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As we look forward to a new year, there’s no better time to evaluate the systems we use to keep our homes clean and tidy. Maintaining a clean home can improve physical health by reducing allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold. All these allergens can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma attacks and other upper respiratory infections. Having a clean space not only improves your physical well-being but it also boosts productivity levels. Unorganized environments add distractions that make it harder to concentrate on important tasks.
Keeping a home clean, however, can feel overwhelming. Here are 10 cleaning resolutions to set for 2023 and tips for how to stick to them.
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1. Create a Schedule
Many people may find they have no idea where to start when it comes to making a plan to keep their homes clean and tidy. A great first step is to create a weekly or monthly schedule that will help you stay on top of all the tasks required for achieving a clean home. Start by deciding on the frequency of cleaning tasks that you can realistically achieve based on your lifestyle. Prioritize the tasks that will have the biggest impact. For example, schedule a time each week to wash bedding and a time each day to put clothes away.
2. Ensure There Is a Place for Everything
We’ve all heard the old adage: “a place for everything and everything in its place”. Organizing a home starts with creating efficient systems that help to store and access items easily. A great way to ensure your home has a place for everything (so everything can be in its place) is by making use of storage solutions. Ideas include decorative and functional baskets, bins, shelves, and cabinets to store items, as well as using hangers and hooks on walls to hold items like coats, hats, scarves, and bags.
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3. Make the Bed
If there’s one easy cleaning resolution to start with in 2023, it should be making the bed first thing in the morning. Studies have found that people who make their beds are actually happier than those who don’t. Not only does it make your room look tidier, but it can also provide motivation to stay organized throughout the day. Knowing that you accomplished a small task before doing anything else can give you a sense of encouragement and motivation to tackle other tasks.
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4. Keep the Baseboards Clean
Dusty baseboards can make an entire space feel dingy. When left unchecked, dirt can accumulate on baseboards, which can lead to a build-up of allergens and bacteria that can potentially cause adverse effects for the members of the household. After cleaning the baseboards with an all-purpose cleaner and allowing them to dry, wipe them down with a fabric softener sheet. The sheet’s anti-static properties will prevent dust from sticking so the baseboards will stay clean for longer.
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5. Stay on Top of Dishes
For many, washing dishes feels like a Sisyphean task. Those who own dishwashers should take advantage of these handy appliances for cleaning more than just cutlery and dinnerware. Dishwashers can be used to clean many kitchen tools, from pots and pans to serving utensils and more. Items that are made from wood should not be placed in the dishwasher as they may become damaged or warped due to high temperatures and humidity. Additionally, items that have intricate designs or delicate materials should not be put into the dishwasher as they may become stained or discolored over time. This includes fragile porcelain dishes with intricate patterns, fine china sets, some crystal glasses, and gold-plated silverware.
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6. Invest in an Automatic Toilet Cleaner
Is there any task more daunting than cleaning the toilet? For those who want to avoid having to manually clean the toilet bowl altogether, there are many products available that are designed specifically for this purpose. There are self-cleaning toilet bowl cleaners that can be placed in the tank of your toilet and automatically dispense a cleaning solution when flushed. These products help remove bacteria, mold, mildew, rust, limescale stains, and other debris from your bowl without any manual effort.
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7. Do a 15-Minute Nightly Clean-Up
A 15-minute nightly clean-up can be an effective way to keep your home tidy and free from clutter. This resolution doesn’t require a significant time commitment, and while it may not feel like much at first, committing even just this short amount of time each evening towards tidying up will pay off in spades in the long run. People with children can involve the kids in the process, designating this time to encourage little ones to tidy up their bedrooms and playrooms.
8. Become a Shoes-Off Household
Many families are accustomed to wearing their outdoor shoes inside, but stopping this habit is an easy way to ensure your home remains cleaner for longer. Wearing outdoor shoes in the home can track in dirt, dust, and other debris that can cause allergies and asthma flare-ups as well as bacteria that can make people sick. To make the transition easier, invest in a pair of slippers for each member of the family for quick changes at the front door.
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9. Clean Surfaces After Use
Whether it’s the stovetop, kitchen counters, or dining table, giving surfaces a quick wipe-down after each use will minimize the amount of deep cleaning that needs to be done down the line. Cleaning kitchen countertops after each meal is especially important since they come into contact with raw ingredients like meat and fish, which can contain harmful bacteria. Cleaning these surfaces daily will help reduce the risk of foodborne illness and help ensure that the food prepared on these surfaces is safe for consumption.
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10. Invest in a Pressure Washer
Many homeowners procrastinate when it comes to cleaning their home’s exterior because the task can seem like a daunting one. Investing in one of the best pressure washers, however, is an easy way to simplify the process. Pressure washers are powerful cleaning machines that use high-pressure water jets to loosen dirt, debris, and grime from surfaces. This makes it a great tool for deep cleaning any outdoor surface including driveways, patios, decks, sidewalks, garage floors, and siding. Not only does pressure washing save time, but it also saves effort since you don’t have to tediously scrub at stubborn spots manually with brushes or rags.