Cleaning Is Not Tidying

Just as a tidying festival begins with establishing a clear vision of the life you want, a cleaning session requires thoughtful planning.

First, make sure you have all the supplies you need – cleaning sprays, rags, a broom, etc. – and, for the smaller items, a box or case to carry them in. Grab a step stool for extra credit.

If you have unopened cleaning products lingering under the sink, now is the time to use them. You might come across supplies you’ve never used and never will – if so, donate these to a place in need.

Next, make a plan. Decide where you want to focus your energy and set clear goals; give yourself plenty of time to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed. If cleaning from one room to another seems too mundane for you, try cleaning by category instead of location. For example, tackle all of the baseboards, then the light fixtures, then the windowsills and so on. Just around the time you’re getting sick of windowsills, it will be time to move onto the next category.

And, finally, have fun! Open the windows, let in the fresh air and take regular dance breaks – what do you think that broom is for?

Regular, day-to-day cleaning takes care of highly trafficked areas, but it misses the nooks and crannies. To go deep, you’ve got to go big. Pull furniture and appliances away from the walls or – space permitting – remove them entirely from the area you need to clean. This is the time for a good, snug clean, so make sure your vacuum, mop, broom or rag can get to the dark corners.

If you have access to an outdoor space – a fire escape or a balcony works just fine – hang your rugs in the sun while you clean the floors. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, so your rugs will come back rejuvenated.

You might be inspired to rearrange your furniture after seeing it out of its usual position. Your living space should be a reflection of what sparks joy for you – use this time to create a home that you love.

After the big-picture clean, it’s time to go micro. Identify all the spots in your space that don’t normally see a dust rag – like hard-to-reach light fixtures, the top of the refrigerator or the space behind the television.

Filters – like the ones in air purifiers, heating systems, water filtration devices and humidifiers – are another hidden but extremely hard-working part of the home. Replace those that are out of date and clean the rest – including the one in your vacuum cleaner!

Windows are oft neglected – if you’re able to, wash them on both sides. Outdoor space permitting, remove the screens, hose them down and let them air dry.

Cleaning the refrigerator is a big undertaking – might as well do it now!

First, take out everything from foodstuffs to removable shelves and drawers. Get rid of expired items with gratitude and make a plan to eat any perishables ASAP. Scrub the inside of the fridge, removing any sticky stains or food residue. Do the same for your freezer and pantry, being sure to check the expiration date on things like flour and other baking supplies you might have stocked up on over the past few months.

Now that the crannies have been cleared, the furniture rearranged and the dust destroyed, you can clean and put away fabric items like clothing and bedding.

Clean everything you’re not going to use for a while – dirt, dust and sweat attract moths and other bugs and can degrade your items over time.

Show fresh linens some gratitude by creating a custom linen spray using your favorite blend of essential oils. And don’t forget to rotate your mattress!

If you have indoor plants, take some time to prune, repot and fertilize them. Soil loses nutrients over time – the minerals in fertilizer will boost soil’s nutrient level so your plants can thrive. Spray down the leaves to remove dust, and shift your plants’ positions so they can take in the light.