Wintertime combines varied temperatures, changeable weather, filthy outside conditions and one of the most festive dates in the calendar. Obviously, things are a little different his year due to the coronavirus, but the allowed 5-day relaxation of regulations means that many households are still going to have visitors – not to mention that so many people are working from home – both of which mean that dirt is carried into and collects in houses.
Even though things are not quite the same, Christmas will still come, and a clean house makes for one less thing to worry about.
For a logical approach, the first thing to do is to make a list. Not only will that help you remember vital tasks, it’s also deeply satisfying to tick them off once they’ve been completed.
When the temperature drops, most of us put the heating on so it’s a good idea to give your radiators a thorough clean. Not only will this look nicer, but it will also allow the warm air to circulate more freely – which makes them more efficient and more economical. A damp cloth attached to a thin stick can help reach those hard-to-get places.
Though it goes dark early, winter sunlight can be surprisingly dazzling and highlight smeared or streaky windows. Either use a specific window cleaning solution or a wet cloth to give an initial wipe (including the frame), and then use fabric conditioner to avoid streaks. Make sure you dry them properly so that no water marks remain, and that’s one task ticked off your list.
If you’re lucky enough to have an open fireplace or a log burner, just think about the last time you had it swept. Over summer, animals or birds might have found the chimney an ideal place to nest, and sticks, twigs and may have become lodged there. Better to be safe than sorry before you light up and start on the chestnuts.
We know that carpets are absolute magnets for pet hair, germs, dirt, and dust. It might be a good idea to have them cleaned professionally, by hiring a carpet cleaner, or even by hand (give them a good bashing outside before you go in with the scrubbing brush). Not only will they look nicer, but you’ll also have peace of mind if little ones are going to be crawling around on the floor.
Curtains provide an interesting cleaning challenge because a lot of their dirt can be hidden from traffic fumes, to pollen, to ordinary dust. If you can manage them in a machine, then try to hang them while damp and let the creases drop out. After sorting out the carpets and curtains, don’t forget any cushions, throws or blankets that you keep for snuggling up. Just wash and dry in the machine as normal.
And after all that, sit back, relax, and enjoy whatever kind of bubble you’re able to have – even if it’s the kind that comes in a glass.
