Your Checklist for Cold Weather Cleaning
When you picture seasonal cleaning initiatives, spring almost certainly comes to mind. The appeal is obvious: as a time of renewal, spring invites you to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and start anew with a pristine home that's just as beautiful as the budding flowers outside.
The temptation to go big in the spring is understandable, but this could leave your home looking shabby the rest of the year. Instead, it's worth your while to split up tasks based on the unique realities of each season.
Getting motivated will be especially difficult in the winter, but extra time indoors means that a solid cleaning checklist is that much more important. The sooner you get started, the cozier your home will feel — and the easier you'll find it to tackle any remaining tasks when spring finally arrives.
Stock Up on the Right Supplies
First and foremost, you'll need high-quality equipment to expedite the cleaning process. Take advantage of holiday deals to round out your cleaning supplies.
Your collection should begin with an elite home cleaning system, such as the Kirby Avalir 2. This will streamline everyday tasks such as vacuuming while also making a world of difference for your tile, upholstery, and even vehicle. And the right attachments and accessories will make already easy cleaning tasks even more of a breeze.
Make sure to add cleaning solutions to that list. Some are specifically designed for use with your Kirby Avalir 2, while others will be required for tackling other cleaning opportunities in your home.
Create an Inviting Entryway
In the winter, the success of any good regimen comes down to your entryway. If you're lucky enough to have a mudroom, you'll want to equip it with an excellent storage solution for shoes and coats. Otherwise, you can expect snow, mud, and general debris to get tracked all over your home.
The more inviting your entryway feels, the more likely family members, roommates, or guests are to take advantage of this important space. The best defense is a good offense, so rethink your strategy if you observe that nobody actually bothers to remove outer garments or accessories in the intended space.
Tackle Mud Strategically
As sloppy snow takes over, the dirt and debris of fall give way to an even bigger issue: mud. This can easily be tracked in with heavy winter boots, and unfortunately, it's difficult to get rid of once it's made its way to your otherwise sparkling-clean floors.
Keep in mind that the timing for cleaning mud will largely depend on when and where it arrived in your home. With carpets, immediate cleaning is a bad idea. Instead, allow the mud to dry. If you attempt to clean it while it's still wet, you'll actually make the mess worse. Use the rotating brush roll in upright mode on your Kirby system to agitate dry dirt and provide the best clean.
The Kirby Multi-Surface Shampoo System is a powerful cleaning solution that can handle a variety of tasks. It is an excellent choice for carpet shampooing, providing a deep clean that gets down to the roots of the carpet and extracts dirt, dust, and allergens. It also works wonders on hard floor surfaces such as tile, laminate, and hardwood. Salt can be notoriously difficult to remove in the winter months so hard floor cleaning can really help entryways, mud rooms, and more. It is designed to be used in multiple steps for optimal results, so you can be sure that your floors are receiving the highest level of cleanliness.
Keep Blankets And Quilts Clean
If you love wrapping yourself in a warm comforter or quilt, you may need to add a few extra laundry loads to your usual cycle. A large-capacity washer will do the trick for most comforters, although a gentle soak in a deep tub may be preferable for vintage quilts. While the general rule of thumb is once a month for throw blankets, increased use during the winter may force you to switch to weekly cleaning.
Organize the Pantry & Vacuum the Cupboards
While kitchen tasks can (and should) occur on a year-round basis, winter is a great time to take stock of your non-perishables and determine which should remain. Depending on how much freezer burn exists, this might be the best time to inventory your heavily neglected chest freezer.
Kitchen supplies are also worth examining; do you use all the contraptions you own? Take this time to pare down so that you're ready to add a whole new bumper crop to your space when the growing season returns.
Don't forget to vacuum those cupboards. Your counters probably get a lot of attention, but storage spaces are more likely to be neglected. Gentle cleaners are always preferred, as you don't want to harm the surfaces of your cabinets. Vacuuming out your drawers and cupboards is an easy and efficient way to make sure all of the dirt, crumbs, and food that may have fallen over the last few months are properly removed. This would be a great spot to use the Kirby in hose mode with our duster brush, wall and ceiling brush, or crevice tool.
Get Started on Typical Sources of Procrastination
Do you tend to avoid certain cleaning tasks until the last minute? January presents the perfect opportunity for a fresh start and a more effective strategy. Instead of playing the procrastination game, tackle dreaded tasks head-on. You may discover that cleaning a little at a time is more effective than a huge springtime ordeal.
To begin, choose just one or two tasks that you've avoided in the past. Now, determine how you can break up these jobs into more manageable steps. Invest in equipment that will make these tasks as easy as possible.
Depending on your personal cleaning preferences, candidates for this approach could be:
- Sanitizing the bathroom
- Deep-cleaning the basement
- Dusting the blinds
- Cleaning and disinfecting toys
Don't let cabin fever take over this winter. Instead, turn your home into a welcoming environment. The right cleaning regimen can transform your space, so you actively look forward to spending more time at home. Learn more about Kirby Systems and experience an ultimate, deep clean.