The Ultimate Guide to Clean a Dirty House When You Don't Know Where to Begin
Step 1: Declutter Your Space to Unleash Your Inner Cleaning Guru
Does your home feel like it's been hit by a tornado? And do you find yourself frozen in the middle of the chaos, unsure of where to begin cleaning? Don't worry; we've all been there. That's precisely why we have compiled this ultimate guide to help you clean your dirty house with minimal stress and maximum efficiency.
Let's make that mess manageable!
Implement the Four-Box System
First thing's first - get rid of the clutter. Clutter causes chaos, and chaos diverts your attention from the task at hand. So it's essential to declutter your space before you even begin to clean. Need help? Check out Marie Kondo's KonMari Method, a delightful way to ensure that everything in your home "sparks joy"!
Step 2: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Introduce four boxes or bags to your home and dedicate them to:
- Trash
- Give away/Sell
- Storage
- Put away
As you work your way through each room, place items into one of the four boxes. This process will force you to make concrete decisions and prevent you from moving items from one spot to another aimlessly.
Step 3: Draft a Cleaning Plan of Attack
Now that you've decluttered, it's time to assemble all the cleaning supplies you'll need:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes
- Microfiber cloths
- Baking soda & vinegar (for those stubborn stains)
- Glass cleaner
- Dusting tools
- Vacuum and/or mop
- Rubber gloves
Making a dedicated cleaning supplies checklist or caddy will save you time in the future and enable you to clean efficiently.
Divide and Conquer
High to Low, Left to Right
Breaking your home into smaller sections can make the entire task feel manageable. Approach each room in your house separately, focusing on just one space at a time.
Step 4: Scrub-a-dub-dub, Get to Work!
When cleaning, start from the highest point in the room, then gradually work your way downward. This way, any dust that falls will be mopped up later. Additionally, clean in a left to right (or right to left) pattern to ensure you don't miss any spots.
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Always Begin with the Bathroom
Dust and Wipe Surfaces
Begin with the most dreaded chore - the bathroom. Trust us; this will make the rest of your cleaning project feel less daunting. Tackle the toilet, scrub the tub, wipe down surfaces, and address the floors.
Disinfect High-Touch Areas
Working your way from high to low, dust and wipe down surfaces using a microfiber cloth. Don't forget to address areas like baseboards, windowsills, and ceiling fans!
Take on the Kitchen
With the COVID-19 pandemic, disinfecting high-touch surfaces has become more crucial than ever. Use disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
Vacuum and Mop
Empty out your fridge and pantry, disposing of any expired items. Next, move on to the surfaces, sink, appliances, and floors.
Turn Your Cleaning Coup into a Habit: The Home Maintenance Strategy
Finally, vacuum all carpets and mop hard surfaces, making sure to get into every nook and cranny.
A clean home is a happy home! Now that you've conquered your dirty house, it's time to reassure yourself that it will never return to such disarray. Establish a regular cleaning schedule, even if it's just a 15-minute daily routine. This way, you'll keep your home looking spick and span, and never face the daunting task of cleaning a dirty house from scratch again.
With your house now sparkling clean, pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You've conquered the clutter, scrubbed away stains, and transformed chaos into calm. Your home is your sanctuary, and you can now move through your space with the peace of mind that comes with a clean, organized living environment.
Now, go ahead and enjoy your new, immaculately clean space!
