We requested our cleansing professional restart, clean up within the new 12 months | KETK.com

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When the holidays come to an end, post-holiday cleaning begins. From the refrigerator to the fireplace and everything in between, holiday celebrations ensure that the whole house is tidied up. In addition, it is important to properly store decorations like Christmas decorations to protect them and keep them ready for use when the holidays are back on.

After the holidays, tidying up and thorough cleaning can be overwhelming, but professional help can help. We consulted with our cleaning expert, Ketia Daniel, the founder of BHM Cleaning Co in Birmingham, Alabama, for tips on how to simplify your tidying up and organizing efforts for a new start into the new year.

Tips for efficient cleaning after your vacation

When it comes time to tidy up home after the holidays, Daniel emphasizes that time management is a must. “Use the time wisely when it is time to tidy up your Christmas tree and decorations. I think this is the best time to thoroughly clean your house, ”she said.

The things you need to do before starting the cleaning process is the first step in maximizing your time, Daniel continued. “I would say do it now while the Christmas things are out and buy your supplies. When you need containers to store your ornaments in [and] organize them. I would go ahead and label them and everything. ”

Focus on storage

Freshening up your home after the holiday season starts with a plan to keep decorations and keep them protected while in storage. Daniel recommends buying boxes that are “specially designed for ornaments”. Boxes with this design usually have protective partitions.

Holiday inflatables are more popular than ever, but when the time comes to dismantle and stow them, they need careful maintenance. “I think it’s very important that people collect and clean their bouncy castles and other things they have outside before putting them away. You can simply water them down after emptying them and then let them dry and then put them in a plastic container. Don’t use soap as it can stain the inflatable, ”Daniel said.

Prepare for cleaning

The most important thing to do when you start your cleaning chores after Christmas is to be thorough. A good quality vacuum cleaner is a must for cleaning pine needles and debris from carpets, hard floors, and around cracks and crevices, but Daniel also emphasizes the importance of cleaning air vents.

“For ventilation openings, I would use my vacuum cleaner with a Swiffer Duster. I’ll go in as far as I can with the Swiffer Duster and then use the stick handle to make sure there aren’t any cobwebs. “She continued,” If the trigger is black or brown from dust and dirt, I’ll use Dawn dish soap and scrub it in the kitchen sink. You can use a microfiber cloth or a scratch-free SOS soap scrubber for this. “

Thorough cleaning should also include chimneys, windows, and baseboards. Daniel advises vacuum attachments and a Swiffer to come in handy for removing dust and debris in tight spaces. And because most people stock the refrigerator with Christmas goodies, it also needs a complete cleaning. “It’s a great time clearing out your refrigerator. Make sure the vacation food is completely gone, ”Daniel said.

In addition to a vacuum cleaner and Swiffer, you can use Clorox in a spray bottle, Dawn dish soap, scrubber, and microfiber towels to do many of the cleaning chores Daniel recommends for the New Year and beyond.

Products recommended by our cleaning expert

Dawn Ultra liquid dishwashing detergent

Dawn Ultra is a best-selling dish soap for its ability to remove grease and gently but effectively cleanse. Its reliable performance has made it a popular choice for numerous cleaning applications.

Sold by SHOP NOW on Amazon

Clorox Clean-Up all-purpose cleaner spray with bleach

In addition to the germ-fighting power of bleach, this versatile cleaner comes in a spray bottle that is convenient to use for a variety of cleaning tasks. It’s made by Clorox, one of the most trusted names in household cleaners.

Sold by Amazon and Home depot

Mr. SIGA microfiber cleaning cloths, pack of 12

The soft, absorbent material from which microfiber towels are made makes them useful for many cleaning purposes. In addition, they do not scratch sensitive surfaces. This budget-friendly package contains 12 wipes.

Sold by Amazon

Zober storage box for large Christmas tree balls

This spacious storage box for ornaments protects your valuable ornaments during storage thanks to the partitions that prevent them from rubbing together. It holds up to 128 ornaments.

Sold by Amazon

SOS scratch-resistant soap washer

While these soap-infused abrasives are powerful enough to remove stubborn dirt, they are designed to clean surfaces without scratching them.

Sold by Amazon and Home depot

Swiffer duster

Once you own a Swiffer, cleaning up dusty surfaces is a breeze. This is because the soft fibers lock in dust particles well, thus removing potential allergens from any indoor environment.

Sold by Amazon and Home depot

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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.