Cleaning your new home after an exhausting move might be the very last thing you want to do, but the process of moving in and unpacking tends to track in dirt. Even if you’re conscientious during your move, cardboard and other packing materials create dust and feet bring in allergens and germs from outside.
Here are some quick cleaning tips and key areas of focus to keep in mind as you tackle the big clean.
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Follow a Detailed Cleaning Checklist
Whether you’re tackling the cleaning yourself (along with some helpers!) or hiring someone else to get it done, make a list of the most important items to take care of so nothing critical is overlooked. For example, you’ll want to clean air vents and exhaust fans, sanitize your toilet, and wipe drawers, shelves, and fan blades with a damp cloth.
Don’t forget to give your sinks special attention — these tend to harbor harmful bacteria and are rarely cleaned properly. Forgetting to clean these important areas can contribute to allergy symptoms and even make your family sick!
Remember to Thank Your Helpers
Expressing gratitude to those who have helped clean your house is a heartfelt gesture that acknowledges their effort and time. A simple thank you can go a long way in showing appreciation for their support in making your space clean and welcoming. To add a personalized touch to your gratitude, consider creating digital thank you cards online. There are several free tools available that allow you to customize your card design, making your appreciation even more special and memorable.
Remove Potential Allergens
If anyone in your family suffers from allergies, ensuring your home is clean is especially important. When you first move in, make sure your home is vacuumed and dusted very well. Any lingering allergens hiding in your carpets or sitting on surfaces can easily become airborne when someone walks by. Don’t forget to vacuum curtains and blinds, and throw your window treatments in the wash if they can be laundered.
Finally, as you unpack your things, try to embrace a more minimalist look to avoid dust-collecting clutter from piling up around your home.
Eliminate Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
In addition to allergens, pollutants are another common cause of poor indoor air quality. Did you know that the air inside your home can be even more polluted than outside air? American Home Shield acknowledges a few critical causes of indoor air pollution, including:
- Secondhand cigarette smoke
- Mold and mildew
- Cleaning chemicals
- Wall paint
- Radon
The best way to improve your indoor air quality is to avoid introducing these airborne chemicals into your new home. If you’re touching up the paint, find non-toxic paints with zero VOCs. Thoroughly eliminate any mold with an antimicrobial mix of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with water. Also, be sure to address moisture problems that may be contributing to mold growth.
Just remember to mask up when you begin cleaning your home with any type of chemical solution; not only does it help prevent you from inhaling chemicals and irritants, but masks also protect your face from any splashback. If you’re using a lot of chemicals, you may also want to consider a face shield and goggles as well.
Add Some Air-Purifying Plants
Once your home is spick and span and you’re finally ready to move in, consider getting a few air-purifying plants. Certain plants are very effective at absorbing airborne pollutants, including formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia. NASA recommends having at least one houseplant for every 100 square feet.
Some of the best plants for supporting indoor air quality are the Boston fern, spider plant, dracaena, peace lily, and English ivy. Not only will these plants help your home feel fresh every day, but they can also help the space feel more relaxing.
Start Clean for a New Beginning
Try not to put off your new home cleaning. It will be much easier to rid your house of dust, grime, and potential toxins before your belongings are in the way. Also, remember to clean your furniture before or immediately after moving so you can avoid introducing new allergens to your home. Cleaning a whole home or apartment can be daunting, but this one big cleanup will make it much easier to maintain a sparkling home in the long run.