5 Essential Home Care Tips for a Sparkling Clean And Healthy Home

A clean home isn’t just about appearances; it’s crucial for your physical and mental well-being. This post outlines five essential home care tips to keep your home sparkling, clean, and healthy. It will help you maintain a clean, healthy, and happy living space.

Last night, while talking to my mother on the phone, I told her that with my basement in total chaos, it felt as if the house was not clean. Do you ever feel this way? When you cannot find what you need, or when the room has boxes of items to sort through to save or take to Goodwill?

Remember the feeling of walking into a truly clean and organized home? That sense of peace and calm? Sweet friend, today let’s talk about ditching the cleaning dread and embracing a more efficient and enjoyable home care routine.

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Top 5 Home Care Tips: Declutter, Organize & Keep Your Home Sparkling Clean & Healthy In The New Year

Let’s discuss ways to improve your home care routine with these five essential tips. Learn how to declutter, organize, and deep clean effectively. I will share some of my favorite natural cleaning tips and products to help maintain a healthy living environment.

1. Declutter & Organize

Declutter and organize regularly to maintain a tidy home. In our home, I have implemented the “One In, One Out” rule, which has worked well over the years. What is the “One In, One Out” rule? The concept is that for every new item you bring into your home, you should get rid of a similar one. This prevents clutter from accumulating. Example: Donate an old pair of shoes if you buy a new pair.

Generally, I have two main seasons for significant decluttering: January and October. January seems to be a big month for me to declutter. With the cold weather outside, I tend to hibernate indoors. It’s the perfect time of the year to go through my closets and do some purging and cleaning. October is a refresh of closets, with the main focus on items in dressers, kitchen drawers, and cabinets, and bathroom drawers and cabinets. Between these two main seasons, I schedule regular decuttering sessions. Below are some of the tips that have worked for me.

Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions:

• Schedule time: Set aside dedicated blocks of time for decluttering, such as 15-30 minutes each day to clean out a drawer or under the sink. Longer sessions, such as tackling a storage room, garage or linen closet, could be a weekend project.
• Focus on specific areas: Tackle one room or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Use the “Keep, Donate, or Toss” method: As you go through items, create three areas: 1) keep, 2) donate, or 3) toss and throw away.

Adapt The “Two Minute Rule”:

• If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
• Some examples: 1) Putting dishes in the dishwasher, 2) hanging up a coat, 3) taking the trash out, 4) picking up and putting toys away (including dog toys in our case).

Before going to bed each evening, I will spend only a couple of minutes picking up the main level of our home. Dog toys scattered across the room take 30 seconds to pick up and place in a basket. The same applies to car keys or wallets left on the counter. They are placed in the correct area for fast-finding in the morning.

Utilize Storage Space Effectively:

• Invest in quality storage solutions: Utilize storage containers, bins, baskets, and drawer dividers to keep items organized and easy to find.
• Visible storage: Keep frequently used items in easily accessible locations. Clear bins that allow you to see the contents also help.
• Maximize vertical space: use shelves, wall organizers, over-the-door storage, and under-bed storage.

2. Cleaning Schedule

Establish a cleaning schedule to stay on top of household chores. I prefer to have two lists: 1) a weekly list of household cleaning tasks that are more involved (e.g., mopping floors, dusting, vacuuming, laundry); and 2) daily chores of small tasks (e.g., making the bed, washing dishes).

Dividing The House Into Zones

Have you heard of Zone Clean? I found this method very useful. It is when you divide the house into zones and clean each zone on specific days. Example: Our home has three levels. Zones 1-3. The main living space, which consists of a living room, entry, office, half bath, family room, kitchen, dining area, and mudroom, is Zone 1. The upper level, which has bedrooms, a laundry room, and full baths, is Zone 2. The lower level has a theater room, a full bath, a craft room, two utility rooms, a home gym, and a storage room in Zone 3.

Monday—Zone 3 (bathroom, theater, and craft rooms). After the weekend of use, this is the perfect time to dust, vacuum, disinfect, and restock the mini refrigerator. The home gym, storage, and utility rooms are mopped, dusted, and vacuumed once a month on a Saturday.

Tuesday – Zone 2 (upper level). The bedrooms are vacuumed and dusted (including blinds, lighting, baseboards, and window sills). We are an empty nester. Bed linens are laundered from the master bedroom.

Thursday and Friday – Zone 1 (main level). It is good to clean this zone before the weekend.

Laundry Schedule: I found that putting a load of laundry into the washer and dryer each morning helps us avoid numerous loads on the weekend.

Another option is a combined approach that combines daily, weekly, and zone cleaning.

As you can see, I am free on weekends. I do this to spend time on crafting, traveling, gardening, and similar activities, which are enjoyable.

Tips for Maintaining the Schedule:

• Start Small: Begin with a few essential chores and gradually add more.
• Be Flexible: Life happens! Adjust the schedule as needed.
• Make it Fun: Play music and listen to a podcast or audiobook.
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments with a small treat. Ride out and grab your favorite cup of coffee from Starbucks!
• Review and Adjust: Regularly review your schedule and make adjustments as needed.

Create a Visual Schedule:

• Use a printable schedule, a planner, or a digital app.
• Be specific about tasks and assign a day to each chore.
• Consider using color-coding or visual cues.

You can download the free printables of these daily and weekly schedule forms here.

Involve The Family:

• Assign age-appropriate chores to children. It is an opportunity for them to earn an allowance or a reward system.
• Make cleaning a family affair to promote teamwork and shared responsibility.

3. Natural Cleaning Products

Use natural cleaning products to protect your health and the environment. Consider eliminating plastic containers from natural cleaning supplies to support a more sustainable, eco-conscious lifestyle. While recycling is important, not all plastic is actually recycled. Many plastic containers end up incinerating or polluting the environment. Some plastics can leak chemicals into the cleaning products, potentially posing health risks.

Switching to reusable containers made of materials such as glass, stainless steel, or cardboard supports a more sustainable approach. Choosing natural cleaning supplies in reusable containers reduces your environmental impact and contributes to a healthier planet.

Laundry:

Recently, I switched to dispensing detergent in large plastic containers. I buy laundry sheets from Clean People. What I love about the Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets is that they contain all the good ingredients with none of the gross ingredients. The detergent does not contain 1,4 dioxane, SLS, SLES, optical brighteners, parabens, phosphates, synthetic dyes, or chlorine. Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free. I no longer use plastic jugs that end up in landfills.

Our clothes smell amazing and come out clean. If you are sensitive to scents, they offer unscented laundry detergent and dryer sheets.

You use Clean People laundry detergent the same way you use any other laundry detergent.  I tear off a sheet of Clean People for a regular load and add it to my washer.  Load your laundry and start the washing machine. I will use a whole sheet (bedding and towels) for a larger load. I love using their laundry detergent and dryer sheets.

Disinfectants:

I purchase glass spray bottles to make my own cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals. You can literally clean your house with white vinegar, baking soda, and lemons.

• White vinegar: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer. It can be used on many surfaces, including countertops, floors, and even windows. Try adding lemon or orange peels to the bottle with your white vinegar and water solution. You can spray the shower walls to prevent mold growth.
• Baking soda: A mild abrasive used to scrub surfaces and remove stains. It can also be used as a deodorizer. It is a great scrub for sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs.
• Lemon juice: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can be used on a variety of surfaces. It is also a great way to freshen the air. Cut some lemons and simmer them on the stove to freshen the air.

4. Keep Cleaning Products Stocked

Keep cleaning supplies stocked, organized, and within reach for efficient cleaning. If you are running low on an item, add it to your shopping list. I will have Alexa add items to keep my shopping list organized.

Subscribe and save on items like laundry detergent so you have an ample supply on hand and receive a discount.

5. Deep Clean & Disinfect

Deep clean and disinfect high-touch areas regularly to prevent the spread of germs. It is cold and flu season. To stop the spread of germs, keep surfaces such as counters, cabinets, refrigerator handles, and door knobs clean and disinfected.

The Power of Steam:

Invest in a good portable steam cleaner. Steam effectively kills bacteria and viruses, making it ideal for disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces such as floors, countertops, and upholstery.

Deep Clean Your Mattresses:

Be sure to give those mattresses a deep clean! Read 6 Steps To A Clean & Healthy Mattress: Deep Cleaning Guide Made Easy.

Power of Essential Oils:

Many essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lemon oil, and lavender oil, have natural antimicrobial properties. You can make your own all-purpose cleaners by diluting a few drops of essential oil in water and adding a squirt of natural dish soap.

Purchase a diffuser and essential oils for aromatherapy benefits. Some essential oils that can be diffused to potentially clean the air include:

Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil can help clear congestion and open up the airways, making it a good choice for people with respiratory issues. It is also perfect for cold and flu season.

Lavender Oil: While not a strong disinfectant, lavender oil can help to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, which can be beneficial for overall well-being.

Lemon Oil: Lemon oil has a fresh, invigorating scent and can help eliminate odors and freshen the air. To change up the scents, try adding a few drops of orange oil to the lemon.

Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil can help clear the sinuses and freshen the air. It can also boost alertness and reduce fatigue.

Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can help eliminate bacteria and viruses in the air.

Sunlight and Fresh Air:

Some more essential home care tips are the use of sunlight and fresh air. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties. On a warm day (we had some 60-degree temperatures this week), open windows and let in sunlight to disinfect surfaces and air out your home. Did you know that regularly airing out your home helps to remove dust, allergens, and stale air?

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Bonus Cleaning Tips

Here are a few bonus cleaning essential home care tips for you. I find they have been very useful in our home over the years.

Microwave Cleaning:

Add 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl with the mixture in the microwave and turn on high for about 10 minutes. When finished, the dried food and splatters should be easily wiped away.

Sink Stains:

Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then use it to scrub away the stains. Have coffee or tea stains in mugs? Use the same method to scrub away stains!

Carpet Spills:

Try soaking up as much liquid as possible. Next, spray the stain with a solution of half vinegar and half water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Blot with a clean towel or some dry paper towels.

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A clean and organized home contributes significantly to our overall well-being. By prioritizing these five essential home care tips, you’re investing in your physical and mental health. Ready to put these tips into action? Share your favorite essential home care tips and cleaning hacks in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to create a healthier home for ourselves and our loved ones in the new year. We can embrace a cleaner, healthier, and happier home life—remember, you deserve it!

XOXO, sweet friend!