A fresh start: New Year’s resolutions for a cleaner home

As the calendar turns a new page, many of us embrace the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions. While common goals often revolve around personal development, health, or career aspirations, one area that tends to be overlooked is the cleanliness and maintenance of our living spaces. Adopting a resolution to keep your home better cleaned than ever can significantly impact your well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. 

This year, we suggest you schedule a plan for maintaining your property in good condition all year round. This, of course, can make you wonder how exactly to do so – how often you should clean your home, what is required, and if professional cleaners should come to your place once, twice or three times a year. Don’t worry; we are here to answer all of your questions! 

In this article, we’ll explore how often a property should be cleaned, effective strategies to maintain a high-quality home, and when to consider enlisting the help of professional cleaning experts.

How often should a property be cleaned?

Maintaining a clean home is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour, as factors such as lifestyle, family size, and personal preferences come into play. However, establishing a consistent cleaning routine is key to preventing clutter, dust buildup, and the accumulation of grime. 

Considering all factors, it’s important to make a plan that best suits your own property and, of course, fits your daily schedule.

Here’s a general guide to help you determine how often different areas of your property should be cleaned:

1. Daily Cleaning Tasks:

• Surface Cleaning:

  Wipe down countertops, tables, and other frequently touched surfaces daily to prevent the spread of germs.

• Dishes:

  Wash dishes promptly after use to avoid the buildup of dirty dishes in the sink. We know doing the dishes is often the last thing you want to do, especially after you’ve had a nice dinner, but leaving them for the day after might result in a buildup of dirt.

• Quick Sweeps:

  Perform quick sweeps or vacuuming in high-traffic areas to manage dirt and debris. If you are not sure you can vacuum daily, you can just rotate and do a one-day sweep and then vacuum the next day. This way, you’ll be sure always to keep your home dirt-free and all floors clean.

2. Weekly Cleaning Tasks:

• Dusting:

  Dust surfaces, shelves, and electronics weekly to keep your home free from allergens and maintain a fresh appearance.

• Vacuuming/Mopping:

  Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors to remove dirt and maintain a clean living environment. Don’t forget mopping is important to disinfect your floors, and wet cleaning is important for the weekly tasks.

3. Monthly Cleaning Tasks:

• Deep Cleaning:

  Set aside time each month for more extensive cleaning tasks, such as cleaning appliances, washing windows, and sanitising high-touch areas. Doing this on a monthly basis will result in a cleaner home, as leaving appliances for longer than a month might make them harder to clean and lose their new look, even if they are not that new anymore.

• Organising:

  Declutter and organise different areas of your home to maintain a tidy and functional space. This also includes your wardrobe and getting rid of clothes, shoes, or bags you no longer use. There is no point in keeping them just so that they can take up your space.

4. Seasonal Cleaning Tasks:

• Closet Overhaul:

  Seasonally evaluate and organise your wardrobe, donating or discarding items you no longer need.

• Outdoor Cleaning:

  Depending on your location, conduct seasonal outdoor cleaning tasks like gutter cleaning, lawn care, and patio maintenance.

Maintaining a high-quality home

In addition to regular cleaning, several strategies can contribute to maintaining a high-quality home throughout the year:

1. Invest in Quality Cleaning Supplies:

• Opt for environmentally friendly and effective cleaning products to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
• Consider using microfiber cloths and mops for efficient dust and dirt removal.

2.Create Designated Spaces:

• Designate specific areas for different activities to minimise clutter.
• Implement storage solutions to keep belongings organised and easily accessible.

3.Practice the “One-In, One-Out” Rule:

• For every new item brought into your home, consider donating or discarding an older item to prevent unnecessary accumulation.

4. Regular Maintenance Checks:

• Schedule regular checks for appliances, plumbing, and HVAC systems to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

5. Family Involvement:

• Involve family members in cleaning tasks to foster a sense of responsibility and create a shared commitment to maintaining a clean and organised home.

When to seek professional cleaning experts?

While a regular cleaning routine is essential for day-to-day maintenance, there are instances where seeking the expertise of professional cleaning services becomes necessary:

1. Deep Cleaning:

• Schedule professional deep cleaning at least once or twice a year to address areas that may be challenging to clean thoroughly on your own.

2. Specialised Cleaning:

• Hire professionals for specialised cleaning tasks such as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, or window washing.

3. Moving In or Out:

• If you’re moving into a new home or preparing to leave one, enlist professional end of tenancy cleaners to ensure a thorough and sanitary space transition.

4. Post-Construction Cleaning:

• After home renovations or construction projects, professional cleaners can efficiently remove dust, debris, and construction residue.

5. Busy Schedules:

• If your schedule is consistently hectic and finding time for extensive cleaning is a challenge, hiring professionals cleaners can provide a convenient solution.

Final thoughts

As you embark on your New Year’s resolution to keep your home better cleaned than ever, remember that consistency is key. By establishing a routine and investing in quality cleaning supplies, you can create a living space that promotes well-being and productivity. While DIY cleaning is effective for day-to-day tasks, don’t hesitate to seek the expertise of professional cleaning services for more extensive or specialised cleaning needs. A clean and well-maintained home sets the stage for a brighter, healthier, and more enjoyable living experience in the year ahead.