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T’was the day after Christmas
when all through the house
not a creature stirring, not even a mouse.

-- A modified version of Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit from St. Nicholas

Well, it is fairly possible that it is because you don’t want to come out of the covers to see the state of your home. However since the cleaning has to be done there really is no point in delaying. Wake up with a smile on your face, even if this sounds crazy, you will indeed feel a change in your attitude.

The Day After Christmas

The great doing of little things makes the great life.

• Eugenia Price

Americans generate an astonishing five million extra tons of trash during the five weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, nearly a 25 percent increase over the average annual trash generation per week. The best way to handle the excess garbage created and the mess after a party is to ‘be prepared’. Like all your household cleaning this situation also requires just a bit of organizing and planning. Don’t try to do everything by yourself; it would be a good idea to involve the members of your family. Cleaning up after a Christmas party need not be a dreaded task but can actually be fair amount of fun when everyone pitches in. To add to the mood put on some lively music and before you know it your home will be clean again. Divide your work according to the areas that require immediate attention.

Living Room

This is the area that will require a large part of your attention. If a drink or food has been spilt on the carpet or upholstery use a stain remover that leaves a fresh smell as it cleans. Ensure that you follow the instructions as given on the product. Use a stain remover that is biodegradable and phosphate free. Divide the garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable and check with your local recycling company as to what all can be recycled. Salvage leftover wrapping paper and ribbons that can be used again. If the room has a persistent smell use a room freshener or light up a few scented candles. For stains and finger marks on wood surfaces simply use a natural cleaner that effectively clears the marks and stains whilst being gentle on the surface. Use an all purpose cleaner for all other surfaces around the home.

The Kitchen

Run a sink full of warm water. If you didn’t remove all the food residue from the dishes the night before then it is a good idea to leave the dishes to soak in the water for a while. Meanwhile clear and swipe and clean the kitchen surface areas with special emphasis on the gas stove area. Using a cleaner that removes food residue, finger marks and stains gently without scratching the surface and creates a protective shield against further staining is a good idea. Clean all appliances that you used the day before especially the microwave and the oven where you may have spilt food. Using the right cleaning product gets half the job done. Select a microwave cleaner that works effectively on all surfaces and leaves it smelling clean and fresh. For the oven too use a cleaning formula that is strong enough to work out the toughest grime and stain and works as well on both hot and cold surfaces.

Now turn to the main area of work—the dishes. Use a dishwashing liquid that is strong on the dishes but gentle on your hands. Keep all the cleaning products and helpers at hand so that you won’t have to stop half way to go looking for the appropriate brush or cleaning solution. To add that sparkling shine to your glasses and dishes use an after rinse to take care of any water spots. If you use a dishwasher then utilize an after rinse cleaning solution designed for dishes washed in the machine. Swipe clean the outer surface of the refrigerator and clear out any food you will not be using. If you have a lot of leftover food that hasn’t gone bad and you will not be able to consume then call up a local charity and see where you can drop it off.

The Dining Area

Clear the table setting and examine it for any stains before you put it in the washing machine. Where ever required apply stain removal solution that is safe for natural and synthetic fabrics and in all types of water and temperature. Wash and check the fabric again to ensure that the stain is gone. Never put a stained garment into the dryer or iron it for this will set the stain. Use a delicate fabric wash for lace table cloths and settings. Iron the linen while it is fresh out of the dryer. The dampness of the fabrics will make it easier to iron and it ensures that the whole process of washing and ironing is done in one go. Now you just have to put the neat and clean linen away.

The Floors

Use an angled brush to sweep of the dust and dirt from even the most difficult-to-get-to parts of the room. Followed by mopping the floor with a floor cleaner that softens the dirt before lifting it, thereby reducing the effort required to leave the floors absolutely clean.

The Bathroom

A quick cleaning of the toilet, the sink and faucet and the floor should be the end of your cleaning chores. Apply a bowel cleaner and while it works use a mild detergent to scrub the sink with the rough part of a double sided sponge cloth. Use the softer side to clean the faucet and later rub in a strong germicidal. Utilizing a bowel brush that has a bent tip will give you access to all angles of the bowl making its cleaning easy. Using the soft side another sponge cloth wipe down the high contact areas such as the with a strong disinfectant to wipe the sink, door knobs, toilet seat, etc. Finally use a strong phosphate free floor cleaner to cleanse the floor surface. Spray a room freshener and keep the bathroom unused for at least twenty minutes to leave it dry and clean.

After all the hard work give yourself and the family a well deserved break and enjoy a cup of hot coffee as you catch up with your reading or your favorite sitcom or just enjoy some precious family time.

Cleaning Tips

Tips on spills, stains and marks

• Always try and clean up a spill as soon as it happens. The longer it sits, the more likely it will become a stain. Never "rub" a spill or a stain. This just spreads it around. Always "dab" it with a clean cloth or towel. Calmly deal with the accident and move on with the party.

• If you can’t soak the dirty dishes, then just plastic wrap them till they are ready to be washed. This prevents the food from drying out, making it easier to clean later.

• To remove burnt food from a pan, heat some water with a little dish washing solution in the pan and let it sit for a while. It will be easier to get the stuck on food and wash the pan now.

• Remove coffee, tea stains or cigarette burns from fine china by rubbing it with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda.

The party area

• If you are not using scented candle then to take care of party smells such as smoke strategically place out of sight cotton balls soaked in a subtle fragrance such as vanilla.

• If you find persistent smells the day after the party simply try to vacuum with a scented powder.

• Empty out ash tray and put vanilla soaked cotton balls to remove the stench of smoke.

• Open up doors and windows to bring in fresh air and clear up any unwanted smells.

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Day After Christmas, House Cleaning Articles, Stanley Home Health News