New Year Cleaning: How to Deep Clean the Easy Way

New Year Cleaning: How to Deep Clean the Easy Way

Now that the holidays are over, and all the gifts have been opened, it’s time to think about how to keep your home clean for the new year. People forget just how important it is to declutter your home after a stressful period (aka the holidays). You can make your abode more accommodating with a few simple cleaning routines. Whether you live in a large home or a small condominium, New Year cleaning can be easy once you learn a few helpful techniques. So read along while we explore how to deep clean your home – the easy way!

First, Gather Your Cleaning Equipment and Products

It’s much easier to do anything when you’re organized, and that includes new year cleaning. If you’re ready to scrub, dust, disinfect and vacuum, make sure all the tools you need are ready too. Here’s a list of what you need and what you should do before starting to scrub and sweep:

  • Make sure your vacuum bag is empty (or at least not full). Also, make sure you have all of your vacuum’s accessories.
  • Gather enough rags for the job(s). You’ll probably need at least a few of them.
  • Be sure you have cleaning supplies handy like bathroom cleaner, window cleaner, oven cleaner, etc.
  • If you need them, make sure you have scrubbing sponges. (They make many cleaning chores so much easier.)
  • Have at least one bucket with warm, soapy water. It’s best for cleaning practically anything.
  • To protect your hands, make sure to have cleaning gloves handy.
  • A small vacuum is best for reaching into small spaces and also cleaning dust. (Just be careful not to suck up anything valuable.)

Don’t Vacuum Around Furniture, Move It And Vacuum Thoroughly

Many people have the odd habit of vacuuming around furniture rather than moving it out of the way. That’s not what we’d call deep cleaning. Now, if it’s a bed, we can see why. (Beds are heavy, bulky, and hard to move!) But if it’s a dining room chair, a coffee table, or something small, move it out of the way for your new year cleaning. That way, you’ll be able to vacuum as much of your carpet as possible. (If you need help, ask someone in the family for a hand.)

new year cleaning

Open Windows and Doors To Air Out The House

If it’s been some time since you last deep-cleaned, consider opening windows and doors to air the house out. Odors have a nasty habit of lingering, but a blast of fresh air can quickly get rid of them. Plus, the fresh air will leave your home smelling wonderful and eliminate the stale air inside. If you live in an area where it’s a little chilly during your new year cleaning, don’t leave your windows and doors open too long. Just enough to freshen things up. (Plus, if it’s new year’s cleaning time, it may be bitter cold outside.)

Bring Things Outside for New Year Cleaning

Okay, so let’s say you have many throw rugs, a dog bed for your pup, or throws on the sofas. You can’t really vacuum those easily or put them in the washing machine. Your best bet is to take them outside and give them a good, thorough shake. (Or go old-school. Hang them on a clothesline and beat them with a broom!) If you clean those things inside, all the dust, dirt, and debris on them will have nowhere to go. Even worse, it will stay inside, and you’ll need to clean even more (and who wants that?!).

Get Low When New Year Deep Cleaning

Many people make the mistake of cleaning at eye level (or countertop and table level at most). The thing is, all sorts of dirt, dust, debris, and gunk collects down near the floor. Baseboards, for example, can get really gross. It’s a nightmare under the fridge, and the kitchen floor can be a wasteland of food bits and particles. (Bugs love it, but you might not.) So don’t forget to get down low and clean at or near ground level. It’s the only way to get a truly deep clean.

Practice Simple Cleaning Habits

small child helping with laundry

We know it’s rough when you deep clean just once in a while, so we wanted to include our best tips to start better new year cleaning habits! One easy way to establish a good cleaning routine is to start making a few simple things a habit in the home. You can create your own personalized schedule however you see fit, but make sure you incorporate it into your weekly schedule no matter what. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your home stays clean, organized, and happy all year round:

  • Get everyone in the family involved! Give them each separate tasks to complete each week.
  • Scrub toilets, baths, and showers on Tuesday so you can enjoy a clean bathroom for the remainder of your week and through the weekend.
  • Do laundry in large batches so it’s easier to get it all done at once rather than having to wash and dry clothes for each person in the home separately.
  • Always clean up as you go when you cook. Put dishes in the dishwasher immediately instead of letting them sit in the sink.
  • Wash bedding and other linens weekly for a clean, fresh bed and fluffy towels.
  • Vacuum and mop regularly, preferably once per week for clean, hygienic floors.
  • Scoop cat litter boxes daily, and always clean the yard at least every other day if you have a dog that goes outside.
  • Dust all surfaces as needed and do a thorough dusting once per month to keep everything clean.
  • Organize mail and other items every day and throw junk mail away as soon as you get it so it doesn’t pile up.
  • Regularly declutter by putting unused items in your storage unit.

These are just a few simple things you can do to keep your home clean all year long. Once you create a set routine, it will become a habit that promotes a cleaner, more organized, and healthy home. If you find yourself needing to put some items in storage while your New Year cleaning takes hold, we’re here to help! Contact the storage experts at iStorage for all your decluttering needs! Good luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This article was originally posted on 1/14/2018
It was updated on 11/30/2020