The Home Cleaning Bible, Part 1

I’m sure you’ve heard of the white glove test.  Well, I’m about to give you a complete step-by-step guide on how to ace it!  Whether your in-laws are coming for the weekend, or you need an immaculate home due to allergies – these guidelines will get you a perfectly clean home.

Let’s make sure you know the basics.  In Part 2 of the Cleaning Bible, I’ll discuss the cleaning products – what, where, and how to use them.  Part 3 includes instructions for each step of the cleaning process, including my personal home cleaning checklists.

Tidy First

Tidying or ‘picking up’ is different from cleaning.  Tidying means to pick up stray items and put them in their proper place.  Cleaning all surfaces will be a heck of a lot less irritating if there aren’t items in your way!  It can also steer you off track, interrupting this carefully systemized cleaning program!  So, I will just re-iterate…

PICK UP YOUR STUFF,  xoxo Love, Mom.

Clean Top to Bottom

Dust settles slowly.  So start cleaning at the top and work your way down.  Floors are always the last step so you can pick up all remaining dust and debris that fall to the very bottom of the room.

Customize “Thoroughly”:

When I say “clean thoroughly,” it can be hard to gauge what that means because every object is different.  In essence, it means cleaning all edges and surfaces of an object.

Pick up all objects that you physically can (ex. a vase, soap dish, jewelry box, picture frame).  If you leave them where they are, you won’t be getting the nooks and crannies that dust settles in.

Slide over any objects that you can’t pick up if they are small enough to be maneuvered (ex. microwave, large trash cans, ottomans, furniture pieces).  Start by cleaning all sections of the item, then slide it over or lift it on its side to clean under and behind it.  Replace the item when finished.

‘Thoroughly’ also means you need to clean smart and knowing your tools.  Here are a few examples:

If you are cleaning your WiFi Router, don’t take a wet rag to the electronic parts.  You can usually use compressed air cans to puff air inside electronics without damaging them.

When cleaning a fake plant, dust clings harder to the surface so dry dusting will not suffice.  You will need to wet a rag with a simple vinegar and water solution.  Stroke each leaf of the fake plant with the wet rag.  Then, move onto cleaning the vase.

Customize The Checklist:

Keeping track of everything is difficult to do when your mind is focused on cleaning, so write down your to-do list!  Everyone’s checklist should be easy to read, detailed, and include all areas of their home (some homes have fireplaces, others have patios, each home is different!).  If you’re an electronics person, a virtual checklist will work just as well, as long as you have one!

Email me if you’d like me to customize a list for your home.  I’m happy to create one based on the layout of your house or apartment.

 

Coming Up:

Part 2 discusses cleaning products – what and how to use them.

Part 3 includes instructions for each step of the cleaning process, including my personal home cleaning checklists.