Quick House Cleaning Tips During the Holiday Season...

The holidays are upon us, which for many of us means lots of company. While spending time with family and friends is one of the great joys of the season, it can also mean great stress when it comes to cleaning! Here are a few tidy tips for coping with the demands of last-minute cleanups for expected (and unexpected) visitors!!!

Make Your Home Shine... In A Hurry!     Start by putting on some energizing music (the TV can be too distracting); this can really motivate you and make the cleaning a fun workout rather than work! (We prefer Christmas music during the Holiday Season!) Use a bucket or tote to hold your cleaning supplies.  Carry from room to room, so you don't waste time running back and forth. Focus on the rooms guests are likely to see: living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom (and if you have a bathroom specifically dedicated to company, focus on that). Don't bother with the tub; just close the shower curtain. Close doors to bedrooms (or any other rooms) you don't have time to clean. Look at each room as a guest might. See where your eyes are drawn first for your starting point. Follow the top-to-bottom, left-to-right rule for cleaning each room; you avoid the "hit-and-miss" risk of spot cleaning. Get the family to help, even the kids. Let little ones clean at their level. Try keeping a basket or container in every room to collect clutter, toys, etc. If you have time, sort through items and put them where they belong; if not, stash in a closet, or behind one of those closed bedroom doors. Or toss a pretty pillowcase, blanket etc over the top to disguise the clutter, and place in a corner of the room.  A pleasant smell can help create the illusion of a spotless house.  A scented plug-in, a scented candle that evokes the smell of the season (Evergreen, Cinnamon etc)  Vacuum slowly, in long straight strokes, to avoid going over the same spots. Do all the vacuuming at once, to avoid bringing dirt from one room to another. Dim lighting and candlelight are intimate and festive, and can disguise a less-than-perfectly clean room!  Tidying up each day (if possible) will help make cleaning much easier and less time consuming!