I’m a cleaning expert, here’s the 12 simple tasks you need to be doing to get your year off to a good start
STARTING the year with a clean home is a must, according to one expert.
With the chaos of the festive period drawing to a close, Chloe Baker, from cleaning fave brand Dr. Beckmann, said now's the chance to have a mess-free start to 2024.
And she has set out a house maintenance plan so you can do simple tasks each month to keep on top of the home.
She said: “Getting ready for a new year can be a challenging task, but by following a month-by-month cleaning calendar, people can plan a cleaner and more organised home, leaving them feeling that they’ve done a job well done.
“Kick-starting the year in a productive mindset, will ensure cleaning doesn’t feel too much of a chore and ticking off every month with a purposeful task will leave homes spick and span all year round.”
Here's Chloe's cleaning calendar for 2024:
January – New year, new routines
After the celebrations finish and life returns back to normal, it can be easy to let the days run away with you and the tasks pile up high.
Start the new year by getting into a slow but steady routine ticking off all essential jobs, like washing and ironing.
This will stop the household chores from becoming overwhelming and ensure the home is prepped for the year ahead.
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February – Tech it out
Getting ready to cook your significant other a delicious Valentine’s meal?
Ensure your dishwasher is ready for the messy aftermath, by regularly cleaning the appliance - this not only keeps it spick and span, but it also helps prolong the machine’s lifespan.
To prevent a build-up of grease, food residue and burnt particles, give your appliance some extra loving with Dr. Beckmann’s Service-it Deep Clean Dishwasher Cleaner.
March – Window wisdom
Prepare for spring to set in by cleaning the windows, as when the sun starts to shine this can reveal forgotten marks and fingerprints.
Giving your windows a thorough scrub will guarantee that the brighter evenings illuminate a pristine frame.
April – April Showers
As the April showers arrive, bringing mud and dirt into the home becomes nearly inevitable.
Embrace this seasonal shift by giving your hardwood floors a thorough deep clean.
Refreshing your floors will ensure the removal of any lingering debris and filth, leaving your home looking immaculate. If you have carpets, using a dedicated stain remover.
May – Laundry days
As the summer season approaches and it’s time to transition to lighter, airier clothing, ensuring your wardrobe is fresh and well-maintained becomes essential.
Give your laundry some TLC with a whitener and Magic Leaves - water-soluble detergent sheets - to leave your clothes smelling fresher for longer.
June – Outdoor living
With the sunshine drawing us outside, it’s the perfect time to prepare outdoor spaces for family gatherings and entertaining guests.
Start by washing down the patio to remove any winter residue or grime, wipe down garden furniture and spruce up the lawn and bushes, to create a pleasant haven and inviting space for a summer of socialising.
July – Hidden horrors
Target invisible areas such as the space under the bed, sofas, wardrobes and cabinets.
Getting behind, under and around the furniture will ensure every area of your home is spotless, eradicating any lingering dirt and dust.
August – Pet protection
August celebrates National Dog and Cat Day, but however much we love our four-legged friends, they tend to leave a mess behind in the home.
Make sure to clean up any blemishes and odours with a pet stain and odour remover so your home is furry friendly but not pet pongy.
September – Post summer reset
Use September as the month for a second household reset.
With children back at school, focus on cleaning the frequently utilised spaces in the home, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Additionally, if there’s a porch designed for storing bags and coats, ensure it’s well organised and emits a pleasant smell.
October - Toilet terror
Ahead of your Halloween shindig, ensure the toilet is the least horrifying thing in the home, by tackling the loo with a good clean.
It's easy to neglect the hard-to-see areas so use a foam cleaner to banish the mould and grime build-up.
November – Hidden hideaways
In November, it’s time to clear out your storage spaces, allowing room for the Christmas presents and decorations.
If you tackle this task early in the month, it’ll help you feel organised ahead of the festive celebrations.
December – And just like that…
It’s time to get back to festive prepping.
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Take time to reflect on your cleaning accomplishments of 2024 and bring your new routine with you into 2025.
By following a good yearly plan, your household will be equipped to handle any mess thrown at it.