The festive season is upon us, bringing with it the joy of family gatherings, twinkling lights, and, of course, an influx of decorations and gifts. As wonderful as this time of year is, it also tends to leave our homes in a bit of a disarray. To ensure your Christmas is as merry and bright as possible, here are some essential decluttering and cleaning tips to keep your home sparkling and stress-free.
Start with a declutter
Before you even think about putting up the Christmas decorations, take some time to declutter your living spaces. This will make decorating easier and more enjoyable. Go through your rooms and remove any items that are no longer needed or loved. Donate, recycle or dispose of them appropriately. For bulky items you want to keep hold of, it could be worth considering home storage solutions to keep items safe.
Tidy your hallway
The hallway is the first thing guests see when they arrive, so make sure it’s welcoming and tidy. Put away any stray shoes, coats and bags. Consider adding a festive touch with a small wreath or a bowl of potpourri.
Dust and Vacuum
Give your home a thorough dusting and vacuuming. Pay special attention to corners, baseboards and under furniture. Don’t forget to dust off your Christmas decorations before putting them up to keep them looking their best.
Tackle bathrooms and kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchens will be frequently used by guests over the holidays so ensure your rooms are clean and guest-ready. Scrub the sinks, toilets and tub/shower of your bathroom, as well as replacing any worn-out towels with fresh ones. Spend a day doing a full deep clean of your kitchen to ensure it is ready for the big day. Spending time getting your home in order will reduce your stress at Christmas as everything is ready to go.
Recycle and reuse
Christmas can create a lot of waste, so be mindful of recycling and reusing where possible. Save gift bags, ribbons and wrapping paper that can be used again. Make use of your local recycling programmes for any packaging and Christmas cards that can be recycled.
Clear out and donate old toys
As children get older, they may outgrow or no longer want to keep their older toys. Taking time to go through children’s toys and clearing out ones which aren’t sentimental or worth keeping can not only give you more space to keep your home tidy, but it additionally could bring joy to another family if you are able to donate old toys to those in need.
Create a cleaning checklist
To stay on top of things, create a cleaning checklist specifically for the Christmas season. Include tasks like dusting, vacuuming and wiping down surfaces. Having a list will help you stay organised and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Don’t forget to clean windows
Some areas, such as windows, can be easily forgotten about in the festive clean-up. Make sure to clean your windows ahead of the big day. Clean windows let in more natural light, making your Christmas decorations look even better and your home feel brighter.
Lesser-known cleaning tips
1. Orange peels for a fresh kitchen
When making festive dishes and cocktails, don’t discard those orange peels. They can be your secret weapon for sprucing up surfaces. Boil orange peels in water to create a natural cleaning solution, then use the cooled mixture to wipe down countertops. The result is a refreshed, zesty aroma that leaves your kitchen smelling delightful.
2. Baking soda for stubborn stains
Christmas spills are inevitable, from red wine to cranberry sauce. If you’re facing tough stains, baking soda can come to the rescue. Sprinkle it on stained carpets and upholstery, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up for a fresh, clean look. It’s a simple yet effective way to tackle those holiday mishaps.
3. Aluminium foil for silverware
If your silverware has dulled after the Christmas feast, there’s an easy solution. Line a bowl with aluminium foil, fill it with hot water and add baking soda. Submerge your silver items in the solution and watch the tarnish disappear. For long-term shine, store your silverware with a piece of chalk in the drawer; the chalk absorbs moisture, preventing future tarnish and keeping your cutlery gleaming.
4. Essential oils for your vacuum cleaner
Boost your vacuuming routine by adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a cotton ball and placing it inside your vacuum cleaner bag. Every time you vacuum, the pleasant aroma will be released, infusing your home with a delightful scent. This is a great way to keep your home smelling fresh during the post-Christmas clean-up.
5. Pine needles for a natural air freshener
Before you say goodbye to your Christmas tree, save some pine needles for a natural air freshener. Spread them on a tray to dry completely in a warm, dry spot out of direct sunlight. Once dried, you can create sachets by filling small fabric bags or pieces of muslin with the pine needles. To enhance the fragrance, add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender. Place these sachets around your house for a subtle, refreshing scent.
6. Oil or mayonnaise for stubborn stickers
Stickers on new gifts can be a hassle to remove, often leaving a sticky residue. One effective method is to use a dab of cooking oil to loosen the adhesive before wiping it clean. If this doesn’t work, try applying a small amount of mayonnaise to the sticky area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off. This simple trick can help you remove stubborn stickers with ease.
7. Salt and lemon for cutting board stains
If you’re hosting Christmas dinner this year, your cutting boards will be in constant use. Keep them fresh and clean with a simple mixture of coarse salt and a cut lemon. The abrasive nature of the salt combined with the lemon’s acidity effectively removes stains and odours, providing a natural solution to keep your cutting boards in top shape.
8. Used tea bags for pots and pans
Don’t throw away those used teabags just yet. They can be incredibly effective for tackling greasy pots and pans. Fill your sink or a large bowl with warm water and add a few used teabags. The tannins in the tea have natural grease-cutting properties, helping to break down and lift away stubborn grease. After soaking, scrubbing your cookware will be much easier.
9. Vinegar and newspaper for clean windows
For windows that truly sparkle, rely on the tried-and-true method of using vinegar and newspaper. Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously onto your windows and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen dirt and grime. Then use crumpled newspaper to wipe the windows clean. The paper’s texture acts as a gentle abrasive, lifting off stubborn spots without scratching the glass, while the slight oil in the ink leaves a subtle shine and prevents streaks. This eco-friendly method delivers a clear, streak-free finish that modern cleaning products often struggle to achieve.
We hope these tips help you to get the most out of your Christmas Day. If you’re looking for home storage, our secure, easy access storage units are perfect for creating more space in your home. You can click here to find out more or go online and get a quote in 30 seconds.