Stress and anxiety are at all-time highs across the globe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased our daily uncertainty and forced many of us
out of normal routines, favorite hobbies, and necessary work. Remaining at home
is the best way to combat the spread of the coronavirus but it can pose real
challenges to us physically and mentally.
Cleaning and tidying up is proven to reduce stress and
anxiety; the act of deep cleaning your Boulder apartment
can help provide mental relief and clarity. Simply tidying up is helpful, but a
thorough cleaning offers an all-day activity with a positive output once
completed. Here are some helpful tips for deep cleaning your apartment.
De-Clutter and Organize
You’ll want a clean slate and fewer items to deal with
before embarking on a cleaning extravaganza. Spend a few days prior to your
deep cleaning going through dressers, closets, and cabinets to remove unwanted
items. Consider creating separate donate bins for home goods and apparel to assist
overwhelmed second-hand stores. Fortunately, Goodwill
and others remain open during the pandemic and are still accepting donations.
Remove Fabrics and Begin Cleaning
Before starting to shake up dust and dirt, remove all rugs,
towels, shower curtains and tie up drapes. Wash smaller bath and kitchen mats
while laying larger area rugs outside in the shade; these can be beaten out or
vacuumed off later in the day. Set aside comforters and blankets so they don’t
collect additional debris during your deep clean.
Take It from the Top
Any professional cleaner would advise you to start from the
top and work your way down. Dust off light fixtures, ceiling fans, curtain
rods, and anything else that doesn’t receive much attention during weekly
chores. Wipe off crown molding and take a broom to the corners of each room and
closet to oust any eight-legged residents. Use a ladder to safely clean the
tops of cabinets, armoires, and shelves. Now’s a good time to use a gentle
cleaner after dusting to remove any built-up dirt and debris.
Don’t Forget About the Appliances
Refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and stovetops see daily
use but are typically overlooked during a light cleaning. Remove everything
from the fridge and use a disinfecting spray to wipe down drawers, handles, and
shelves. Throw away any expired food or leftovers from many moons ago. Implement
an organizational system if you haven’t already to ensure less food is wasted
and everyone in the household knows what’s in the fridge.
Remove oven racks and scour with steel wool while setting
your oven to “clean” mode, but only do so on a cold day, or ensure your windows
are open as the appliance will heat up in order to burn off debris. Wipe down
the microwave and its tray. Consider running a cleaning cycle through your
dishwasher if necessary.
Prep the Bathrooms
Use a hearty grime-busting cleaning that eats away at soap
scum, oils, and hard-water stains to save your lower back. First, dust light
fixtures, hardware, and shelving in the bathroom and then spray down all
porcelain surfaces with your heavy-duty bathroom cleaner. Read the instructions
and allow the formula to sit, as advised. Clean the mirror, countertops, and
pictures while waiting, then begin scrubbing everything else down.
Floors Should be Last
Once you’ve cleaned the bathrooms, kitchen, and common
areas, start on the floors. Wipe down the baseboards, vacuum all rugs, and mop
hard surfaces. Take a cleaning cloth and wipe down underneath cabinet
kickboards or other hard-to-reach areas like closet corners or beneath dressers.
Mop the higher trafficked rooms first and work your way to smaller areas that
can sit and dry, uninterrupted.
Deep cleaning has the ability to lift moods, reduce angst,
and promote tranquility. With a clean house, residents will feel better about
being home for extended periods of time. For those working remotely, an
organized and tidy space can increase productivity at work. There’s really no
downside to deep cleaning your Boulder apartment. Habitat’s inviting apartments
provide spacious living areas for residents and plenty of outdoor space to soak
up Colorado’s ample sunshine. Contactus today to learn more.