Dec 13th, 2023 on

Minimalism Series: Five Days of Deep Cleaning and Decluttering

Hello, wonderful people! Can you believe it’s already the final month of the year? We’ve managed to navigate through another whirlwind of twelve months. Now, as we stand on the threshold of a brand new year, it’s time to bid farewell to anything that’s been holding us back and welcome a fresh start with open arms.

In this unpredictable world, there’s only so much we can control. But here’s one thing we can influence: our home. Personally, as someone who identifies strongly with being 89% introverted, my house holds a special place in my heart. I’ve learned a valuable lesson from my mom – preparing our home for guests and for the new year is crucial. It involves not just tidying up but also delving into those often neglected corners that need attention.

So, roughly two weeks before the big day, it’s time to embark on a cleaning spree. The week prior, we indulge in creating all our delightful Christmas desserts, and voila! We’re all set for the festivities! Clean, decluttered, and ready for new beginnings. Join me in this journey of refreshing our homes and embracing the joy of a clean slate. Let’s kick-start this transformative process together!

Day 1

Bedroom(s)

Bedding and Mattress Strip the bed of all bedding. While waiting for bedding to wash and dry, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for at least two hours. Later, vacuum the baking soda.
Curtains and Blinds Remove curtains and wash according to label instructions. Clean blinds by using a wet cloth with mild soap. Wipe each slat individually and dry them immediately with a dry cloth.
Window Cleaning Wipe down windows and window sills to remove dirt and grime buildup.
Air Vents Use a vacuum or duster to clean air vents and eliminate dust accumulation
Closet and Vanity Decluttering Declutter as you go. Dispose of expired or unused products from your vanity. Consider starting with a bag of unwanted clothes for donation, gifting to a friend, or storing elsewhere.
Additional Must-Do Tasks Leave the closet door open for fresh air circulation. Renew scented closet sachets or add new ones for a fresh and pleasant aroma.

Day 2

Kitchen

Cupboards Decluttering and Cleaning Remove everything from the cupboards. Clean the insides thoroughly and declutter. Check for expired items, especially spices.
Kitchen Hood Cleaning If your kitchen hood allows, disassemble removable parts and place them in the dishwasher. For the remaining parts, use a ladder to clean thoroughly up to the ceiling.
Fridge and Freezer Cleaning Clean and declutter the fridge and freezer. Use a mixture of warm water and white vinegar to wipe down surfaces, effectively removing any unpleasant odors. Dispose of expired or questionable food items.
Inspect and Dispose of Damaged Utensils Check for plates with cracks and non-stick frying pans. Dispose of them properly, avoiding the bin. Look into recycling options provided by your local council.
Ceiling Lights Wipe down ceiling lights to remove any dust or grime buildup.

Day 3

Bathroom(s)

Ah, the bathroom, that space in our house that we aim to deep clean every week, yet somehow tends to slip our minds, guilty as charged! Here are a couple of tasks we often forget but are essential for a thorough clean:

Air Vents Take a vacuum or duster to the bathroom air vents, ensuring to remove any dust buildup that might have accumulated.
Ceiling Lights Don’t overlook the ceiling lights! Give them a wipe down to eliminate any gathered dust or grime.

These tasks may be small but contribute significantly to maintaining a fresh and hygienic bathroom. Let’s give these often-forgotten areas the attention they deserve!

Day 4

Living room

Furniture Vacuum and spot clean sofas, armchairs, ottomans, and any upholstered furniture. Consider using fabric cleaners or steam cleaners for deep stains. Wipe down and polish wooden furniture!
Electronics Dust and wipe down electronics like TV screens, remotes, gaming consoles, and speakers. Clean and organize cords and cables.
Light Fixtures Dust and wipe down light fixtures, lamps, and lampshades to remove accumulated dust.
Declutter! Take the opportunity to declutter the living room. Put away items that don’t belong, organize magazines, books, or other items lying around.

Day 5

Remaining tasks

Interior Doors Clean the interior doors using a deep bowl filled with warm water and mild soap.
Ceiling Corners and Cobwebs Use an extendable duster or vacuum to clean high ceiling corners for cobwebs or dust.
Wall Switches and Outlets Use a damp cloth to clean light switches, electrical outlets, and their surrounding areas to remove dust and grime.
Behind Radiators or Heating Units Clean behind radiators or heating units to remove dust buildup that affects air quality.