“I get strangely obsessed about the cleanliness of my house.” – Utada Hikaru, American and Japanese singer, songwriter, and producer
Hello again, everyone! Don’t you just love the above quote? I love cleaning too, especially in the summertime when I can throw open the windows and enjoy a warm breeze while making my home sparkle.
Summer is also the perfect time for entertaining, which means we really need to be on top of our cleaning game. You never know when friends or family are going to drop by, and you want to ensure that you welcome them into a clean, refreshing, and inviting space.
Unfortunately, the warmer season also brings in some unwanted guests, such as dust, dirt, and pollen, which requires cleaning that goes beyond the usual dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and windows.
Here are five tips to help you prepare for effortless summer entertaining in a clean, sparkling space where your guests will feel comfortable, happy, and relaxed.
1. Organize and declutter your space
“If you want to improve your life, clean out a closet.” – Cheryl Richardson, American Author
I love decluttering! It’s one of those things that seem impossible until you roll up your sleeves and get it done. It really does make a difference in your home’s ambience and creates more room for your guests to move around.
The easiest way to declutter is to identify which items you no longer need or use and discard or donate them. You can also organize your closets, shelves, and storage areas using hooks and stackable bins to improve the space’s look and feel for your guests.
2. Optimize your air quality
Like I said, I love throwing open the windows in the summertime. But for many of us, especially in urban areas where construction dust, dirt, and other pollutants are rampant, opening windows can affect indoor air quality.
Keep the indoor air clean by changing your HVAC filters to trap unwanted particles and clean out the air vents to prevent dust buildup. Essential oil diffusers can help add a pleasant scent to the room. You can also use potted plants and trees to help keep indoor air clean and add a welcoming and relaxing aesthetic to your home.
3. Spruce up the kitchen and bathroom
Two rooms your guests will always use when visiting are the kitchen and bathroom, so these spaces will need extra attention to keep them sparkling, especially since they tend to attract dirt more frequently than other areas. Ironically, they’re also the most important rooms to keep sanitized!
Clean out your fridge of all unwanted and expired food, and give it a good wipe-down inside and out. The oven, microwave, sink, countertops, and backsplash must all be scrubbed to be as fresh as possible. In the bathroom, clean and disinfect the toilet, shower, and sink, and be sure to also wipe down the walls and floor. Hang clean, fresh-smelling towels for your guests to use.
Here’s a bonus tip: people sometimes forget that their bath mats and shower curtains also play a role in keeping your bathroom fresh and hygienic. So wash or replace the bath mats before company arrives, and replace your shower curtain – don’t forget about putting in a new shower liner, too, as these can accumulate mold over time.
4. Vacuum the upholstery and curtains
Clean furniture adds to your guests’ comfort, so vacuum upholstered furniture to remove unwanted dust, dirt, dander, and other particles. You can also use spot cleaners to remove any unsightly stains.
Your curtains are catching the brunt of dust and dirt coming in through your open windows, so wash or dry clean them according to the instructions on the label.
5. Clean your outdoor living space
Your indoor space may be clean and inviting, but your guests may want to spend some time outdoors in the summer. Prepare for outdoor entertaining by sweeping your deck, patio, or balcony floor to remove dirt, dead leaves, and grime. Be sure to regularly dust and wipe down patio furniture and outdoor pillows to prevent mildew growth and water damage.
Finally, place citronella candles in the space to help keep bugs away while you relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.
I hope these tips help you make the most of the summer entertaining season in a clean, sparkling living space. Enjoy your company and we’ll see you next time!
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