Keeping your house spic and span throughout the winter months is no walk in the park. The organized chaos of the holidays and New Year’s celebrations present their own challenges, and the wet and windy conditions outside will only make your life that much harder. To avoid becoming overwhelmed with housecleaning chores across the holiday period, it can be helpful to set up a housecleaning schedule to make sure all of the tasks are completed regularly. But how do you even start to break down your entire housecleaning to-do list into an easy-to-follow schedule?
Follow our simple tips on how to organize a housecleaning schedule during winter so you have a stress-free holiday in a clean and tidy home.
Create A List Of What Needs To Be Done
The first step in organizing your winter cleaning plan is to jot down everything that needs to be done, from the smallest tasks to the biggest. You may have created a similar list earlier in the year, but bear in mind that your to-do list may differ with the seasons.
In the summertime, you might pay more attention to outside areas, and you will likely benefit from greater ventilation as you can open the windows without getting too chilly. As the cold weather and long nights set in, your priorities will shift.
Cleaning winter warmers such as blankets and cushions should be on your list, as well as cleaning the fireplace, which is likely to get the most use during these months. You should also take greater care in cleaning bathrooms and toilets, where condensation is likely to build up and germs lurk as we close our windows to keep the warm air in.
Decide On Frequency Of Tasks
Once you’ve finished noting down every job that needs completing, you may be left with a daunting, seemingly never-ending to-do list. But, once you break this down into more manageable chunks, you will suddenly feel much more in control.
Whilst there will be several things that need to be done on a daily or weekly basis, the majority of your cleaning responsibilities can be carried out far less frequently. One area that will require constant attention is the kitchen, as spills, leftovers, and bacteria from food products can all create unwanted germs. Studies have shown that kitchen worktops are typically dirtier than bathroom faucets, with traces of coliform bacteria found on 32% of worktops, but just 9% of bathroom faucet handles. However, low-traffic areas of your home will need to be cleaned less frequently, so be sure to prioritize the busier areas on your schedule.
If you are unsure where to start, it can be useful to consider expert advice when it comes to devising your cleaning schedule. This way you can be sure that you are along the right track when it comes to your cleaning and that nothing is being missed out.
Delegate Responsibilities
To further break down your responsibilities and make your housecleaning schedule more manageable, enlist the help of your household members to carry out the cleaning duties. This could be a good opportunity to introduce your children to the world of chores.
Start by giving them simple tasks, such as tidying their bedroom or pairing up socks. Not only will this help cut down your to-do list, it will also help your children to start taking responsibility for their belongings and teach them good life skills.
The holidays are a busy time for all of us, and a little help around the home can go a long way to freeing up some precious time. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, or just want to reclaim your free time over the festive period, you can quickly and easily search for a housekeeper online to help manage your schedule.
Whether you want them to carry out basic tasks such as dusting and vacuuming, or tackle the more arduous jobs like oven cleaning, be sure to set your expectations before hiring a professional housekeeper. This will help to set boundaries for you both and ensure you can create a happy working relationship.
If your home needs a deeper clean than you housekeeper can provide, call Woodard! Or you can have your housekeeper call us on your behalf. We often work with house managers or house keepers to arranger professional cleanings of carpets, rugs, furniture, and hard surfaces. Learn more about our residential cleaning services online now.
About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration
Woodard was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, their grandson, Justin Woodard, is the third-generation president and CEO. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard began as a cleaning company and expanded to offer fire and water mitigation, mold remediation and reconstruction, as well as board-up, smoke restoration and hard surface cleaning. Woodard has the most capable employees in the industry! With a mission of Helping People Get Back to Their Lives, Woodard serves both residential and commercial clients in the greater metro area. Woodard takes pride in investing in their employees and is recognized by the St. Louis Post Dispatch as a Top Workplace. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.
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Updated 12/16/2021