Cleaning Checklist: What to Clean First When Returning Home

☑ Let Fresh Air In

When coming home, the first thing to do is open up all your doors and windows. Turn on a fan to push out all the old, stale air. If your air is still musty after an hour, place a bowl of baking soda on a table- it will absorb all the remaining odours. Make sure your home is well-ventilated to keep it fresh for longer.

☑ Clean Entryways 

Set the tone for yourself and your guests when they enter your home. Start cleaning from the front to ensure no dirt follows you further inside. Your guests will feel the difference when they approach a clean and taken care of home.

Start by shaking out or vacuuming any door mats, as they can hold a lot of dust and dirt without you knowing. Use disinfectant wipes to clean doorknobs, light switches, and handles. Keep your entrance clear and organise any shoes or bags that might be in the way.

☑ Kitchen Refresh 

Keeping your kitchen clean is the best way to a hygienic home. If you’ve been away for an extended period, run the tap for a couple of minutes to remove any smelly stagnant water. Then, wipe down the sink with a disinfecting solution.

Wipe down countertops, kitchen appliances, ocean and stovetops. While you were gone, some of the food you had left in the fridge could now have expired and should have been disposed of. Sweep and mop the floor to remove any leftover dust and debris.

☑ Bathroom Cleanup

Bathrooms can quickly accumulate dust and bacteria while you’re gone. Begin by checking for any mould or mildew, especially around the shower and sink. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water spray the mould directly and scrub with a hard brush till the mould is removed.

Scrub the toilet, sink and bathtub with a disinfectant solution. Use a glass cleaner to remove any streaks on your mirrors or bath screens. For extra freshness, light a candle or use a scented diffuser to keep a nice scent in the bathroom.

☑ Dust and Vacuum Living Spaces

Even though you may have been away and had no guests in your home, dust will still accumulate. Begin by dusting off higher surfaces like cabinets, shelves and TVs. Wipe down windowsills, and blinds or shake curtains outside the window to remove any built-up dust.

Vacuum carpets thoroughly or hire a professional carpet cleaner for a thorough clean. Having a dust-free home doesn’t only make it look and feel cleaner but can also help with allergy and respiratory issues.

☑ Bedroom 

Nothing is better than a fresh, clean bedroom to unwind after your travels. Dust will settle onto your bedsheets and pillows while you are away. Before changing your sheets wipe the dust off your headboard followed by changing your sheets and pillowcases.

After changing the sheets, wipe any bedside tables with a disinfecting solution. Sweep and mop the floors and under the bed to get rid of any remaining dust that may have fallen from your bed or tables.

☑ Load Up The Laundry

Your holiday laundry has piled up over time and now it’s time to dump all of it in the washing machine. Do this after changing your sheets so they can both be washed at the same time. As well as giving yourself some free time to do other tasks while the machine is running.

Wash all the worn clothes, especially those that you wore on the aeroplane or other forms of transport as these places are filled with bacteria and germs. Anything that has a damp or musty smell after leaving it at home should be washed as well.

☑ Take Out The Trash

If you walk into your home and there is an unpleasant smell, it’s likely coming from the trash that you didn’t take out before you left. Empty all your trash bins- bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms.

Wipe the inside of the trash bin with a disinfectant wipe to ensure no bacteria or allergens are left over. Double-check your fridge to make sure there’s no leftover food that needs to be disposed of and then replace all the trash bins with a new bag.

☑ Quick Maintenance Check

While you were away, it is possible that some issues with your home could have arisen. Check for leaks, pests or insects that could have made your house their new home. Test your switches and ensure they are all working as they were before you left.

It is always better to address the small problems before they become big. The prices for large home repairs can be very far from small at-home fixes.

☑ Time For Rest

Now that your home is fully cleaned and spotless, you can relax and enjoy your home in peace. Light up a candle to add a fresh scent to your home! And have peace of mind knowing no pests are running about while you’re home.