Have you ever had the feeling that something in your house is amiss, but you just can’t figure out what? Chances are that you’re not even aware of all the dirt that gathers at your home. Dirty surroundings can make you feel incredibly uncomfortable. Studies have shown that even the people who consider themselves slobs feel that way. Your living space is where you should feel completely comfortable and safe.
Of course, we’ve all had those days when we don’t feel like doing anything, much less clean. This can go on for days, even weeks. Not to mention all the obligations we have to fulfill in our everyday life. But how can you prevent it from going too far?
Invest in a Quality Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuum cleaners are the main cleaning tool in every household. But many of them don’t do the work they’re supposed to efficiently. Besides that, the biggest problem with a common vacuum cleaner is that it could trigger allergies and cause other types of health problems. A high-quality vacuum stops the spread of allergens, and the best bagless canister vacuum will help you with that. You’ll be able to focus on the details without any additional hassle. Also, according to health professionals, you need to vacuum your home at least once a week.
Take Off Your Shoes at the Entrance
Taking off shoes when you enter the house is a common courtesy in many cultures. And for a reason. You carry the dirt of every place you have visited on your soles. Mud, germs, bacteria, and other kinds of harmful stuff will enter your home without you even noticing. Home footwear is comfortable, and it will save you a few hours of cleaning. Also, you should invest in additional pairs of slippers for your guests. They will be comfortable, and you won’t have to scrub the floors after their visit.
Clean Around the Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are the entry points to your home. The dirt will usually collect around them. When you open the windows to air out the room, your windowsill will get dirtier than you can imagine. Many people forget to clean that area, and the dirt that gathers there spreads all over the house. Take some time each day to wipe your windowsills and doorframes. It can be done in a couple of seconds, and it makes a great difference.
Strategically Placed Doormats
Place doormats at the entrance of every room and directly outside your home. This will help you avoid mudding up your floors and will save you the extra time you would normally spend scrubbing it all away. Also, don’t forget to wash them regularly. The dirt is more likely to gather on clothes than on any other surface.
Stock Up on Wet Wipes
Every household should always have a few packs of wet wipes in their pantry. They are disposable, so you won’t have to wash them like other rags. You can clean any surface with them in just a few seconds. Also, they are filled with alcohol, so using them will kill any extra germs. They are also great for cleaning details that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach.
Wash Your Pillows
Washing your pillowcases every week should be standard practice. However, this is not enough. Grime, bedbugs, and other kinds of unwanted microorganisms are more likely to gather directly in your pillow. Additionally, you sweat more when you are sleeping than you do when you’re awake. Your pillows will absorb it and get dirty in no time. And nobody likes sleeping in a smelly bed.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Blinds
Your blinds need to get some attention too! Don’t just put them up and forget that they exist. The space between them is one of the dirtier places in your home. Especially if you open your windows often. If you want to be thorough, you need to wipe them every so often in order to avoid letting them get too dirty.
Clean the Vents
Vents are also some of the most overlooked places when it comes to cleaning. They should be cleaned at least once a month. The air that blows through them carries dirt and will spread it all over the house. Also, there is a chance they will get clogged, and then they will lose their purpose.
Declutter Your Living Space
Having too much stuff can also make your living space look messy. Throw out all the stuff that you don’t need and you will instantly feel much better. It will lessen the amount of stuff that needs to be cleaned and you will make space for other, more useful things. Additionally, many therapists recommend doing this. Getting rid of all the messiness in your home may make you feel better and more motivated to clean the messiness in your life. It is a win-win situation, so take some time out of your day to go through your stuff and decide what you need to get rid of.
Don’t Forget About Your Pets
We often forget about how messy our furry friends can really get. Some of the biggest culprits are dogs that are allowed to get inside the house. Make sure to wipe their paws every time they enter, to avoid spreading dirt and mud. Also, make sure you clean their hair regularly, especially if they are long-haired. Sometimes, the situation could get so critical that you could make another dog just from the hair you cleaned off your rug!
Make a Cleaning Schedule
Making a cleaning schedule will help you organize your time. There won’t be any more excuses, and your living space will be ten times cleaner. It is important to make cleaning a habit and find a way to make it fun. You will get used to it after a while, and it will begin to feel like part of the routine and not a chore. That way, they will be no more last-minute cleaning when you are expecting guests or house cleaning that will take up hours on end.
When you keep your home clean at all times, you will feel more comfortable and safe. As we previously mentioned, it is best to make it a habit rather than a chore. Be patient, persistent, and try making it into a game. Try to be as thorough as possible, and don’t forget the details!
