only reduce your cleaning time, but make your home healthier and help your furnishings, appliances, and flooring last longer. Best of all, because our resolutions are so quick and simple, they’re actually easy to keep – unlike those exercising and healthy eating ones we make year after year.
- I will vacuum every day. Or at least try. According to The Carpet and Rug Institute, homeowners should vacuum high traffic areas every day and medium traffic areas twice a week. It’s the best way to keep your carpets in good shape and rid your home of irritants and allergens. Invest in a high-quality, lightweight vacuum that’s easy to move from floor to floor.
- I will give my tub some TLC. Soap scum, mildew, and grime can build on top of each other in your tub, requiring extensive elbow grease to eliminate the mess. Be proactive by rinsing your tub after every soak and wiping it down with a clean towel. If needed, spray it with a 50/50 mix of warm water and vinegar, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe away.
- I will treat my dishrags to a hot bath. The moment you use a dishrag to clean, the bacteria on it starts to multiply. Within just two hours of use, it can harbor up to 26,500 bacteria, which you drag around the kitchen as you wipe your sink, stove, table, and countertops. Be sure to limit your dishcloth use to one day, and wash all rags on the highest setting on your washer and dryer to kill germs.
- I will respect my garbage disposal. The bad smell in your kitchen might not be your trash, but your garbage disposal. To eliminate the gunk, put a couple of ice cubes and citrus peels down the disposal and give them a whirl. The texture of the ice will sharpen the blades while the citrus oil leaves behind a fresh scent.
- I will declutter my home. One study found that getting rid of clutter can reduce your housework by up to 40 percent. Take a few minutes to box up those knick-knacks that have no sentimental value and run them to Goodwill. Create a simple way to store things like books and toys. Pitch the papers you don’t need.
- I will wash my pillows. We do a great job washing our pillowcases, but what about pillows themselves? Every three months, wash your pillows on high with liquid detergent (and use an extra rinse cycle!). Throw them in the dryer on low with a couple of clean tennis balls. Dust mites and allergens? Gone!
- I will not ignore my curtains. Curtains can trap dust and pet hair, causing them to look dirtier than they are. When you vacuum your floors, take a few seconds to use the soft brush attachment on the curtain rod and work your way down to the floor.
- I will no longer use my floor as a hamper. After a long day, it’s easier just to throw off your clothes and toss them on the floor. The same goes for your shoes, purse, and computer bag. As they pile up, your stress level can begin to rise. When you change, put dirty clothes in the hamper, hang up clean clothes and coats, and put your shoes away in the closet.
This easiest resolution to keep? Treat yourself to the benefits of a professional housekeeper! Annointed Hands, your cleaning service in Madison and St. Clair counties, can take care of the deep cleaning your home needs, making it smell, look, and feel cleaner in just hours. In turn, you have more time to concentrate on all those other resolutions you have on your list. To schedule your next home cleaning, contact us today!