8 Tips for a Home That Sparkles

Cleaning your home requires more than just soap and scrubbing. It takes strategy. Whether you’re preparing to list your home for sale, or are getting ready to move into your new place, these tips will come in handy. So, grab your supplies, turn up your favourite music, and let’s get to work!

8 Cleaning Tips for a Home That Sparkles

Make your home sparkle with these tips:

1. Create a “Tackle List” and Strategy

Before anything else, create a schedule and strategy to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

List and prioritize tasks to help you stay on track and make the most out of your spring cleaning.

Remember, tackle one room at a time to avoid unfinished chores.

It’s also best to consider a top-down approach when cleaning. Start with the ceilings, walls, and chandeliers, and then work your way down to tasks that are at ground level to prevent you from cleaning the same area twice.

2. Start by Decluttering

Cleaning can be stressful when every room is filled with clutter, making it challenging to move around and reach all the areas that need cleaning.

That’s why it’s best to declutter your home before cleaning.

Start by disposing of items you no longer use, need, or want, such as old clothes, toys, papers, books, and household items. Consider donating or selling some stuff to clear up space and create a more relaxed and organized environment.

Once there’s no clutter and you can move around freely, cleaning your house will be much easier.

Don’t forget to dust and wipe the surfaces of tables, cabinets, and other furnishings after decluttering!

3. Refresh Linens and Bedding

Give your home a fresh start by washing all upholstery and bedding. Spot-clean your sofa, dining chairs, and any upholstered items.

When cleaning curtains, comforters, pillow covers, and blankets, place them in the washing machine with a gentle detergent and fabric softener. Don’t forget your kids’ stuffed animals — give them a spin in the washer to remove dirt and bacteria.

4. Deep Clean the Kitchen

Start by organizing your pantry and fridge. Get rid of expired food and wipe down shelves and drawers.

To thoroughly clean your fridge, create a solution of baking soda and water and use it to wipe down all surfaces to remove any buildup and leave your fridge smelling fresh and clean.

Using organizers to keep your pantry neat is also a brilliant idea.

Don’t forget your oven, microwave, and stove! These appliances accumulate a lot of grime and dirt over time.

Use a degreaser to help break down any built-up grease. Then, use a sponge or brush to remove dirt and grime.

Remember to use a top-to-bottom approach to avoid re-contaminating areas you’ve already cleaned. So, after you’ve tackled your kitchen exhaust and appliances, move on to the sink, countertops, and floors.

5. Disinfect the Bathroom

Pay attention to areas that accumulate dirt and germs, such as the shower, toilet, and sink.

Apply a generous amount of disinfectant cleaner specially designed for the bathroom and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the disinfectant to do its job.

Then, use a scrub to remove any stains or grime. Finally, rinse the surface thoroughly with water and dry it.

Make sure to sanitize doorknobs, light switches, and handles.

Clean or replace your shower curtains, if necessary.

6. Vacuum Your Floors and Carpets to Perfection

Start by sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming your floors and carpets to remove dust and dirt. You can also use a steam cleaner for carpets and rugs to remove deep-seated allergens and dirt.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-performance filter to suck up and remove allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould, pet hair, and bacteria from your floors and carpets.

Use the right product and a buffering machine when dealing with hardwood floors. Consider polishing or waxing for an added shine and layer of protection.

7. Make Your Windows Shine

Create a simple homemade glass cleaner by mixing equal vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the window and frames, starting from the top and working your way down.

Use a clean, lint-free towel to wipe away any smudges or streaks. If you notice that your window is still streaky or dirty, repeat the process until it’s squeaky clean.

8. Don’t Ignore Your Outdoor Space

As the season changes from winter to spring, don’t forget to pay attention to your outdoor space too.

But before you can sit back and relax, ensure your outdoor area is ready for the season.

During winter, your deck or patio accumulates leaves, dirt, and other debris – making it slippery. Sweep and pressure wash your deck or patio to prevent accidents and remove dirt.

Finally, tidy up your garden and yard. Rake up any accumulated leaves and overgrown shrubs or plants over the winter.

Final Thoughts

There you have it — cleaning tips to get your home looking and feeling its best!

Remember, take one step at a time. Set a schedule that works for you, then take breaks if needed.

Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the fruits of your labour once your home is sparkling clean!