Many look forward to the holiday season with its culmination of relaxation, celebration and togetherness. But sometimes that togetherness is a little less “together” when it comes to the cleaning schedule.
“Not everyone is fortunate enough to have help over the holidays when it comes to cleaning the house, and the burden often lands on you – suddenly the rest of the family is nowhere to be seen,” laughs Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for Chemico. “It’s time to stop this cycle of doing it all on your own and get the whole family involved. After all, it is your holiday as well.”
It may not be everyone’s favourite holiday activity, but the more hands on deck, the less the burden will be.
Ragavan suggests implementing the following steps into your festive season cleaning to clean smart and not hard this festive season:
1. Create a cleaning schedule.
The key to a successful holiday cleaning is organisation. Start by creating a cleaning schedule or checklist to outline the tasks that need the most attention. Break down the cleaning process into manageable chunks, focusing on high-priority areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
2. Be realistic
Your three-year-old is not going to be able to empty the rubbish bins, but you can start by teaching them to clean up after themselves when they are finished playing. However, your teenager, no matter how much they moan or hibernate in their room, is capable of helping with the bigger chores.
In addition, you can give your older children, your partner or any other relative of age some daily tasks to complete. Daily maintenance tasks like washing dishes, emptying and packing the dishwasher, or sweeping communal areas that are used more than usual with the family at home.
Pro-tip: put the schedule up on the fridge or on a pinboard that is accessible to everyone in the home, so that no one conveniently “forgets”.
3. Allocate personal chores
Allocate tasks to your family and any friends that stay over. This includes making the bed when they wake up, packing away their laundry, cleaning up after themselves and knowing that whatever they take out of the cupboard needs to go back to its allocated spot. This is half the battle won.
4. Bulk up on decent cleaning products
Don’t waste time recleaning a surface you have already cleaned. Chemico’s Liqui Cleen is an effective all-purpose cleaner. It can be used on multiple surfaces, effortlessly keeping your home clean. When finished cleaning the surface, use Milton’s sterilising spray giving it extra protection from germs.
5. Remember, this is your holiday too
so this isn’t the time to deep clean the sofa. Make sure to keep the high-traffic areas clean, keep the broom and mop close by and wipe down the counters after use. The bigger jobs can be kept for another time – relax and enjoy this time with your family.
Whether you are hosting celebrations this holiday season or simply relaxing at home, keeping your home tidy regularly helps with your piece of mind, and makes it easier when guests, expected and unexpected, come by.
So, grab your cleaning supplies, put on some cheerful music, and let the festivities begin.
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Featured image: supplied
