When COVID-19 hit the United States and remote work and school thrust us into shelter-in-place mode, families all over the country learned to spend more time than ever at home. While there were most definitely some frustrations, there were some benefits, such as an opportunity to truly examine your abode and determine which neglected areas required deep cleaning as well as a chance to thoroughly examine belongings and determine which could be donated or thrown away.
With COVID-19 infections decreasing and vaccinations on the rise, we can finally emerge to catch up on all of the socializing we’ve so missed, but shelter in place cleaning tips can be applied whenever you can (or have to) be at home more than usual.
No matter how meticulous you are, there are likely some areas of your home that don’t receive quite as much attention as others when it comes to tidying. Take advantage of extra home time to give these neglected spots some TLC.
- Your kitchen cabinets are likely much dirtier than you think. When you’re cooking – especially on the stove – grease can spatter and accumulate on doors and drawer facings. The color and finish of your cabinets might make it impossible to see the grime. To clean wood or laminate cabinets, use a 50/50 vinegar and water mixture. Mist it on the cabinets using a spray bottle and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
- Your air vents are likely accumulating more dust and dirt than you realize. To clean them, turn off your heat or air conditioner. For ceiling vents, cover the furniture just below them. Then use a vacuum brush attachment to vacuum the vent or wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Like air vents, blinds collect large amounts of dust. For bedroom blinds, simply wipe in a downward motion using a microfiber cloth. For kitchen blinds that have dirt layered on top of grease, use a 50/50 water and vinegar solution with a squirt of dish soap and then wipe from top to bottom. Finish by wiping the area with a cloth dampened with fresh water.
- When was the last time you cleaned the inside of your kitchen trashcan? Kitchen rubbish bins get stinky quickly if food particles slip outside of the garbage bag. But even if it isn’t especially pungent, your garbage can harbor invisible germs that require removal. To clean your kitchen trashcan, begin by removing any caked-on debris. If you have access to an outdoor hose, bring the receptacle outside and rinse it out. Alternatively, you can submerge the bin in your bathtub. Next, pat it dry with a towel and spray disinfectant inside. Allow the disinfectant to sit for a few minutes and then use a long-handled bristle brush to scrub the inside of the bin. Rinse thoroughly outside or in the bathtub.
Anytime you are required to be at home more than usual is an ideal opportunity to declutter by taking an honest look at which belongings have outlived their usefulness.
- When scrutinizing your wardrobe, there are a few easy rules of thumb. Donate or throw away anything that doesn’t fit, you haven’t worn in more than a year, or no longer suits your life or your style. If a clothing item is torn or otherwise damaged and you don’t intend to repair it, let it go.
- In the bathroom, remove all of your health and beauty products from drawers and cabinets. Check expiration dates and if they are expired or outdated, throw them away. Dump moldy shower curtains and old sponges and loofahs.
- In the kitchen, empty each section one at a time and examine every item. When evaluating pots and pans, baking tins, small appliances, and even cookbooks, your first question to yourself should be “do I use this?” If not, it’s time to donate it. Cracked wooden spoons, stained and musty dishtowels, and moldy sponges belong in the trash.
Lastly, to prevent the spread of infection, whether it is a common cold, the seasonal flu, or COVID-19, take care to disinfect your home. Give extra attention to high-touch areas such as doorknobs, tables, handles, light switches, and countertops.
Bliss Maid Services serves Tulsa area homes with one-time or recurring cleanings. Our background-checked and certified cleaners are available to personalize each cleaning experience to meet your needs. Get a quote today!