How to Clean Your Home for the Holidays

The thing about holiday decorations that is a definite bummer is dust bunnies. Dust is those innocent balls of fluff that contain allergens and make you and your guests sneeze and wheeze. Researchers have found that these tiny critters are loaded with skin flakes, cockroach particles, pet dander, lead, arsenic and other harmful substances, according to an article published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

What Exactly Does this Mean for Me?

If you are hosting guests, the ambiance is just as critical as the food and gifts. Remember, scented candles, air fresheners, and dust could all trigger allergy problems for your guests. It is estimated that around 50 million people in the world have various types of allergy and this is why proper careful planning of holiday cleaning is a must.

How Do I Find the Right Cleaning Agents?

There are possible carcinogens and asthma triggers in many common household cleaners. According to a new Environmental Working Group report, you should avoid using them when allergies are to be considered. Instead, make a cost-effective solution by mixing 1 part white vinegar to 9 parts of water. You can easily wipe down things in your home with a damp cloth or mop saturated with this solution.

As this solution dries, it leaves a shiny surface behind and the smell goes away after about an hour.  Also, this group recommends that you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, to help remove the allergens out of carpets and rugs. Another solution is to clean your floors with a steam mop device, like the Shark. This is a great invention that allows you to use steam instead of harsh chemicals to clean your floors.

What about Cleaning the Pets?

If you are expecting guests, know that around 10 percent of the general population is allergic to pet dander. It is a good idea to bathe your animals before guests arrive to cut down on this allergen. If you have a guest who is really allergic to the animals, plan to have a friend watch the pet or consider a kennel for the holidays.

How Do I Cut Down on Dust?

If your guests will be spending the night, make sure you wash all bed linens in really hot water (around 130 degrees). This is important for killing off lingering dust mites. If you can, hang the covers and pillowcases in the sun, as the UV rays will rid them of dust particles as well. Keep your house’s humidity level as low as possible, as dust mites die if the humidity drops below forty percent. Put away all stuffed animals and other dust-gathering items to prevent dust buildup in your home. Wipe all surfaces and clean all what-knots to rid dust around your home.

How Do I Get My Home to Smell Good?

It is important to note that most plug-in air fresheners and spray types contain synthetic fragrances make of volatile chemical compounds and some of these can trigger sneezing, wheezing, and other breathing problems. Choose, instead, to use beeswax candles or make a natural air freshener on your stovetop.

Holiday Cleaning Guide

Below you will find additional simple tips that will help you get your house in the order. Let’s start with a few suggestions about what you should do three days ahead.

What Should I Do Three Days Ahead?

• Wash and press table and bed linens.

• Wash and dust all light fixtures and ceiling fans.

• Clean and prepare china, crystal, and silver.

• Remove all corner cobwebs.

• Clean the inside and exterior of the oven and refrigerator.

• Scrub around the dishwasher door.

• Clean all windows and blinds.

• Dust around the baseboards and windowsills.

• Vacuum the upholstery.

• Clean and tidy up all bookcases.

What Should I Do Two Days Ahead?

• Sweep your front sidewalk.

• Remove all stains from carpet and upholstery.

• Clean floors in the living area and bedrooms.

• Pick up all clutter, throw away newspapers, store knickknacks and toys.

• Clean the bathroom sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs.

• Clean out all trashcans.

• Dust everything, including the computer screens, TV screens, and picture frames.

• Scour the top of the stove.

• Clean the inside and out of the microwave.

What Should I Do the Night Before?

• Polish faucets throughout the house.

• Remove any smudges from the kitchen stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher.

• Change out wastebaskets and take out trash.

• Clean the bathroom mirrors.

• Wash all the bathroom and kitchen towels in really hot water.

• Make sure you have bathroom supplies in order, like soap and shampoo.

• Clean the kitchen sink thoroughly.

What Do I Do If My Guest Arrive Unexpected?

You get the call, you have someone who is “in the neighborhood” and will be to your house in 20 or 30 minutes. This means you will have to speedily clean your house. Don’t worry about the bedrooms, just shut all of those doors. Don’t panic, here’s how to tidy your house in a quick minute:

Get the stuff up off the floor. Clutter always makes your house look awful. Grab a laundry basket and start picking up the toys and debris that is scattered around. Put it in a closet to later sort out.

Hit the bathroom next. Nothing is more embarrassing than a dirty bathroom. Flush and clean the toilet, quickly wipe down the sink and counter, make sure you have all toiletries put away, hang fresh towels, put out some toilet paper, and empty the garbage.

Start on your kitchen area. Unload and load the dishwasher or if you don’t have one, fill the sink with soapy water and pile them in. Go back to that later.

Straighten up the living area. Cleaning the family room or living area includes fluffing the cushions on the sofa, tossing throws in a trunk or closet, putting away all magazines and books, and stashing all other clutter in a closet. Be sure to get all your shoes out of sight, too.

Wash the dishes. If you only have a few minutes left, be washing the dishes when your guests arrive. You may get these done just in the nick of time.