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10 areas to focus your

cleaning efforts on this

holiday season

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Cleaning Secret is available. It’s the holiday season and while you may be fretting that you have to clean your home from top to bottom, just focusing on these 10 areas will keep things clean and looking organized without taking up every moment of your time. 1. Entryway. Remove clutter from your entryway to give a nice first impression as people enter your home, even if you have to put it all in a bag or box and temporarily hide it away until after the holidays have passed. It’s OK. 2. Front coat closet. Remove and donate coats no longer worn, as well as mismatched or out-of-date winter accessories and boots. Many people need these items this time of the year, so it’s a good time to donate. Plus, you’ll then have space available for guest coats. Be sure you have extra sturdy hangers inside for this purpose. 3. Living Room. Remove clutter from tables, chairs, and the sofa. Dim the lights. The dust won’t show up as well in case you don’t have a chance to clean it. 4. Kitchen. Temporarily remove small, not- used-often appliances and other items from the counter to add some extra space for holiday cooking and baking. Clear out the fridge to make room for extra food and leftovers. 5. Guest Bathroom. While you and your better half will probably be the only two using your main bathroom, the more important bathroom during the holidays is the one your guests use. Clean the guest bathroom well, and add some special touches, like guest towels, extra toiletries, and perhaps, holiday scented candles, room sprays, and/or liquid soaps. In addition, add extra towels and toilet paper. 6. Guest Bedroom. Hosting overnight guests? Put on clean bed sheets and remove any clutter. Add a holiday magazine or a selection of holiday music for your guests to enjoy. 7. Kids' Bedrooms. This is the perfect time for the kids to weed out their belongings, before Santa arrives with more stuff. Donate, donate, donate! 8. Dining Room. Set it with holiday dinnerware. Random items will be less likely to be placed on this surface…and it will be all ready for a special dinner. 9. Vacuum visible rooms. It’s amazing how much cleaner a room looks when lint and other debris are not present. Vacuum the rooms that need it. 10. Give ‘em a shine. Wipe smudges on windows, mirrors, switch plates, and faucets for an instant clean appearance. Keep in mind that if your home really needs a good cleaning and you have no time or are getting over-stressed, scheduling a one-time housecleaning, carpet cleaning, window washing, or other professional cleaning service may be the way to go. Back to Cleaning Secrets Index