10 useful cleaning tips for a sparkling 2024

A clean and organised environment not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also sets the tone for a successful and stress-free year ahead. The team from Horizon All-Round Cleaning Services brings you 10 expert cleaning tips to kick off 2024 with a sparkle!

So you’ve had some fun times over the holidays and enjoyed your well-deserved time off. But now 2024 is well and truly underway and you’ve realised that you’ve neglected your home a little bit. Maybe it’s time for you to do some (almost) spring cleaning!

Here are 10 useful tips to help you tackle your cleaning project so that your home is feeling as good as new!

1. Declutter like a pro

Start your cleaning process by decluttering your living areas and getting rid of items you no longer need or use. This not only creates a cleaner environment and look, but it also opens up your space and promotes a sense of calm.

If you are struggling to let go of some things, you can ask for help from other people. You can also consider donating your items to a charity shop or a donation bin to ensure that your belongings are re-used.

2. Set a cleaning schedule

Establish a regular cleaning routine to maintain a consistently tidy home. Whether it's a daily 15-minute cleanup or a weekly deep clean, having a regularly-updated schedule will make the task more manageable. Additionally, if you live with a partner or with other people, having a schedule can be extremely useful for keeping your joint living spaces, well, liveable. 

Your cleaning schedule can be a simple, printed out list of everyone's daily / weekly cleaning tasks that is pinned on your fridge. You can also get an app that tracks all of the cleaning tasks for you!

3. Invest in quality cleaning supplies

When it comes to giving your house a thorough cleaning, it is important to arm yourself with the right tools. Having quality cleaning supplies on hand can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your cleaning efforts.

What type of cleaning supplies you should buy depends on your budget and your household’s specific needs. However, there are some basic items that every home should possess and they include:

• A mop and bucket
• Broom 
• Sponges
• Duster
• All-purpose cleaner
• A manual or robotic vacuum cleaner
• Wash rags or microfibre cloths

Investing in high-quality cleaning supplies ensures that you can get the job done and that your experience is as smooth and efficient as possible.

4. Focus on high-traffic areas

If you aren’t sure where exactly in your home to start your spring cleaning, you can first concentrate on cleaning high-traffic areas that you or others frequent often. This includes spaces such as entryways, kitchens and bathrooms. Giving regular attention to these spaces and ensuring that they are well-maintained will keep your home looking its best all year-round.

Especially if you don't have a lot of time to clean, targeting the high-traffic areas will ensure that you see a significant difference fast! 

5. Tackle the kitchen

Now here’s an area that many people do not look forward to cleaning: the kitchen! It is the heart of every home and where people spend a lot of time cooking and making messes - and it deserves special attention.

You can start tackling your kitchen by first cleaning out the refrigerator. Get rid of any old or expired products and throw them directly in the trash. Whatever is still left in the fridge should then be taken out and placed in a coolbox (if you have one) or put on your counter while you clean up. Then, you can take a damp sponge or rag and clean the fridge’s interior. You should also pay extra attention to keeping your appliances clean and free from bacteria.

6. Refresh upholstery and carpets

Over time, your carpets and upholstery can accumulate dirt, dust and potential allergens - not to mention unfortunate stains! And if you have pets, your carpets can get dirty even quicker, so it is recommended to have it cleaned regularly.

If you want to tackle your carpets on your own, you can scrub it by hand and use baking soda over the area. You could also consider purchasing a carpet-cleaning machine to help you clean more effectively. However, scrubbing it by hand can be very labour-intensive and carpet cleaners can be on the bigger side - not to mention quite pricey! Consider a professional upholstery and carpet cleaning service to revitalise your furniture and flooring.

7. Dust and clean air vents

Air vents and ducts are areas that are often overlooked by homeowners. Regular dusting and cleaning of these spaces not only improves the air quality in your home, but it also ensures the efficient operation of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system.

Furthermore, it's a good idea to open your windows from time to time in order to allow your home to receive some fresh air and additional ventilation.

8. Deep clean bathrooms

Bathrooms can harbour a lot of germs and grime. Start the year fresh by giving your bathrooms a thorough deep clean. Pay attention to tile grout, showerheads and faucets as they can get dirty fast. Plus, you can use limescale remover (kalkreiniger) to attack these areas and make them super shiny and clean!

Be sure to also give your bathroom floors a good mop using a bucket full of water mixed with all-purpose cleaner. You can also light a scented candle when you're done to make your freshly-cleaned bathroom even more luxurious!

9. Organise and label things

It is wise to invest time into organising your space and labelling items in your storage areas. Whether you have a storage room or just a storage rack, keeping your things in order and tidy can make your daily life much easier.

You can buy organisers or storage bins to make it easier for you to find your items and to keep them in a safe, designated spot.

10. Check for leaks and water damage

Inspect your home for any potential leaks or water damage that may be caused by the cold, winter climate in the Netherlands. Addressing these issues promptly, instead of waiting until something happens, can prevent more significant problems down the line.If you spot any issues with water in your home, be sure to call your landlord or a repairman as quickly as possible to have it fixed.

On top of that, it’s also important to monitor the humidity levels in your home. The Netherlands can get very humid, especially in the winter, which can cause mould growth in our homes. Consider airing out your home frequently, investing in a dehumidifier and spraying your problematic areas with a water and vinegar solution.

Sweeping your way through 2024

Deep cleaning your home can be a challenging but rewarding task to take on in 2024. Having an organised and tidy living space has many benefits not only for both your physical and mental health. It can also improve relationships with your partner / flatmates because you will have a nice, lovely space to connect in.

Looking for a reliable and comprehensive cleaning company in the Netherlands? The professionals from Horizon All-Round Cleaning Services tailor their services to meet your specific requirements, ensuring guaranteed quality services while utilising eco-friendly products.