Holiday Clean Up

How many times during the holidays have you found yourself wondering, “Where did the time go?” One day it seems there are weeks to prepare, and then your holiday party is just days away! With that in mind, there’s no time like the present to get ahead, particularly when it comes to preparing your home for party guests, and for unannounced visitors.

Early in December, before too many commitments fill your schedule, take care of a few spot-cleaning and organizing projects that are sometimes overlooked. It will help ensure you’ll be ready to greet friends and family with confidence—and you’ll love the added glow in your home at your holiday celebrations!

Coat-Closet Makeover
One of the last places most people think to clean is the coat closet, and ironically, few spaces in your home get more exposure. Jackets, scarves, gloves, umbrellas, shoes, book bags, and more can often end up in a disorganized jumble. With a quick spruce-up, you’ll always be able to hang your guests’ coats when they arrive.

Take an hour to remove anything not being used this season. Organize shoes on the floor with plastic storage bins or hanging shoe organizers with compartments—the clear-sided organizers can also house gloves, scarves, and hats. Add hangers, and wipe down the woodwork. Now your closet is ready to go!

Focus on Your Furniture
Your furniture works hard all day every day for your family, and time takes its toll. With a few simple steps, you can brighten up your hardwood coffee tables, end tables, armrests—whatever may have been scratched, dented, or dulled in everyday wear.

Wood surfaces. Here is what you will need to touch up your wood furniture:

Soft cloth
Wood stain stick (to match wood surface, available at most hardware stores)First, clean wood surfaces. Then, using a wood stain stick, touch up any nicks or scratched areas on the finish. Using a soft cloth, lightly brush the edges of the stain to blend, and let dry. If you have hardwood floors, take time now to inspect them and touch up as needed.Upholstered pieces.
Upholstered furniture can also get that unwelcome, worn look. You can’t reverse time, but you can freshen your upholstery with a few simple tricks.

First, if it’s been awhile, you may want to have your sofa, love seat, and armchairs commercially steam cleaned, which is most economically done when you have your carpets cleaned. Double-check the fabric to be sure it can be wet-cleaned—cotton upholstery will shrink with steam cleaning.

If you choose not to steam clean, remove cushions and vacuum the entire piece thoroughly. Next, use a clean cloth to rub down upholstery, removing any remaining dust or pet hair.

Show Off Your Framed Art
Because frames and glass can become dull with accumulated dust, now is a great time to give your framed pieces some tender loving care to show off your artwork. First, remove the picture from the wall, and use Swiffer Dusters™ to dust the frame, taking care to get into crevices on more ornate frames. Next, clean the glass with a paper towel and Mr. Clean® Multi-Surface Spray. Wipe dry, and you’ll be delighted with the glow as the glass reflects candlelight at your holiday parties.

Don’t Forget the Foliage
Whether you have live houseplants or silk flowers and plants, the greenery in your home can become dull with neglect. Follow these quick steps to bring them back to their original condition.

Houseplant help. Broadleaf houseplants should be gently wiped clean with a Bounty® paper towel or washcloth dampened with room-temperature water. Also, use a spray bottle filled with room-temperature water to spray down plants with smaller leaves.

Not only does this periodic cleaning help keep plants looking their best, but it lets the maximum amount of light through to the plant (it doesn’t have to pass through a layer of dust) and helps strengthen resistance to insect pests.

Flower revival. Depending on the type, silk flowers may wrinkle, lose color, or spot if they get wet. To prevent damaging these buds with water, clean with Swiffer Dusters.

Other Quick Touch-ups
Here are some other miscellaneous touch-ups to tackle before holiday guests arrive.

Tidy your bathroom medicine cabinet. Make sure that items your guests may need (such as pain relievers) are handy.

Straighten the cabinet under your bathroom sink, and stock extra rolls of toilet paper in a convenient, easy-to-access place.

If you’re having overnight guests, get your linen closet in order with fresh sheets, towels, and washcloths. A supply of travel-sized toothpaste and mouthwash placed in the bathroom is also a thoughtful touch.

Greet your guests with a breath of fresh air. Spray your foyer with Febreze Air Effects™ to seek out and eliminate odors in the air, and deliver a light, fresh scent in their place.