How to Make House Cleaning Easy https://www.blesserhouse.com/category/cleaning/ DIY, Southern style Sat, 12 Apr 2025 17:31:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.blesserhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cropped-blesser-house-favicon-1-32x32.png How to Make House Cleaning Easy https://www.blesserhouse.com/category/cleaning/ 32 32 Ultimate Whole House Deep Cleaning Checklist https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-enjoy-deep-cleaning-your-house-2-awesome-freebies/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-enjoy-deep-cleaning-your-house-2-awesome-freebies/#comments Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:36:46 +0000 http://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=25891 I know, I know… the words “deep cleaning” don’t exactly scream “fun weekend plans,” but hear me out. There’s something so satisfying about giving your home a good reset—especially when spring rolls around and the sunlight starts revealing all the dust you thought you were keeping up with. That’s why I put together this Ultimate...

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toilet with black toilet lid and subway tile with pink bathroom walls

I know, I know… the words “deep cleaning” don’t exactly scream “fun weekend plans,” but hear me out. There’s something so satisfying about giving your home a good reset—especially when spring rolls around and the sunlight starts revealing all the dust you thought you were keeping up with.

That’s why I put together this Ultimate Whole House Deep Cleaning Checklist for you—a totally free PDF that you can print or use right from your phone or tablet. It’s a total game-changer for our family and honestly? It helps keep my sanity intact when it’s time for the big seasonal clean.

Whether you’re gearing up for spring cleaning, prepping for guests, or just trying to wrangle the chaos of everyday life, this checklist is here to help you clean with intention (and maybe even enjoy the process a little).

Related: Backyard Patio Spring Cleaning Checklist


clean and tidy living room

Why a House Cleaning Checklist Actually Works

I used to go into deep cleaning mode full steam ahead—dusting tabletops in one room while completely forgetting that the ceiling fan in another room was collecting an entire dust colony. 🙈

But having a deep cleaning house checklist gives me (and the whole family) a roadmap so nothing gets missed, and I don’t have to play the role of cleaning overlord barking out orders.

Here’s why it works so well:

  • Clarity – Everyone knows exactly what needs to be done in each room.
  • Independence – My kids get their own tasks and love checking them off as they go.
  • Less mental load for me – I don’t have to micro-manage. Hallelujah.
  • Digital or paper-friendly – Whether you prefer printing it out and sticking it on the fridge or having it open on your tablet while you work, it’s flexible.

Seriously, giving each kid their own copy of the checklist has turned “ugh, chores” into a mini competition. If I can hand them a laminated version and they get to mark it off with a dry-erase marker? Even better. (Or they can use them digitally on a phone or iPad.)

Related: Bathroom Linen Closet Organization Ideas That Work


clean teen's bedroom with blue floral wallpaper

What’s Included in the Ultimate Whole House Deep Cleaning Checklist

This isn’t your basic “vacuum the floor and call it good” kind of list. Oh no. This baby goes room by room, covering all the nitty-gritty corners we tend to overlook in everyday cleaning… probably more than you’d ever ask for.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside:

✨ General Cleaning Tasks for Every Room:

  • Dust ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures
  • Wash walls and baseboards
  • Clean windows, sills, and blinds
  • Vacuum under furniture
  • Spot clean scuff marks on walls and doors

🛋️ Living Room:

  • Clean electronics and remotes
  • Vacuum and fluff sofa cushions
  • Dust shelves, décor, and lamp shades
  • Wipe down coffee and side tables

🛏️ Bedrooms:

  • Wash all bedding (including pillows!)
  • Rotate and vacuum mattress
  • Organize closets and donate unused items
  • Wipe down nightstands and dressers

🍽️ Kitchen:

  • Deep clean the oven and microwave
  • Scrub cabinet fronts and hardware
  • Clean out refrigerator and freezer
  • Wash out trash can and recycling bins

🚿 Bathrooms:

  • Scrub grout and tile
  • Sanitize toilet, sink, and tub
  • Wipe down mirrors and faucets
  • Organize drawers and cabinets
deep cleaning house checklist

How to Use This Checklist With Your Family

If your kids are old enough to help with chores (even in small ways), this checklist makes delegation so much easier. Instead of repeating myself 10 times and hovering over their shoulders, I can simply hand them the list, assign a room or section, and poof!—they know exactly what to do.

We use it as a little spring tradition now—turn on a good playlist, assign everyone their zones, and power through it as a team. It’s weirdly fun, kind of like we’re on a mission together. Plus, at the end of it all, the house feels amazing.


Grab Your Free Deep Cleaning House Checklist

Ready to tackle your next deep clean without the chaos?

👉 Click here to download the FREE printable deep cleaning house checklist

You can print it out or keep it handy on your phone or tablet—whatever works best for you. I even included blank spots for extras, just in case you want to add your own custom tasks or reminders.

NOTE: When accessing on mobile or a tablet, this checklist works best if you have the Adobe Acrobat Reader app (it’s totally free).


Deep cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan (and maybe a little help from your crew), it can actually feel doable—and dare I say—enjoyable.

Happy cleaning, friend!

More Home Cleaning & Organizing Resources

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Tips for how to enjoy deep cleaning your house + a free whole house cleaning checklist printable + free cleaning kit from Mrs. Meyers and Grove Collaborative. #sponsored

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No Waste Fall Simmer Pot Recipe https://www.blesserhouse.com/no-waste-fall-simmer-pot-recipe/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/no-waste-fall-simmer-pot-recipe/#comments Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:15:40 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=50873 How to make fall stovetop potpourri using leftover fruit scraps in a simmer pot to make your home smell good naturally. Whenever our kids get home from school, they make a beeline to the fruit for an after-school snack. (Truthfully, some days it feels like fruit is my biggest parenting win. I fail a lot...

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How to make fall stovetop potpourri using leftover fruit scraps in a simmer pot to make your home smell good naturally.

orange and apple scraps to make no waste stovetop potpourri

Whenever our kids get home from school, they make a beeline to the fruit for an after-school snack. (Truthfully, some days it feels like fruit is my biggest parenting win. I fail a lot as a mom, but I’m at least winning the fruit-eating battle.)

We always have lots of orange peels and apple cores and peels leftover, so I thought, “Why not make fall stovetop potpourri part of our evening routine to make the house smell amazing?”

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the magic of autumn than by filling your home with the warm and inviting scents of the season.

It has made homework time and family dinner time in our home so much more enjoyable. Plus, it helps eliminate funky after-dinner cooking smells.

fall simmer pot recipe

How to Make a Fall Potpourri Simmer Pot

If you usually have fruit scraps on hand, it’s easy to create a fall simmer pot with apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, or any other ingredients already in your kitchen.

I’ll walk you through the steps of creating this delightful and fragrant fall simmer pot recipe.

Simmer Pot Ingredients

This recipe is very easy to adapt, and the measurements don’t have to be exact. Just use as much or as little as you have on hand.

  • Apples: Peelings and cores of 2-3 apples, any type will work
  • Oranges: Peelings of 2-3 oranges, clementines, or mandarins
  • Cinnamon Sticks: 2-3 sticks of fragrant cinnamon
  • Cloves: A small handful of whole cloves
  • Water: 4-6 cups of water, depending on the size of your pot.

If you don’t have spices on hand, a tablespoon of vanilla extract or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or bay leaves smells great too.

apple peels and cores and orange peels for simmer pot ingredients

Steps

1.Gather Your Pot: Choose a medium-sized saucepan or a small slow cooker. Ensure it’s heat-resistant and can be safely left on the stovetop on low or plugged in for an extended period.

2. Add the Ingredients: Place all apple and orange scraps in the pot with the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.

ingredients for fall stovetop potpourri

3. Add Water: Pour enough water into the pot to cover the ingredients. Usually, 4-6 cups of water will suffice.

4. Simmer: Place the pot of water and ingredients on your stovetop or plug in your slow cooker. Turn the heat to low or medium-low. As the water heats up, the aromatic compounds from the ingredients will begin to release into the air.

5. Monitor and Enjoy: Keep an eye on your simmer pot to ensure it doesn’t run out of water. You can continue simmering for hours, adding more water as needed to maintain the aroma. Always make sure to turn off your stovetop when you are not nearby to monitor it.

potpourri ingredients simmering on a stovetop

Tips and Variations

  • Experiment with additional ingredients like star anise, nutmeg, fresh herbs, a vanilla bean, or vanilla extract for a unique twist.
  • Customize the recipe to suit your preferences; for a sweeter aroma, add more citrus and apples. For a spicier scent, increase the number of cloves and cinnamon sticks.
  • You can store any leftover simmer pot mix in the refrigerator for a few days and reuse it by reheating it on the stovetop.

Regan, our 4 year-old, loves helping me make this simmering potpourri pot.

stirring a pot of fall stovetop potpourri

Next time someone in your household has leftover fruit scraps from a snack, grab those cores and peels to make this. You might as well get a little something extra out of the grocery money, right? 😉 It’s a great natural alternative to a scented candle.

As the sun sets, turn on some lamps, get a pot of yummy fall potpourri going on the stove, and soak up the coziness. It’s one of my favorite things to do in fall and winter evenings, or any time of year really.

If you need an inexpensive gift idea sometime, you can even dry the ingredients to make a stovetop potpourri jar gift.

Have you ever made one of these before? Definitely try it, if you haven’t.

More Natural Living Ideas

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How to Clean and Maintain Limewashed Brick https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-and-maintain-limewashed-brick/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-and-maintain-limewashed-brick/#comments Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:30:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=49822 This post is sponsored by Romabio Paints. A 3 step tutorial to learn how to clean and maintain limewashed brick exteriors using Romabio Classico Limewash + answers to frequently asked questions to decide if it’s right for you. It has been just over 5 years since we had our exterior brick finished with Romabio Classico...

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This post is sponsored by Romabio Paints.

A 3 step tutorial to learn how to clean and maintain limewashed brick exteriors using Romabio Classico Limewash + answers to frequently asked questions to decide if it’s right for you.

limewashed white brick colonial house

It has been just over 5 years since we had our exterior brick finished with Romabio Classico Limewash, and I am asked all the time, “Do you regret it?”

To sum it up: Nope! Absolutely no regrets!

natural orange brick colonial house

I do love the look of a natural red brick house, but in the case of our colonial home, I wasn’t at all sad to wave goodbye to our retro 1960s orange exterior as we traded it for an antique style.

After living with it for half a decade, we still love the timeless look of its weathered white patina.

But since our home’s exterior has gone through foundation repairs since our initial application of Romabio Classico Limewash in Bianco White, it definitely needed some cleaning.

If you have this brick finish yourself or have ever wondered about its durability over time, I thought it would help to share the process of limewashed brick maintenance.

dirty limewashed brick before cleaning beside a porch stoop
front porch stoop on a colonial house with topiaries, ferns, and wreath

Related: 6 Small Front Porch Ideas on a Budget to Add Instant Curb Appeal

What is Limewash?

The practice of using slaked lime paint on stone and brick dates back centuries all the way to ancient Egypt to protect structures from weather.

Romabio Classico Limewash is crafted in Italy using natural limestone from the Dolomite mountains. It’s easily confused with German Smear and whitewashing, but it’s a completely different base product where the lime is slaked and then aged making the perfect formulation that allows you to create patina instantly.

white limewashed brick and black shutters
4 gallon bucket of Romabio Classico Limewash in Bianco White

You can customize the look of a partially exposed brick style by pressure washing it off as little or as much as you’d like for an antique effect with subtle movement. Lime wash is a natural, breathable paint that calcifies to the surface allowing moisture to evaporate from masonry.

Its chalk-like finish does a great job of hiding imperfections in old brick and the hard, protective layer of lime based paint can prevent further damage.

contractor on ladder cleaning limewashed chimney

Limewash Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies

dirty limewashed brick exterior with algae, moss, and mildew

How to Spot Clean Limewashed Brick

Authentic lime wash is naturally mold-resistant, high UV / fade-resistant, environmentally friendly, needs no primer, and can be applied in one coat. But it can get dirty if it’s not properly protected with Romabio Mineral Shield.

Romabio Mineral Shield technology wasn’t available when we first changed our brick in 2017, but we definitely took the time to protect it after this cleaning.

For any areas that need spot cleaning, you can use a soft brush and mild soap. Then, rinse on a low pressure setting with a garden hose.

Step 1 – How to Use Romabio Algae and Moss Cleaner

On areas around our foundation where we had messy repairs done a couple of years ago, we needed a much bigger cleaning job than a simple spot clean.

Most noticeably, red clay soiled the front of the white surface around our front flower beds, and moss constantly grew on our front steps. A few areas of algae build-up started to form around our eaves and chimney too.

dirt and grass stains on white brick
cleaned brick limewash

Our local Charlotte contractor, DeHaan Painting, applied Romabio Algae & Moss Cleaner to all of the dirty areas on our exterior using a spray pump first. Then, we left it on for 48 hours.

All of the areas where it set turned bright orange as it lifted away the algae, moss, and dirt. We even saved some to clean up our dirty wooden deck! It works well for cleaning already painted surfaces too. The formula is totally eco-friendly so we didn’t have to worry about it causing any harm to our kids or dog.

romabio algae and moss cleaner
cleaning Romabio limewash with algae and moss cleaner

Step 2 – How to Touch Up Limewash

After the 48 hour wait time, our contractor washed all of it away with a hose to reveal a clean surface. We did have them touch up and blend a few areas with more Romabio Limewash in Bianco White using a small masonry brush so that we could have a fresh new coat for the protection step.

Related: See how to limewash a fireplace in an afternoon here.

cleaned romabio limewash on a chimney

Step 3 – How to Protect Limewash

Once cleaned with Romabio Algae & Moss Cleaner and touched up with Romabio Classico Limewash, our contractor waited a week and then applied a coat of Romabio Mineral Shield as an invisible top coat. It repels water, reduces weathering, and extends the life of lime paint to reduce staining from grass, clay, and dirt.

You can apply it on stairs, risers, interior fireplaces, downspouts, and any horizontal exterior surfaces as they get worn away the fastest. Just apply one coat with a brush or sprayer, and you’re all set.

romabio mineral shield
cleaning algae and dirt on limewash brick around a flower bed
limewashed brick colonial house and flower beds

Our Cleaned Limewash Exterior 5 Years Later

I love our brick even more now that it’s all cleaned up from our foundation repair drama.

It gives us peace of mind knowing its protected for years down the road so that we don’t have to go through the maintenance process again for a very long time.

Related: You can see more about how to limewash brick exteriors or limewash interior fireplaces here.

limewashed brick colonial house and flower beds

Frequently Asked Questions About Brick Limewash

How long does limewash last on brick?

A limewashed brick exterior can last twenty to thirty years in mild climates. Romabio Mineral Shield can extend the life of limewashed surfaces in regions that experience harsh rain and snow.

Does limewash turn brick pink?

Nope! It is completely opaque and dries to a flat, calcified finish.

It will look milky when first applied, but once the limewash has dried, it will turn solid white, so you can use it on any color brick, stone or masonry surface. Limewash and whitewash are often easily confused; whitewash can turn brick pink but limewash does not.

Can I use limewash over painted brick?

Sadly, no. Limewash only works on unpainted natural types of brick and other porous surfaces like stone. But you can use Romabio Masonry Paint for a solid, opaque finish that lasts 20 years.

Can I hire a painter to apply limewash?

Limewashing generally requires more training than house painting. We used Hans from Reflections of Italy who is an artisan trained extensively in Italy, and he did a phenomenal job. You can hire a Romabio Preferred Pro to eliminate the guesswork of finding the right contractor.

natural brick colonial before
white limewashed brick with black gutters, black shutters, and black painted garage door
limewashed brick colonial house with Romabio limewash

Got any other questions? Let me know in the comments. All these years later, we are still totally in love with it.

More Brick Limewash Project Advice

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Backyard Patio Spring Cleaning Checklist https://www.blesserhouse.com/backyard-patio-spring-cleaning-checklist/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/backyard-patio-spring-cleaning-checklist/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:56:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=49506 A thorough checklist to get your outdoor spring cleaning projects on track + products we use and love to make backyard clean-up easier. This post is sponsored by Lowe's. Spring is FINALLY here! It feels so good to say that. It feels even better when the yearly backyard spring cleaning is finished so we can...

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A thorough checklist to get your outdoor spring cleaning projects on track + products we use and love to make backyard clean-up easier.

This post is sponsored by Lowe's.
outdoor spring cleaning checklist for the backyard and house exterior

Spring is FINALLY here! It feels so good to say that. It feels even better when the yearly backyard spring cleaning is finished so we can enjoy all of the sunny months ahead!

If you have outdoor clean-up on your to-do list right now, I pulled together a handy dandy outdoor cleaning checklist (at the very end of this post) with some backyard refresh tips to make the job less overwhelming.

stone fire pit with pea gravel sitting area and adirondack chairs
fire pit before spring cleaning with weeds and dead plants

Related: 35 DIY Backyard Ideas on a Budget

Can you believe the difference two days make? That’s all it took to tackle our backyard. Every spring, Robert and I like to reserve a day or two on our calendar to reset our backyard with an intense spring cleaning.

This year felt especially overwhelming while Robert is still recovering from his knee surgery and couldn’t help at all. (I literally yelled at him to “go sit down!” for trying to sneak out and help me. 😂) Thankfully, my parents pitched in with me a bit and some of the products I used this year made the job go by much faster than ever before.

I picked up several outdoor spring cleaning items from the Lowe’s SpringFest to stretch our budget. Now is the best time to pick up discounted paint, lawn & garden, and outdoor living items, if your yard needs a little love too.

We’ve discovered several cleaning methods and backyard decorating tricks over the years, so I’ll share all about them in this post.

Refresh and Weed the Garden

No matter what size garden you have, spending an hour or two addressing problem areas can make a huge difference to improve curb appeal and make them healthy for the warm season ahead.

Related: DIY Flower Bed Makeover

planting boxwood tree in a barrel planter with miracle gro potting mix

Replace Dead Plants

Remove and replace any dead shrubs, flowers, or plants. If there’s not enough room in the budget to replace them, removing them entirely is still better than staring at dead vegetation. (We have used these recycled wood barrel planters for years and love them! They work great as side tables too when turned upside-down.)

Feed Plants

Every spring, we like to top our plants with Miracle Gro All-Purpose Plant Food and Miracle Gro Potting Mix to give them the jump start they need to grow bigger and healthier for up to 6 months.

Remove Weeds

To save your back, use an extendable handle weeder tool to remove pesky weeds in hard-t0-reach places. It will greatly reduce your need to bend and squat.

Keep weeds and grass away by spraying walkways and around flower beds, fences, and patios with Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer. The aim & spray nozzle makes it much more user-friendly than others we’ve used.

spraying for weed removal using spectracide between walkway cracks

Prune

Spring is a great time to cut back trees and shrubs. Make sure to recycle the pruned clippings into a compost pile or turn them into mulch to reuse in flower beds.

Treat for Insects

Before invasive, biting bugs can become active in your yard, spray the lawn with Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer to reduce more than 26o types of insects like deer ticks, grubs, ants, Japanese beetles, and fleas. The hose end sprayer formula makes the application process very quick and easy.

Add Mulch

Refresh the look of flower beds by spreading hardwood mulch (we prefer the brown color). Landscapes look more finished with mulch, but it also helps control moisture, reduces water use, and regulates soil temperature for healthier gardens.

Related: Backyard DIY Fire Pit Done in a Weekend

finished backyard fire pit after outdoor spring cleaning with potted plants, string lights, and pea gravel sitting area

Fire Pit Cleaning Sources

Clean the Deck or Patio

Whether you have a deck or outdoor patio, just a couple of cleaning steps to remove old mildew and grime can make outdoor spaces come to life for backyard gatherings.

white outdoor kitchen with grill, bar stools, string lights, white fence, and potted plants

See how grimy our patio grill area was before I deep cleaned it?

dirty outdoor kitchen with grill before spring cleaning

Related: Our Modular Outdoor Kitchen Built in a Day!

Replace Deck Boards or Patch Concrete / Pavers

Before deck or patio cleaning, inspect decking for signs of wood rot and patios for chips or cracks that need repairing. It’s a good idea to reseal wood decking after cleaning.

Pressure Wash Concrete or Wood Deck

Investing in a good quality pressure washer is totally worth it. We’ve had this Sun Joe electric pressure washer for 3 years and have been very happy with it!

Adding Krud Kutter Multi-Purpose Pressure Washer Concentrate removes the milder, dirt, grease, and grime instantly from patios, fences, decking, siding, wood, vinyl, and concrete.

using a pressure washer and krud kutter cleaner for spring cleaning a patio

Clean the Grill Area

Use the pressure washer and Krud Kutter to clean countertops and surfaces around the grill area too. Be sure to spray surfaces on the rinse setting after spraying them with the Krud Kutter.

cleaning backyard patio concrete with a pressure washer and krud kutter

Fix Outdoor Lighting

Check outdoor string lights and other backyard light fixtures to see if any bulbs or fixtures need repairs or replacing. (One strand of our string lights still needs replacing since a bad storm damaged them recently.)

Related: How to Hang Outdoor String Lights Anywhere in a Backyard and Backyard Lighting Ideas You Can Install Yourself on a Budget

cleaned backyard kitchen with grill

Inspect Grill and Outdoor Appliances

Check to make sure your grill, mini fridge, pizza oven, and any other outdoor appliances are still in working order. Give them a thorough cleaning inside and out so that you can start enjoying them for outdoor gatherings.

Plant Herbs

Pot a few Bonnie herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme beside the grill so you can easily snip a few, rinse, and throw them into whatever you’re cooking in the backyard. I love to have potted mint handy on our outdoor kitchen countertop so that I can whip up a pitcher of mojitos whenever I want.

Set Out Tiki Torches

To keep mosquitos at bay, I like to place tabletop TIKI torches on countertops and patio tables. They’re much easier to refill with citronella and cedar oil throughout the spring and summer months than constantly buy and replace outdoor candles.

backyard grill with outdoor pizza oven, tabletop tiki torch, and potted herbs

Outdoor Kitchen Cleaning Sources

Clean the Backyard Pool Area

If you have a backyard pool, it’s an entire job in and of itself to get it ready for swimming, but you’ll be so glad once it’s done.

Related: DIY Painted Concrete Pool Deck and Patio

painted concrete patio and pool deck after spring cleaning 3 years after painting

Inspect and Replace Swimming Pool Equipment

Check your pool pump, filter, and entire system to make sure everything is in working order. Algae thrives in warm weather, so it’s good to stay ahead of it by replacing non-working pool equipment in the spring.

Deep Clean the Pool

Remove debris from the water, brush the pool walls and floors, and scrub the rest of your pool equipment like ladders and handrails.

backyard pool cabana with walmart patio furniture cleaned for spring

Related: DIY Pergola Cabana Build

Clean the Pool Deck

We always keep our Husqvarna backpack leaf blower handy to quickly remove debris and clean our concrete patios, pool deck, poolside sitting areas regularly.

Clean the pool deck with the pressure washer and Krud Kutter as well to get rid of any grime. (Our DIY painted concrete pool deck is still going strong even 3 years later!)

cleaning debris on a patio using a leaf blower

Plant Potted Perennials

To stretch your budget on plants, try planting perennials in pots rather than choosing annuals so that they’ll return each growing period. I filled this planter bowl with three different perennials to add some variation to our poolside tabletops.

patio dining table with tray, tabletop tiki torch, margarita pitcher, and potted plant

Clean or Replace Outdoor Rugs, Pillows, Curtains, and Umbrellas

We still absolutely love our DIY pergola cabana! During the outdoor spring cleaning process, don’t forget to clean outdoor textiles. A lot of times, I can make our outdoor rugs look brand new by giving them a quick spray down with the pressure washer and Krud Kutter.

Our cabana top was damaged during Hurricane Ian in the fall, so we have a new one on the way. These Boston ferns I potted in these weathered planters will be happier in the shade once that arrives. They’re great as low maintenance plants on porches and covered patios too.

I love how all of the textile elements together make this space feel like an outdoor living room.

Walmart patio furniture in a DIY backyard pool cabana pergola with a potted fern

Clean Outdoor Furniture

Whether you have old grimy furniture or find some secondhand on your local classifieds, don’t give up and think they’re beyond saving. It’s amazing what deep cleaning outdoor furniture can do to make them look like new.

pool sun lounger chairs after spring cleaning with a pressure washer and teak oil

Can you believe these are the same 2 year-old sun loungers photographed just a few hours apart? All I had to do was give them an intense cleaning and reconditioning, and they look much better.

dirty sun lounger chairs before cleaning

I sprayed them with the pressure washer and Krud Kutter patio cleaner first to remove 90% of the mildew and dirt from the fabric and wood. Be careful not to use too high pressure on outdoor fabrics as it can damage them.

To remove the remaining stubborn stains, I did spray the white fabric with a solution of 1 part bleach | 3 parts water using a spray bottle. For really stubborn stains, a scrub brush can help too. After 5 minutes, I rinsed the bleach solution again with the pressure washer on the water-only setting.

cleaning patio furniture with a pressure washer to remove mildew and dirt

Restore Outdoor Wood Surfaces

Once the wood furniture has fully dried, use a dry rag or microfiber cloth to wipe down the wood surfaces with teak oil.

These lounge chairs are made of eucalyptus wood; teak oil will work on most outdoor wood furniture. The oil penetrates the wood so it looks richer, blocks moisture, and protects it from UV rays to last longer.

restoring outdoor wood furniture with teak oil
restoring outdoor wood furniture with teak oil

Clean and Replace Pool Toys

Check your swimming pool toys to see what items need to be cleaned, thrown out, or replaced. Many toys end up broken by the end of the previous season, so it’s a good idea to address it before your first swim of the year.

Related: The Best Pool Toys for Kids and Adults This Summer

using a garden stool as pool toy storage

Add Necessary Outdoor Storage

I love these white storage garden stools I found at Lowe’s to keep all of our pool toys nearby but protected from the elements. The stools are made of rattan-look molded composite to keep out snakes and spiders, and they can be easily scrubbed clean from pool mildew.

pool sun lounger chairs after spring cleaning with a pressure washer and teak oil

Backyard Pool Area Cleaning Sources

Clean House Exterior

Giving the house structure a spring cleaning really doesn’t have to take too long and makes such a difference in its appearance.

backyard spring cleaning on house exterior

Wash Windows and Doors

Quickly wash windows and doors with this Windex outdoor glass cleaner you can attach right onto your garden hose. Clean window screens as well.

Clean Out Gutters

You can clean out your gutters much more efficiently than the traditional way by using a leaf blower gutter attachment! It’s so much faster and easier than trying to do it by hand.

Pressure Wash Siding

If you have siding, while you’re pressure washing basically every other surface in your outdoor spaces, go ahead and pressure wash any exteriors with siding too.

Refresh the Lawn

Walk around your yard to pick up any litter, aerate the lawn to encourage grass growth, and spread fertilizer to give it a nutrient boost. If you have a sprinkler system, check to make sure all pipes and valves are in working order.

House Exterior Cleaning Sources

family sitting around a backyard fire pit

Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist

You can download the free outdoor spring cleaning list below to give you extra motivation.

It seems like a big job, but if you dedicate a weekend to it, you’ll reap the rewards for months all the way into the fall season!

You can get all of the outdoor cleaning supplies, lawn care, outdoor decor, and backyard entertaining items you need at the best value from the Lowe’s SpringFest to enjoy the warm weather get-togethers ahead.

We celebrated our backyard clean-up by getting Robert off of the couch and around the fire pit with the girls, and it was definitely needed after a challenging two-week surgery recovery.

Sunshine and a cleaned up backyard really is good for the soul. 💙

More DIY Backyard Ideas and Curb Appeal Tips

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14 Things to Declutter in the New Year https://www.blesserhouse.com/things-to-declutter-in-the-new-year/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/things-to-declutter-in-the-new-year/#respond Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:40:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=47628 Things to get rid of in a day in the New Year that are cluttering up the most used places in your house to create a peaceful home and life. This month, I have been a total decluttering maniac. After purging and sorting through every closet, cabinet, and drawer, I am finally down to just...

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Things to get rid of in a day in the New Year that are cluttering up the most used places in your house to create a peaceful home and life.

This month, I have been a total decluttering maniac. After purging and sorting through every closet, cabinet, and drawer, I am finally down to just my last closet in the house.

I didn’t realize just how much my mental health needed a massive whole house decluttering overhaul!

how to declutter your home

If you are looking for a fresh start in your home this New Year, here are 12 things you can easily declutter from your home.

It’s the perfect time of year to get rid of things you never touch and to start the year with a clutter-free zone.

Take a deep breath, you’ve got this.

Psst… Get my printable decluttering checklist here!

clothing closet organized

Clothing In Closets

I have TONS of tops and bottoms that I have either never worn or that I haven’t touched in years.

I always go to declutter and think about throwing things out, but the what-ifs always get in the way.

Grab my Free Printable Closet Clean Out Cheat Sheet here!

What if I need that top for a party? What if I need that dress for a wedding? The reality is that I never end up using them, or they become outdated anyway. Whether you have a single clothing rack or an entire closet system, evaluate every article of clothing hanging on it to free up valuable closet space.

An organized closet saves so much time when getting ready in the mornings.

So start the New Year by getting rid of articles of clothing you haven’t touched in a few years. If you haven’t by now, you never will!

pantry with jars and baskets labeled with food

The Kitchen Pantry

I just know you have some items in your pantry you don’t even realize are there. They are most likely tucked at the back, passed expiration dates and awaiting the trash bin.

It’s time to take everything out of the pantry, toss what is bad, and put it back in nicely. I bet you will have tons of extra room now!

Get my free kitchen pantry cabinet organizing labels here.

jewelry and makeup organized in a closet

Makeup and Toiletries

If you are notorious for collecting makeup samples, beauty products, and brushes like I am, you probably need to clear out your makeup bag.

There may even be some products that are expired and need to be tossed for your own safety.

My makeup bag always gets dirty from the foundation, blush, etc. Maybe it’s time to replace the bag and ditch the old one if yours isn’t looking too good.

See how to create a makeup and jewelry station in your closet here.

linen closet organization with drawers of soaps, medicine, and bath salts

Medicine Cabinet

Just like the pantry and makeup, there are probably a few things in this space that need to be tossed for safety reasons.

Sort through your medicine and determine what needs to stay and what needs to go.

Old prescription pills you no longer need can go but hang onto those items that help fight off the common cold. I keep some of our medications in a drawer in the linen closet as a makeshift medicine cabinet in bath bathroom.

laptop on home office desk

Subscriptions and Email

We all have them! It’s time to open up your email and sort through any subscriptions you no longer use.

There’s no use in being charged for them if you don’t take advantage. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to just be visual clutter, it can be your email inbox as well.

Clearing this out will be great for your mental health as well.

See more home office setup quick tips for improved productivity here!

command center wall with mail drop zone in kitchen

The Mail Drop Zone

Since you decluttered the junky subscriptions in your email, tackle the always growing junk mail pile too.

We use a command center to track our family’s schedule, sort mail, and post important papers. It’s always the area that gets messy if we don’t make decluttering a monthly habit.

junk drawer organization with batteries, pens, flashlights, lighters, scissors, glue, and tape

The Junk Drawer

The best way to declutter the drawers in your home is to start with the junk drawer. I guarantee there are a handful of things you don’t even know exist anymore.

It’s time to pass them along or toss them in the garbage can. If there are items worth keeping, find a nice home for them, so they don’t clutter your extra drawer. Your kitchen drawers will thank you.

office cabinet with craft supplies and home decor

Craft Supplies

Any avid crafters know this dilemma. You want to keep every last button and piece of yarn, but the reality is that you won’t be using them any time soon.

Donate extra, usable pieces to schools and classrooms. Students will love using your leftover craft materials to learn.

The easiest way to declutter this space is to ask yourself when the last time you used something was.

playroom organizer table with games, puzzles, and markers

Board Games and Puzzles

If you have a large collection of games and puzzles, take a look and see if there are any you can donate to Goodwill.

You might be surprised by the number of games you have that you no longer play with your family.

If you find any puzzles with missing pieces, it’s time for them to go. No use completing a puzzle that doesn’t have the last piece.

See more playroom storage solutions here!

coffee station on kitchen counter and cabinet with cups

Cups and Glasses

To all my “cup girls,” you don’t need them all. I know they are all beautiful and so much fun to drink water out of, but it’s probably time to get rid of a few water bottles.

You probably got a few new ones over the holiday season, so pass some of the older ones on.

Make a conscious decision not to collect extra cups throughout the year, knowing full well you have plenty in your cabinet.

That’s the first step, so you don’t end up with a storage unit full of cups, mason jars, and glasses.

See more kitchen cabinet organizing ideas here!

decluttered kitchen with green cabinets and herringbone floor

The Fridge

Just like the pantry, there are probably a few items in the fridge that need to go.

Check your condiments and sauces to see what is collecting mold or has expired. Clean out those containers and recycle the jars. This makes more room for fresh ingredients.

Address the magnets and papers attached to the front of your fridge while you’re at it.

It may seem like an overwhelming task, but this is a great time to wipe off the refrigerator shelves as well.

garage sporting equipment organizers

Sports Equipment

Now is a great time to donate any balls, bikes, or outdoor recreational items your family no longer uses.

Take some time to repair broken equipment and pump up flat sports balls.

See more tips on how to organize the garage here.

shoes on shelves in a closet

Your Shoes

Toss out shoes that are falling apart or that are uncomfortable. No need to keep shoes that make your feet hurt.

You may as well get rid of them and make room for better shoes in the future.

Send them to a good place like the local thrift store where someone else can make use out of them. Clear space out of the bottom of your closet by installing shoe organizers or shelves if you have them.

See how we organized the closet using IKEA bookcases here!

books on a bookshelf behind cabinet doors

Bookshelves

This one is tough because books are a fantastic thing to have in your collection.

If you have any duplicates or copies that you didn’t enjoy, donate them and pass them on to create valuable real estate on your shelves. Odds are that if you have already read them, you won’t be reading them a second time unless it was a great book!

Cleaning out your bookshelves also includes old magazines if you have them or removing old reference books that are obsolete.

See how to build your own IKEA built in bookshelves here!

home office desk with built in bookshelves

As you declutter your entire home, make a game of it.

Include the whole family and enjoy a good time with music and dancing as you get rid of unwanted gifts and unused items at the start of a new year.

Add decluttering to the top of your to-do list for spring, and the whole house will feel brand new.

Pick one space to work on each week and follow these simple steps to clear out all of the areas of your home. It’s a big project, but it’s doable, and you’ll gain greater control of your life.

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16 Natural Hacks to Make Your House Smell Amazing https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-make-your-house-smell-good-naturally-in-16-ways/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-make-your-house-smell-good-naturally-in-16-ways/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=46209 16 odor-improving recipes, cleaning tricks, and room freshening ideas to make your house smell good the natural way with non-toxic ingredients. Ask me what it’s like to move into a 60+ your old house, and I can sum it up in one word: musty.  You know how you can just walk into a house and...

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16 odor-improving recipes, cleaning tricks, and room freshening ideas to make your house smell good the natural way with non-toxic ingredients.

Ask me what it’s like to move into a 60+ your old house, and I can sum it up in one word: musty. 

You know how you can just walk into a house and go, “Yep. This place smells old.” (Old book smell is awesome. Old house smell? Not so much.)

how to make your house smell good naturally

But nowadays, when we walk into our house after a long trip, we LOVE the smell of our house because I’ve learned a lot of tricks to chase away gross odors the easy way.

So here is how to make your house smell good and ward off unpleasant odors using only natural ingredients. 

The best part is using these natural ingredients for odor eliminators and air freshening is actually much CHEAPER than going out and buying specialty products that basically coat the stinky house smells with a layer of artificial chemical perfume. 

living room decorated for fall with white sofas, marble coffee table, and rug
How to make your house smell good naturally and get rid of musty smells with non-toxic ingredients

For cleaning and air freshening our whole house to give it a pleasant scent, these 16 tips are all we really need…

How to Make Your House Smell Good Naturally

The VAST majority of cleaning to make your house smell good can be done mostly with just baking soda and white vinegar.

There are so many ways to freshen your house with just those two ingredients because they neutralize bad odors and act as a natural air freshener. (Remember making those DIY volcanoes in middle school?)

If you love infusing fragrance in to your home, but don’t want a fake perfume-y punch in the face as soon as you walk through the door, turning to herbs, spices, produce, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil can make your house smell amazing. 

Natural Whole House Fragrance Ideas

apples, lemons, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract for DIY stovetop potpourri

1. DIY Stovetop Potpourri

Simmering this stovetop potpourri for a day or two is the best way to give your home a fresh scent like crisp leaves and warm apple pie.

But it’s all done without harsh chemicals. It is quintessentially the smell of fall in a pot! 

Ingredients

stovetop potpourri with vase of fall leaves to make your house smell good naturally

Mix all of the ingredients in the pot and simmer it (not boil) on the stove with the lid off. You can also keep it heated in a crockpot without the lid on low for up to 48 hours. Just add more water if the water level gets low. 

Get creative if you want using whatever ingredients you might already have like rosemary, thyme, mint, oranges, limes, cranberries, cardamom, or ginger. 

You can also use fruit peels to repurpose food waste. Make a pot an hour before guests arrive and your house will smell extra inviting. 

If you’re a real estate agent, a simmer pot is an easy trick to create a pleasant aroma right before an open house.

spray bottle of room spray on a living room coffee table

2. DIY Room Spray

I don’t love using room sprays with artificial scents (they sometimes tend to give me a headache), so making a DIY room spray is the perfect solution.

Ingredients

natural ingredients to make DIY room spray

In the spray bottle, add the witch hazel and essential oil drops. Fill it the rest of the way with distilled water. Give the bottle a good shake to mix it well before misting around your rooms for a natural scent boost.

spritzing room spray in a living room
adding essential oils to an air filter to make a house smell good

3. Add Essential Oils to Air Filters

This little trick works great for infusing your entire house with the scent of essential oils! Just add 15-20 drops of the essential oil of your choice all over a clean air filter before placing into your air return vent.

I love using lavender and cedarwood oil because both have stress reducing properties that can help ease tension and relax the body. Both are also safe for pets to inhale.

IMPORTANT: Do not use essential oils that are harmful to pets or children. See which essential oils are toxic to pets here and best practices for using essential oils around children.

Natural Ways to Make Textiles Smell Good in Your Home

DIY linen spray in a glass spray bottle on bedding

4. DIY Linen Spray

It’s a good idea to spritz your linens right after putting on clean bedsheets or on bedding in a guest room before loved ones come over for a stay.

Ingredients

natural ingredients to make DIY linen spray with essential oils

Mix all ingredients in a glass spray bottle and add a “linen spray” label, if desired. Give the bottle a good shake before use and lightly spritz pillows, blankets, and sheets. If you’re substituting the vodka with rubbing alcohol, it will require a little more shaking to properly mix the ingredients before use each time.

I love using eucalyptus, lavender, and bergamot together for a fresh, clean, relaxing scent on bedding (don’t forget living room blankets and pillows too). You can get creative with custom oil mixtures or stick to just one type for a natural home fragrance.

spritzing DIY linen spray on bedding in a bedroom

5. Get Rid of Musty Smells in Towels

You know that musty mildewy smell towels can get over time? This little trick neutralizes odors, deep cleans, and can brighten whites (but is also color safe).

Ingredients

how to get rid of musty smell in house with baking soda and white vinegar in laundry

Wash bedding, towels, and other linens (on warm, if possible, depending on the fabric) with 1 cup of white vinegar poured directly into the washing machine drum. After the cycle is finished, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drum and wash like usual with your regular laundry detergent.

Linens will smell fresh and must-free, plus they’ll feel extra clean!

DIY carpet deodorizer sprinkled on a rug

6. DIY Carpet Deodorizer

If you have a pet who has accidents sometimes (or a potty training toddler) or older carpets, there are probably all kinds of smells hanging out in your rug fibers, especially in rooms with high humidity levels.

Ingredients

  • Spice shaker canister
  • Baking soda
  • 12-16 drops of essential oil of your choice
ingredients to make DIY carpet deodorizer

In a 4 oz shaker bottle, fill it halfway with baking soda. Add 6-8 drops of essential oil to the baking soda and stir well. Repeat, filling the shaker to the top.

Sprinkle the DIY carpet deodorizer liberally on carpets and rugs. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, vacuum it up. Poof! Smells are gone. (Steam cleaning carpets once a year can help too.)

vacuum cleaner on carpet deodorizer

How to Make Clothing Smell Better

charcoal bag to absorb odors

7. Get Rid of Musty Smells in Drawers and Closets

I buy a lot of old, secondhand furniture around here to fix up, so I deal with musty odors in dresser drawers on a regular basis.

If you have the same issue, charcoal bags are your friends! Just place a couple of charcoal bags in your drawers and closets to absorb any bad smells. After a month or two, set the bags out in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours per side to “recharge” them so they can keep absorbing odors from your clothing for you.

putting charcoal bags in drawers to deodorizer clothes and old furniture
DIY shoe deodorizer with wool dryer balls and essential oils

8. DIY Shoe Deodorizer

Robert and my kiddos are super active all day so our shoe bench and laundry room where they kick off their shoes every day can smell… ripe.

To make them smell better, add 2-3 drops of essential oil to wool dryer balls (loose wool or dryer sheets work too) and stuff them inside the offending shoes. Let them sit overnight.

DIY shoe deodorizer with wool dryer balls and essential oils
sprinkling baking soda in trash can

How to Make Your Kitchen Smell Good

9. Add Baking Soda to the Trash Can

The kitchen trash can is usually a big offender. Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of your trash can before adding a trash bag to help fight off smells.

10. Add Baking Sofa to the Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry

While you’re at it, place a cup of baking soda in an open container in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry to neutralize food odors. You can place a small bowl of coffee grounds in a fridge or freezer to absorb smells too.

11. Simmer White Vinegar After Cooking

Lingering after dinner smells can be pretty rough, so before sitting down to eat, combine 2 cups of water with a 1/2 cup of white vinegar on your stove to simmer. By the time you’re finished eating dinner, the cooking smells in your kitchen will be eliminated. Any vinegar smells will dissipate in a few minutes.

garbage disposal cleaner ingredients on a kitchen sink

12. Clean the Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is one you probably don’t think about as often, but it can be a big reason why kitchens smell bad.

Ingredients

  1. Disconnect the power to your garbage disposal and remove any food debris with tongs. Reconnect the power.
  2. To deodorize, pour the 1/2 cup baking soda down the disposal and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of white vinegar (and watch the bubbles work their magic). Wait 3 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
  4. To freshen and sharpen the blades, add 2 cups of ice, 1 cup of salt, and the peel of 1 lemon in the disposal. Turn it on and let it run until the ice is ground up.
cleaned kitchen sink and kitchen countertop decor with white and green cabinets

Other Ways to Make Your House Smell Good Naturally

13. Open the Windows

Let fresh air in and push stale air out by opening your windows for a few hours.

14. Get a Houseplant or Two

I kill literally every houseplant that crosses my path, but they can be really helpful in revitalizing the air in your home.

15. Use Essential Oil Diffusers

We have one in each of our bedrooms that not only make rooms smell good, they’re great for diffusing lavender oil to help our kids sleep better or diffusing eucalyptus when we have colds.

16. Clean Pet Areas

Wash pet bedding regularly and scoop out litter boxes daily. You can try this DIY pet deodorizer between baths too.

According to Lola though, this whole house is her pet area. She just gives us permission to live here. 😉

white sofa with dog sitting on the back

Got any other tricks to add to the bunch to make your home smell good? Ever tried any of these yourself? The stovetop potpourri is a favorite for our family this time of year to make our home smell extra cozy.

More House Cleaning Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my house smell nice all the time?

1. Consider using an air purifier to remove bad smells.
2. Use a dehumidifier regularly to get rid of moisture in humid areas.
3. Clean out the fridge, garbage can, garbage disposal, litter boxes, diaper pails, and pet beds regularly.
4. Steam clean upholstery and carpets once per year.
5. Launder bedding and throw pillows regularly.
6. Get some house plants to filter the air.
7. Diffuse essential oils (check that they’re pet safe, if you have pets).
8. Neutralize smells in drawers and cabinets with baking soda or charcoal bags.
9. Heat a pot of stovetop potpourri for a little natural fragrance.

What is the best natural deodorizer for your home?

Vinegar absorbs odors very well. Use it on hard surfaces, fabrics, and carpets. Set a bowl of vinegar on your kitchen counter to absorb cooking smells after a meal.

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How to Deep Clean a Fabric Couch and Upholstered Furniture https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-a-fabric-couch/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-a-fabric-couch/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2022 17:29:03 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=45976 The best way to clean a fabric sofa in 7 steps without solvent-based cleaners + a DIY sofa cleaning solution to make upholstery bright and fresh. Cleaning a couch is right up there on the chores list of things I dread alongside cleaning the oven, scrubbing the shower, and mopping floors all rolled up into...

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The best way to clean a fabric sofa in 7 steps without solvent-based cleaners + a DIY sofa cleaning solution to make upholstery bright and fresh.

How to clean a couch with fabric in 7 steps + a DIY sofa cleaning solution to make upholstery bright and fresh.

Cleaning a couch is right up there on the chores list of things I dread alongside cleaning the oven, scrubbing the shower, and mopping floors all rolled up into one. It’s a workout!

But when it’s done? It feels SO good, plus, it’s like having a brand new sofa. 

Over the years, we’ve had 5 couches, all of which went through trails and errors in cleaning. But I’ve found the winning combination of a few different methods if you’ve ever wanted to know how to clean your couch, plus a DIY sofa cleaning solution that’s quick and cheap to make.

Pottery Barn couch with Sunbrella fabric before DIY couch cleaning

This was our sofas’ grubby “before” (pictures make it look better than it did in person). We got our two down blend Pottery Barn York couches (which I shared the full unbiased pro/con review about here) about a year ago. 

I was under the impression that the Sunbrella removable covers would remain a crisp clean white with just needing the occasional spot treatment on stubborn stains because it’s a super high performance upholstery fabric. But time has proven to me that it still gets dingy just like you’d expect any white sofa would (surprise, surprise). 

We have a dog and two kiddos who spill all over them, track dirt all over them, leave pet hair everywhere, and honestly, Robert and I aren’t exactly the easiest on these sofas either. We have little to no rules against food and drinks on these couches, and our crew is a rowdy bunch, so you can imagine the carnage. 

It called for an all-over majorly intense couch cleaning. This method I use works on fabric chairs too, slipcovered or not. 

dirty couch slipcover before with dog

Step-By-Step Guide to Clean a Couch with Upholstery

I recommend doing this couch deep cleaning method once or twice per year (I usually prefer spring and fall). But it’s best to vacuum couches once per month and treat spills as soon as they happen to prevent permanent stains. 

Over the years, I’ve cleaned everything from our slipcovered IKEA couches to upholstered sofas and chairs, and they’ve all resulted in a beautifully deep clean that looks like new. 

Supplies

Before You Start

It’s a good idea to spot test any cleaning solution you’re using in an inconspicuous hidden area first. Scrub a small area in a circular motion with a clean cloth and the above water-based cleaner solution. If color from the couch shows up on the cloth, don’t use the cleaning solution on your couch. 

Check your couch manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning guidelines on the label.

Upholstered Furniture Cleaning Codes

Look for a cleaning code on your sofa label as shown below to determine the best cleaning method to use. It’s not always a one-size-fits-all approach. Different fabrics require different kinds of care, but the method I’m sharing here works for many. 

W – Water based cleaning agents or foam may be used, preferably distilled water.

S – Only mild, water-free cleaning solvents. 

S/W – Water-based cleaning agents may be used, distilled water recommended. 

X – Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing to remove soil. 

removing cushion covers for couch cleaning

Step 1 – Remove Cushion Covers

If possible, unzip and remove covers from the couch cushions. Take the time to “fluff” the cushions and batting. Give the covers a good shake to release any loose debris. 

(If you can’t remove your cushion covers, move on to Step 3.) Check inner cushions for pet stains. Give stained areas a thorough cleaning with an upholstery steam cleaner, if possible.

washing white cushion covers for all over sofa cleaning

Step 2 – Wash Cushion Covers on Cold/Gentle

My favorite combination for white fabric all over our house (sheets/towels/bedding/slipcovers) is tossing them in the washing machine with 1 cap full of OxiClean White Revive and 1 cup of baking soda. It makes all dingy, dirty whites look bright and clean without bleach!

The OxiClean White Revive is color safe and septic safe, if that’s a concern for you. I used it on our white IKEA slipcovers for years to get them as white as possible. 

Avoid using hot water as it can make couch covers shrink. Wash the sofa cushion covers on cold and on the gentle cycle. 

Line dry until damp, DO NOT tumble dry. It’s best to put clean covers back on the sofa cushions while they are still damp to stretch out wrinkles, prevent shrinking, and make them easier to put back on. 

If you’re washing slipcovers on the entire sofa, you can toss the whole thing in the wash separately from the cushion covers to prevent overcrowding.

But since our couches mainly needed cleaning on the arms, I didn’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning the entire cover. You can use this method below on attached sofa upholstery too. 

vacuuming debris underneath sofa cushions

Step 3 – Vacuum Couch Upholstery

Remove any loose hair, dirt, and debris under couch cushions and on the couch upholstery itself with a vacuum wand brush attachment. Get in every nook and crevice in the entire couch as much as possible with the wand hose. 

We have this Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum that we love!

cleaning upholstery with a vacuum wand attachment

Step 4 – Sprinkle Baking Soda

To help absorb any odors, sprinkle baking soda all over the sofa (focusing on high traffic spots like the sofa arms) and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Use the vacuum wand attachment again to vacuum up the baking soda.

baking soda sprinkled on surface of couch to deodorize
vacuuming sofa slipcover with wand attachment to remove hair, dirt, and lint

Step 5 – Make a DIY Couch Cleaner Solution

I’ve used a few upholstery cleaners in the past (Folex is one I generally like), but I’ve found mixing this DIY couch cleaner in a spray bottle to be just as effective.

Mix in a spray bottle:

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • 2 Tbsp clear Dawn dish soap
  • 2 Tbsp white distilled vinegar

Only use this cleaner if your couch’s manufacturer label allows water-based cleaning agents.

DIY couch cleaner using water, white vinegar, and dish soap in a spray bottle

Step 6 – Spray Couch Fabric with Cleaner

Spritz the couch upholstery with the water/soap/vinegar solution until damp.

spraying DIY couch cleaner onto sofa to clean off dirt and grime

Step 7 – Wipe Sofa Fabric Surface

Using a dry, lint-free cloth, wipe the soiled sofa fabric surface to remove any dirt and grime.

Optional: If you have an upholstery cleaning machine (we have this Bissell Little Green Stain Cleaner we like), use it after this step for an even deeper clean.

Allow your sofa to air dry before putting cushions in place.

wiping up DIY couch cleaner on upholstery to clean a sofa

Cleaned Couch

Does it look so much better?! It smells absolutely amazing. Robert has said over and over ever since I cleaned our couches a few days ago that they feel like brand new! So fluffy and bright!

The good news is, even though it is quite a chore to do, if you make it part of your regular spring and/or fall cleaning along with spot cleaning tough stains when they happen, it can extend the life of your fabric couches.

clean couch with white slipcover

I was really feeling the sofa fabric regret last week, but now that these couches have gotten a deep clean, I’m even happier with these Pottery Barn couches that we saved up for for years.

Even if we did have feathers flying throughout the whole cleaning process, I still love how squishy soft and comfy they are.

All in all… totally worth it.

white clean couches with white slipcovers in a living room

My reward for tackling this couch cleaning chore was to bust out some fall decor to make this living room feel extra cozy, so you can guess what comes next in here. 😉

By the way, in case you want to know since sometimes people ask, here are our living room’s decor sources.

Living Room Decor Sources

white clean couch in a living room with white slipcover

More House Cleaning Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest fabric couch to clean?

Synthetic microfiber couches are the easiest clean and perfect in a home with kids or pets.

How do you deodorize a couch?

Vacuum the entire couch to remove any dirt and pet hair. Generously sprinkle baking soda all over the entire couch, including crevices. Let the baking soda sit for an hour or two to absorb odors. Then, vacuum the baking soda off of your now fresh smelling couch.

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Best Way to Clean Outdoor Cushions and Patio Furniture https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-outdoor-cushions-and-furniture/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-outdoor-cushions-and-furniture/#comments Sat, 05 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=44030 How to clean outdoor cushions and patio furniture quickly in 5 simple steps using just 1 ingredient already in your pantry.  When spring rolls around, I wish I could toss every piece of our patio furniture in the washing machine and call it done. Everything gets so grimy in our outdoor space, and all we...

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How to clean outdoor cushions and patio furniture quickly in 5 simple steps using just 1 ingredient already in your pantry. 

When spring rolls around, I wish I could toss every piece of our patio furniture in the washing machine and call it done.

Everything gets so grimy in our outdoor space, and all we want to do is hurry up with the cleaning so we can enjoy patio season!

best way to clean outdoor cushions and patio furniture

How to Clean Cushions and Outdoor Fabrics Quickly

The ONLY reason I could ever get excited about cleaning anything is due to the anticipation that spring and brighter, warmer days are on the horizon! 

But there is hope! Even if you don’t have removable covers, I use a super simple cleaning solution I swear by. All you need is a pressure washer and one household item you already have in your kitchen.

This was the state of our patio chairs covered in mildew, tree sap, and bird droppings. They had definitely seen better days. 

Supplies Needed

  • Soft bristled brush
  • Concentrated white vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Pressure washer (or a garden hose with jet stream nozzle – less effective but it can work)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (optional – for tough stains)
  • Baking soda (optional – for tough stains)
  • Dawn dish soap (optional – for tough stains)
how to clean outdoor cushions and patio furniture (before)

The 1 Ingredient to Remove Mildew and Mold from Patio Furniture

You only need one ingredient: white vinegar.

More specifically, concentrated vinegar. 

That’s it. 30% vinegar is the unsung hero of rescuing outdoor furniture from the post-winter grossness.

Regular kitchen distilled white vinegar can do the job, but if you have a serious mildew/mold problem on outdoor cushions and patio furniture, the 30% stuff can knock it right out. It’s the best way.

There are many different techniques and specialty cleaning products out there to clean patio furniture cushions, but this is proven to be the most simple and best method for us (plus, it’s cheap and eco-friendly).

We should have brought our patio furniture inside during the winter or covered them (but we’re over here handling toddler tantrums and keeping our children alive, so it didn’t happen). 

The winter aftermath isn’t a pretty sight. It’s an easy fix though. 

how to clean outdoor cushions and patio furniture from mildew stains using vinegar

How to Remove Mildew from Outdoor Patio Cushions

Step 1 – Brush Fabric

Before you start deep cleaning, quickly run a soft brush over the outdoor fabrics in a circular motion to remove loose dirt and loose debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac.

Step 2 – Spray With Vinegar

It’s a good idea to check the care label on cushion fabric before cleaning it first. But chances are most outdoor use fabrics can withstand a cleaning with vinegar. 

Pour straight undiluted 30% vinegar into a spray bottle. In a well-ventilated area, spritz it all over your outdoor cushion covers and patio furniture.

Let the vinegar sit on the mildew / mold stains for about 15 minutes. The vinegar will instantly kill any mildew growth.

Set the patio cushion covers in direct sunlight so the vinegar in other areas can be even more effective.

Step 3 – Treat Tough Stains

In most situations, just cleaning with the concentrated vinegar does the trick.

Grass and Red Wine Stains

If needed, for tougher stains like red wine or grass stains, mix together hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to soak a microfiber cloth and let it sit on the stain for 10-15 minutes.

Oil Stains

For oil stains, apply Dawn dish soap to the affected area.

how to clean outdoor cushions and furniture with vinegar

Step 4 – Rinse with a Pressure Washer

After allowing the vinegar to kill the mildew stains for 15 minutes, rinse with a power washer. If you don’t have a power washer, even a garden hose with a jet stream nozzle can often do the trick.

I don’t know why power washing is so satisfying, but I could literally power wash everything in my path all day long in our backyard just for fun. 

We absolutely love this electric power washer that we use every spring and fall for regular maintenance to keep our backyard and porches looking fresh. 

how to clean outdoor cushions and patio furniture with vinegar and a power washer

It’s mesmerizing to watch the milder / mold spots completely disappear with the swipe of that power washer.

cleaning outdoor furniture with a power washer
The Best Electric Power Washer for Patio Furniture

Flip your patio furniture, outdoor cushions, and fabric over to repeat the process on the underside as well.

outdoor furniture cleaning with a power washer

Step 5 – Let Dry

Set patio chair cushions and furniture in a sunny spot to drain the excess water and dry.

That’s it!

I’ve used a couple of outdoor cushion cleaning processes in the past, and this one has proven to be the most simple, most effective, and uses very inexpensive ingredients. 

I’m just ready to get to living live by our pool in this DIY pergola cabana again. The rest of the backyard isn’t nearly as cute as this at the moment, but it won’t be long now. 

DIY pool cabana pergola

Is it feeling a little spring=like where you are? I know we hit a weird weather spike of “fake spring” as we like to call it in the south, but whatever you want to call it, I am here for it!

If you need more help getting your outdoor furniture in ship shape for spring, here are more resources.

More Outdoor Furniture Cleaning & Sprucing Tips

How to Restore Wood Outdoor Furniture

how to restore outdoor wood furniture

How to Revive a Glass Patio Table

how to clean a glass patio table

Backyard Patio Spring Cleaning Checklist

outdoor spring cleaning checklist and backyard cleaning tips
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How to Clean Wood Furniture to Make It Look New https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-wood-furniture-to-make-it-look-new/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/how-to-clean-wood-furniture-to-make-it-look-new/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2022 07:16:48 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=43900 All of the steps and supplies for the best way to clean wooden furniture and get rid of musty smells in old furniture.  There is nothing better than finding a diamond in the rough vintage piece of furniture that would shine with a small amount of love. Whether you have scored a secondhand coffee table...

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All of the steps and supplies for the best way to clean wooden furniture and get rid of musty smells in old furniture. 

There is nothing better than finding a diamond in the rough vintage piece of furniture that would shine with a small amount of love. Whether you have scored a secondhand coffee table or need help bringing your own solid wood furniture back to life, this tutorial will make your old wood furniture come to life again. 

wood chest of drawers before

I found a dark walnut wood dresser and nightstand on Facebook Marketplace recently, and I actually did not paint it! Gasp! (Who the heck am I anymore?)

cleaned wood furniture in a girl's room

My daughter’s old laminate dresser, while I loved the color, just wasn’t giving me the rich nostalgic warmth I really wanted in her vintage inspired bedroom. So by cleaning the dull wood surface, it’s added so much depth while giving me peace of mind that its safe for our 3 year-old.

Here is the best method to give your wood furniture piece a deep cleaning.

wood chest of drawers after cleaning with chinoiserie lamp

Why Wood Furniture is Making a Trend Comeback

Traditional furniture styles are big time trending on the interior design scene lately, and with the nod to cottagecore style in this bedroom, it felt like the perfect opportunity to get back to the bare wood furniture roots to give that old wood a lustrous shine.

Over the past decade, farmhouse style was all about distressed chalk painted pieces or worn, weathered reclaimed wood. 

Every action has an equal but opposite reaction, even in interior design. So of course, as time always tells with the ebb and flow of what’s “in style”, the answer to the farmhouse craze is the rich, lustrous furniture in the traditional aesthetic.

wood nightstand before
wood nightstand after cleaning between two beds

How to Clean Wood Furniture

I love scoring furniture on Facebook Marketplace, but since they usually have decades of surface scratches, cleaning products, furniture wax, and polish buildup creating a sticky residue on them, I used this method to make ours look new again.

Wood Furniture Cleaner Supplies

*For best results, the first step before starting is to test an inconspicuous area with each of the above wood cleaner products with a cotton ball to make sure it does not damage your type of wood. Not all furniture pieces are alike. 

Steps

  1. Clean with Oil Soap

    In a well-ventilated area, mix 1/2 Cup Murphy’s Oil Soap into a gallon of warm water.

    Using a clean soft cloth, wipe down the entire piece of furniture with the soapy mixture while wearing protective gloves. Pay special attention to crevices and small details.

    Then, using a dry cloth or paper towel, wipe away any soapy residue of the cleaning solution from the entire surface with clean water. Immediately dry off any excess water.

    You can also use dish soap or an all purpose cleaner like Simple Green, but Murphy’s Oil Soap works better at removing musty smells from wooden furniture because it contains citronella oil.

    For very stubborn smells, put the furniture in direct sunlight for an hour or so. Avoid direct sunlight for a long time though as it can fade wood finishes.

    After cleaning, if you’re still left with some stubborn stains or sticky spots, the best option for an even deeper cleaning is to use a damp microfiber cloth with mineral spirits to lightly rub the area for a few minutes.

    Don’t be alarmed if the spot looks dull after apply mineral spirits. Wood oil will help in the next few steps.

  2. Remove Water Spots

    To rehydrate the wood from any water stains or damage such as a water ring, rub a moderate layer of Vaseline or mayonnaise on top with a lint-free cloth.

    Let it sit overnight up to 24 hours.

    Wipe clean to reveal a more even wood tone on the furniture’s surface. Repeat if necessary. The top of this wooden table had terrible water damage, but Vaseline greatly improved it.

  3. Clean Vaseline residue

    Use the Murphy’s Oil Soap again to clean off any Vaseline residue so the polish can penetrate in the next step. 

  4. Polish

    Using a soft cotton cloth, wipe down the surface of wood furniture in circular motions with Old English Wood Furniture Polish or Howard Restore-A-Finish. (Howard is preferred, but since my hardware store was out, Old English was a good alternative.)

    You can also use linseed oil.

    Concentrate on any scratches or dings to ensure they’re covered. The mineral oil will begin to recondition wooden surfaces to give it a nice shine.

    After 2-3 minutes, wipe away any excess moisture.

  5. Scrub Hardware

    If you have any hardware on your furniture that looks a little grimy, you can scrub it with Barkeepers Friend and an old toothbrush with a little warm water.

    Non-gel toothpaste or white vinegar can also work well on hardware.

    Rinse and let dry. Then reattach to your wood furniture. 

    Related: Best Places to Find Furniture Hardware

It’s a good idea to follow these simple steps every couple of years for a regular cleaning to keep your furniture in good condition. Give it a regular dusting as well. 

The Finished Wood Furniture

It looks like a brand new dresser, doesn’t it?! And it really wasn’t too strenuous to clean and polish. (I’d say the strenuous part was really Robert and me hauling this hefty chest of drawers up our staircase.) 

Doesn’t Regan’s room look so charming with these two pieces? I can’t get over how much better it looks after this cleaning method. 

clean wood furniture in a little girl bedroom
clean wood furniture in a little girl bedroom
how to clean wood furniture like this nightstand

Long live the wood furniture! Maybe I’ll even get up the nerve to strip painted furniture again… though I think I’m still recovering from a few bad incidents with a wooden dining table and chairs all these years later. 

Are you all for traditional and wood furniture again? Or still Team Painted Furniture? Neither is wrong really. Do what your soul loves and decorate with what makes you happy. That’s what really matters. 

The me 5 years ago would have slapped distressed chalk paint on these two wood furniture beauties in a heartbeat. But that wood grain deserves the spotlight for sure.

wood furniture cleaning in a girl's bedroom
wood nightstand between two twin beds in a little girl bedroom

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get musty smell out of drawers?

These charcoal bags work wonders for all kinds of icky furniture smells. Place one in a drawer for a few days and let it do the work for you. You can also try sprinkling baking soda in a drawer along with a few dryer sheets.

What is an alternative wood furniture cleaner?

Mix 4 parts water with 1 part vinegar and one part olive oil in a spray bottle and spritz all over your wood furniture. Dry with a clean cloth.

More Furniture Makeover Tips

How to Restore Worn Cane Furniture

how to restore worn cane furniture

The Trick to Paint Laminate IKEA Furniture

painted laminate ikea dresser

Best Places to Buy Furniture Hardware

furniture hardware knobs on a bathroom vanity
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The Best Vacuum Cleaners & Cleaning Tools We Use and Love https://www.blesserhouse.com/the-best-vacuum-cleaners-cleaning-tools-we-use-and-love/ https://www.blesserhouse.com/the-best-vacuum-cleaners-cleaning-tools-we-use-and-love/#comments Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.blesserhouse.com/?p=42699 This post is sponsored by Walmart. The 5 best vacuum cleaners, mop, and upholstery cleaner based on 5 star ratings and top reviews to make house cleaning quick and easy. You know guest hosting season is at its peak when you start rating the best vacuum cleaners. I mean we have mastered speed cleaning in...

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This post is sponsored by Walmart.

The 5 best vacuum cleaners, mop, and upholstery cleaner based on 5 star ratings and top reviews to make house cleaning quick and easy.

You know guest hosting season is at its peak when you start rating the best vacuum cleaners. I mean we have mastered speed cleaning in our house to the point that we could compete in it as an Olympic sport if we had to.

Robert and I set a timer and yell “GO GO GO!” while the whole family, including the 3 year-old, quick cleans everything in our path. (If I give Regan a hand vac, no dust bunny stands a chance. It’s literally her favorite toy. Ask her and she’ll tell you.)

the best vacuum cleaners based on 5 star ratings and reviews

It’s usually this time of year we host impromptu dinners with friends or hangouts with neighbors, and really I’m just able to relax better in the evenings when I don’t have chores nagging at me.

Vacuum cleaners are a hot topic in my inbox during the holidays, so while we’re at peak cleaning-the-house season just before Christmas visitors arrive, I thought I’d share what I consider the 5 best vacuum cleaners we own from Walmart, many of which are on sale at the moment.

Maybe vacuum cleaners were a no-no as a Christmas gift years ago, but I have plenty of friends who would take one in a heartbeat. If it’s going to make my daily life easier and take away a bit of stress, sign me up.

I researched our vacuums and read consumer reports and reviews like crazy before buying any of them over the years, and I’ve been so happy with them so far. Here are the best vacuum cleaners that made the cut.

The Best Vacuum Cleaners & Cleaning Tools

Ecovacs Deebot N8 - the best robot vacuum cleaner

The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Our newest vac, the ECOVACS DEEBOT N8, mapped out our house so quickly it was almost creepy how well it knew every corner and curve of this place. The fact that it’s a vacuum AND mop is the game changer for me. We keep it’s self-emptying charging doc tucked right beside our kitchen pantry.

It’s antibacterial rated and kills 99.9% of bacteria with automatic carpet detection so it only mops where it should. It’s very quiet, easy to customize routes and no-go zones (in case I want it to avoid our playroom with toys tossed everywhere). I’m still getting used to its cleaning performance, so I’ll report back if anything changes, but I love it so far.

Con: It’s more pricey than other robot vacuums, but for its antibacterial mopping feature and brilliance at mapping, it makes up for the cost.

The best cordless stick vacuum cleaner - MOOSOO XL-618A 4-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum

My Favorite Cordless Stick Vacuum

Maybe it’s not one of the “cool kids” in terms of having a popular brand name like Dyson or Shark or Bissell cordless models, but the MOOSOO XL-618A 4-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum knocks all the others’ socks off. The “bang for your buck” is what makes this one as it’s 75% cheaper than the Dyson V8 cordless with comparable power.

I can vacuum the “hot spots” in minutes on any floor type to clean carpet, rugs, wood floors, and tile right before company comes over. The detachable hand vacuum with dusting brush attachment is quick and easy for cleaning up our kids’ spills.

Con: It’s run time of 20-35 minute battery life is slightly shorter than other similar cordless vacuums, but considering how much cheaper it is, I’m willing to sacrifice that.

The best upright vacuum cleaner - Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed ZU560

My Favorite Upright Vacuum Cleaner

This is my second of Shark upright bagless vacuums I’ve owned in the past 10 years because I’m so happy with them. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed ZU560 Upright Vacuum has a self-cleaning brush roll so that it doesn’t constantly get tangled with debris, is very lightweight, easy to empty, and its suction power picks up SO MUCH dust, dirt, and hair that it’s almost embarrassing.

I use the detachable lift-away pod when I want to deep clean our stairs or sofa cushions, and the swivel makes it easy to get into tight spaces and awkward angles.

Con: It only has a general setting for carpets, and doesn’t differentiate between high pile and low pile carpet, just in case that’s a dealbreaker for you.

The best steam mop - Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

My Favorite Steam Mop

I know it’s not actually a vacuum, but after owning and loving this Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop for the past two years, I have to sing its praises.

Our downstairs bathroom tile grout gets so incredibly gross, especially in the summer when all of us drip dirty pool water on it from our backyard, and it makes that dingy grout look sparkly white!

The mop allows me to control the level of steam, so I use the highest steam setting to sanitize our bathroom and kitchen tile floors or use the lowest steam setting to clean our wood floors.

The best stain and upholstery cleaner - Bissell Little Green Portable Spot and Stain Cleaner

The Best Stain and Upholstery Cleaner

We just got this Bissell Little Green Portable Spot and Stain Cleaner a couple months ago after a few of you suggested it when we bought our living room sofas, and it works like a dream!

Our white sofas were really dingy after having 8 kids and 2 dogs all over them during Thanksgiving week, and this stain cleaner made our sofas look brand new. It’s great for using on upholstered car seats too. 10/10 for me and a must for pet owners.

You can compare more vacuum cleaners and find more floor care sales from Walmart Home here. If you’re planning to snag one as a gift or to use before guests arrive, most of them ship quickly through Walmart+ too.

So that’s the scoop. Never thought I’d have an in-depth conversation about vacuum cleaners, but here we are. Blogging is wild, y’all. 😉

If a vacuum isn’t on the wish list for Christmas, maybe at least all of this info will come in handy when it’s time to clean up the Christmas craziness after New Year’s. (And maybe then, this whole house cleaning checklist will help.)

Got any favorite vacuums or floor cleaning tools you’d recommend?

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