5 Ways to clean your home in early 2024

As we step into 2024, we are keen to kickstart our deep cleaning routines. Bidding farewell to any remaining traces of festive clutter and embracing the new year with a fresh perspective!

Plus, if you're aiming for improved sleep in the coming year, consider cleaning as the solution. A study reveals that 72 per cent of Brits find it easier to drift into slumber in a clean and tidy house. Moreover, 80 per cent of us experience a heightened sense of relaxation in clean surroundings. 

There's no better moment than now to prepare your home for a thorough cleaning. But where should you begin? Josh Clarke, Manager at Clear it Waste, a London-based waste collection company, shares his expert tips on effectively cleaning your home and experiencing a revitalised environment in the process!

You don't have to spend a fortune on cleaning products; there are plenty of affordable natural remedies available. A study revealed that people spent an average of £2.70 per week on cleaning products in 2022, an unnecessary expense given that natural alternatives are often just as effective. The even better news is that you likely already have the ingredients needed at home!

For example, bicarbonate soda, a common kitchen staple, is a versatile cleaner that can deodorise, remove stains, and soften fabrics. Vinegar is excellent at cutting through grease and mildew while softening water. Both are non-toxic and safe for use around pets and children.

Surprisingly, cornflour, typically used for thickening gravy, can also clean windows, and soft furnishings, and absorb spilt oil. Additionally, consider using herbs, fresh lemons and essential oils with disinfectant properties instead of harsh chemicals found in some branded cleaning products. These natural alternatives not only clean effectively but also offer a sweeter aroma, much less offensive than bleach.

In the UK, over 90 per cent of us confess to having clutter stashed in lofts, overflowing from cupboards and drawers. Now is an ideal moment to rid yourself of these unwanted items and the waste taking up valuable space.

When decluttering, it's crucial to prioritise recycling. Reports indicate that as much as 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging end up in landfills instead of being recycled in the UK. To ensure clear differentiation between recyclables and waste, consider using two bins as you declutter. This practice can help you efficiently separate items for recycling and disposal, ultimately saving you time in the long run.

Kamalyn Kaur, psychotherapist, continued to comment on the impact of a cluttered home:

“A cluttered or untidy environment can make you feel chaotic, overwhelmed, confused and many other negative emotions, all these feelings have the potential to lead to an individual feeling stressed and anxious. A cluttered environment adds to the 'busyness' in your head.

“Having a tidy and uncluttered environment will help you to feel organised, clearer and more in control. It will improve your productivity, and focus and allow a sense of accomplishment after a festive-filled busy period.”

Returning to the theme of adopting positive habits for the new year, we emphasise there's no need to spend extravagantly on cleaning products and tools or to overthink them. Instead, the focus should be on devising plans and goals for the upcoming year by establishing achievable and realistic goals. 

For example, set cleaning goals for each room in your house. This approach makes it less overwhelming, giving you the time to clean each room thoroughly, starting from the top and working your way down, so you don't miss anything.

Kamalyn Kaur, psychotherapist, commented on creating realistic goals for the new year:

“The festive period can be very chaotic, stressful and eventful. There is often not much structure or routine during those days as everyone is on holiday mode—all of which is great for the short term. However, in the long run, this type of routine is not sustainable nor is it very productive. When setting goals, always ensure that your goals are realistic and attainable. So many people set unrealistic goals which means by the third week of January, they have already given up on them. 

“Remember, the new year has 12 months, not one. So, all your new goals don’t have to start in January. If you are lacking motivation at the start of the year or experiencing post-festive fatigue then you still have the option of eleven other months in which you can start pursuing your goals.”

Cleaning can be overwhelming, especially in a busy household. However, there are strategies to ease the pressure. 

Instead of trying to clean the entire house in one go, tackle one room at a time. Create a to-do list, allowing you to work at your own pace and ticking tasks as they're completed. This method helps break down large tasks into more manageable steps. Checking off items on your list provides a sense of accomplishment, helping you utilise your time more effectively.

Rather than rushing to finish everything quickly, consider breaking down your tasks over several days. Trying to do everything at once may lead to overlooking things or losing focus. Allocating your time and effort to a few tasks each day is a more proactive and sustainable approach.

Finally, let's address the overlooked cleaning tasks. Despite the average person deep cleaning their home five times a month, certain items are often forgotten, such as curtains, drains and the tops of cupboards!

To tackle this, we suggest starting with the higher-priority cleaning tasks located higher up in your home, as these areas tend to go unnoticed. Once those tasks are completed, move on to mid-level surfaces and items at an average height that are easily reachable. Finish off by addressing the floor to eliminate any remaining specks of dust, dirt, or grime that may have been overlooked earlier.