With the arrival of a new year, many of us set resolutions to improve our lives. I propose a challenge to you: 30 days of specific tasks to get your house sparkling and start 2025 with everything clean and organised. No madness, no unnecessary energy wasted. A simple but also challenging plan that will help you stop procrastinating, addressing those areas of the house that are often neglected. It will encourage you to put everything in its proper place. Are you up for it?
Here’s a month-long plan to help you clean every nook and cranny of your home efficiently, practically, and quickly. It’s 30 days, not including rest days. I’m sure you won’t regret starting this! Let’s get to it! Ready?
Day 1: Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Start with the light fixtures and ceiling fans. Use a soft cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to remove dust and accumulated grime. The all-purpose cleaner is ideal as it effectively removes different types of dirt without damaging delicate surfaces.
Day 2: Inside the Fridge
Empty the fridge and remove all the shelves and drawers. Wash them with warm water and mild detergent. For the interior, use a solution of bicarbonate of soda and warm water (1 tablespoon of bicarbonate per litre of water). Bicarbonate is ideal as it neutralises odours and is safe for surfaces that come into contact with food.
Day 3: Skirting Boards
Skirting boards can accumulate dust and stains. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Mild detergent is recommended because it won’t damage painted or varnished surfaces.
Day 4: Curtains and Blinds
Take down the curtains to wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the blinds, use a duster or a damp cloth with a solution of warm water and vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). Vinegar helps to disinfect and remove accumulated grime without damaging the materials.
Day 5: Behind the Furniture
Move furniture away from the walls and clean the floor and walls behind them with a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth. Use an all-purpose cleaner for tougher stains. This product is effective on various surfaces and makes it easier to clean less accessible areas.
Day 6: Upholstery
Vacuum sofas, chairs, and other upholstery. Use an upholstery cleaner for tough stains. Choose a product suitable for your upholstery’s fabric type to avoid damage.
Day 7: Rugs and Carpets
Vacuum rugs and carpets, and consider hiring a professional cleaner for a deeper clean. For stains, use a carpet stain remover, formulated to dissolve dirt without damaging the fibres.
Day 8: Windows
Clean the window panes with a solution of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water). Use a squeegee and a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks. Vinegar is a natural degreaser and doesn’t leave residue.
Day 9: Light Switches and Doorknobs
Disinfect light switches and doorknobs with a damp cloth and disinfectant. Choose a disinfectant with antibacterial properties to ensure germs are eliminated.
Day 10: Kitchen Appliances
Deep clean the kitchen appliances, including the fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Use a degreaser for the oven and microwave, and a stainless steel cleaner for the fridge if applicable, to keep the surfaces shiny and smudge-free.
Day 11: Kitchen Cupboards
Empty the cupboards, wipe the shelves with a damp cloth and detergent, and reorganise the items. Mild detergent helps remove dirt without damaging the interior surfaces.
Day 12: Sinks and Taps
Disinfect the sinks and taps with a solution of water and vinegar to remove stains and germs. Vinegar is effective against limescale and bacteria, making it ideal for wet areas.
Day 13: Walls
Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth and mild detergent, especially in areas with stains. This helps remove marks without damaging the paint.
Day 14: Wardrobes
Organise and clean the interior of the wardrobes, donating clothes you no longer use. Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove accumulated dust.
Day 15: Shoe Racks
Clean the shoe racks and organise the shoes, cleaning them as necessary. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to avoid damaging the shoe material.
Day 16: Shelves and Bookcases
Remove everything from the shelves and bookcases, clean with a damp cloth, and reorganise the items. Using an all-purpose cleaner ensures the removal of dust and dirt without damaging surfaces.
Day 17: Electronic Devices
Clean electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and gaming consoles with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid liquid products to prevent damage to internal circuits.
Day 18: Lamps
Disassemble the lamps and wash the glass or fabric shades according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a mild detergent to clean delicate surfaces without causing damage.
Day 19: Shower Enclosure
Disinfect the shower enclosure with a solution of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to remove mould and grime. This combination is effective and non-toxic, perfect for damp areas.
Day 20: Bathroom Cupboards
Empty the bathroom cupboards, clean the shelves, and reorganise hygiene products. Use a disinfectant to eliminate germs and bacteria.
Day 21: Drains
Clean and unclog the drains with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. This method is natural and effective for clearing mild blockages.
Day 22: Tiles
Scrub the bathroom and kitchen tiles with a brush and all-purpose cleaner. This helps remove dirt and stains without damaging the surfaces.
Day 23: Small Appliances
Clean small appliances like toasters and blenders, removing all crumbs and food residues. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to ensure food safety.
Day 24: Bins
Wash the bins with water and detergent and leave them to dry in the sun. This eliminates accumulated odours and bacteria.
Day 25: Pictures and Wall Decorations
Dust the pictures and wall decorations with a duster or damp cloth. Use a glass cleaner for frames with glass surfaces.
Day 26: Cushions and Pillows
Wash the covers of cushions and pillows according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps keep them fresh and free of dust mites.
Day 27: Laundry Appliances
Clean the washing machine and tumble dryer, removing lint and accumulated dirt. Use an appropriate disinfectant to ensure internal cleanliness.
Day 28: Air Conditioners and Fans
Remove the air conditioner grilles and wash them with water and soap to remove dust. This improves the appliance’s efficiency and air quality.
Day 29: Paper Organisation
Gather all receipts, invoices, proof of payments, and important documents. Sort them into categories such as health, education, housing, etc. Then, organise each category into separate folders, arranging the documents in descending order from the most recent to the oldest. This makes it easier to find specific documents when needed and keeps everything in order.
Day 30: Outdoor Areas
Sweep and wash outdoor areas like patios and garages. Use a high-pressure hose for a deeper clean of external surfaces.
This 30-day plan is an excellent way to start the year with a clean and organised home, improving your quality of life and creating a more pleasant environment for you and your family. Let’s get started!