This post is sponsored by ALEn Products USA. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cleaning and maintaining your home can feel overwhelming as we’re managing working, childcare and all of the other responsibilities on our list (including seemingly endless loads of laundry).
As we start a new year and the global pandemic is still part of our reality, it’s a great time to update our cleaning plans to ensure we’re cleaning safely—and correctly— to keep our families protected and our home fresh and inspiring.
Though we have a professional clean our home every two weeks, the in-between maintenance is just as crucial, so here are a few of my tips to make cleaning more enjoyable:
DE-CLUTTER FIRST
I truly believe the “secret” to a home that looks clean and tidy is to have less. Less on your counters and other surfaces and using storage thoughtfully so items can be tucked away – less visual clutter makes a space look cleaner off the bat and it also makes it easier to actually clean, when there aren’t so many obstacles.
SET A TIMER
When you think about every cleaning task on your list, it can feel like you’ll never complete them. Take the pressure off, set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and focus only on one or two tasks you can complete in that time. Then take a break. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done when you’re racing the clock. It’s like a little jolt of energy.
LISTEN TO A BOOK OR PODCAST
I used to think AirPods were pointless, but now I love to use them when I’m cleaning to listen to audiobooks or podcasts. It helps me stay motivated and engaged in what I’m doing. Another option is to play one of your favorite upbeat playlists while you clean.
WIPE DOWN FIRST, VACUUM SECOND
Crumbs are going to make their way to the floor when you wipe down your counters, so save the vacuuming for your last cleaning step.
IF YOU HAVE KIDS, GIVE THEM A TASK TOO!
I often ask the kids to help pick up dog toys off the floor, vacuum the stairs with the mini vacc, wipe down baseboards with a swiffer or simply put their toys away. Age-appropriate tasks teach kids to be responsible for the things in your home and build confidence. It also makes them part of the process that keeps your home maintained – celebrate their hard work with a little treat every once in awhile.
Now, let’s talk about when & how to clean and what to use:
WHEN & HOW TO DISINFECT
Did you know it’s not necessary to use a disinfectant every time you clean, or on every surface? High-touch areas such as doorknobs, fridge handles, remotes, and countertops should be disinfected daily. You should also disinfect after having a visitor or if someone in your home is sick (disinfect everything they touch).
The power of bleach is a great way to disinfect properly. Try an approved product, such as CLORALEN® Disinfectant Bleach and follow the instructions on the label to disinfect, deep clean and whiten. CLORALEN® is strong enough to clean your home, but delicate enough to maintain the quality of your clothing (note: don’t use bleach on porous surfaces).
Safety note: Never mix cleaning products, and especially bleach with ammonia. This can result in dangerous fumes you shouldn’t breathe in.
EVERYDAY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
For everyday spills, messes and home maintenance, try a naturally-derived cleaning product like Art of Green® wipes and sprays. They’re hardworking, free of harsh chemicals and safe for sensitive skin. You can feel confident using these products in a home with children and pets.
Art of Green cleaners are:
- Tough on dirt, grease and grime
- Leave less residue than leading eco-friendly cleaner
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Biodegradable formula
- 98% Naturally Derived
Art of Green cleaners come in two scents, lavender eucalyptus and citrus and white flowers – the scent aren’t overwhelming and lavender is one of my favorite oils to use for de-stressing, so it’s my favorite Art of Green scent! I’m also obsessed with eucalyptus and even use a eucalyptus scented body wash, so the lavender + eucalyptus combo is a match made in cleaning heaven for me!
I use the spray and wipes on everything from kitchens to bathrooms and I love that they’re affordable. Art of Green® is priced just above mainstream cleaning products and below green products — wipes retail for $2.99 and the spray for $2.79. CLORALEN is now the #2 branded bleach in America – it’s more affordable while delivering the high-performance cleaning of leading brands — $2.79 for 96 ounces. Learn more at https://cloralen.com/.
Such a useful post. I have never tried this brand, I should really try it because I’m trying to switch to natural cleaning products !
Miki x
https://www.littletasteofbeauty.com/
Good advice about not mixing cleaning products. I foolishly did this years ago as a newlywed cleaning our little one bedroom apartment. I couldn’t breathe and had to go outside & sit on the patio. I listen to audiobooks while I clean also, I just finished The Guest List by Lucy Foley & I loved it. Your Mexican blouse is adorable!
Love these hacks! I’m totally going to purchase Art of Green products now, I’ve never heard of them before but I love that they are natural and affordable. At the start of the pandemic, I was so concerned about cleaning high and low touch areas that I had a localcarpet cleaner come out and sanitize everything from my kitchen counters to my carpet. Since then I’ve tried to be better about disinfecting things like my doorknobs everyday, but it is so much work with kids! Do you have any tips on how to get into the habit of doing this?