Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
With all the excitement and preparation for the big day, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of festive decorations… forgetting the ghosts of Christmas past, along with all the clutter to clear away.
Fallen pine needles, clumps of tinsel, sticky finger stains on the sofa; And all those beautiful leftovers that slowly lose their shine as their sell-by date approaches.
“Christmas is magical… but after that? Not so much,” says Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean (@lynsey_queenofclean), the UK’s leading home expert and TV presenter.
“Once the last mincemeat pie has been eaten and the last cracker joke has been groaned at, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get your home back to its cool, fresh, happy self.”
Crombie says that with a few smart tricks and a little method (including a drop or two of essential oil), you can organize the chaos in no time.
Here’s how to start the year with a sparkling home and a clear mind…
handle decorations
Crombie advises, “Put the brakes on the temptation to put everything back in boxes and deal with it next year; you’ll be grateful you took five minutes to organize it properly.”
She says to pack by area: tree, kitchen, hallway, mantle, outdoor. “Wrap delicate pieces in leftover tissue or even a spare tea towel.
“Choose clear boxes so you can see exactly what’s inside, and label properly – not a tiny unreadable creation that you’ll overlook next December!”
Add a few drops of essential oils to a cotton pad in each box to keep everything fresh until next year, says the cleaning expert.
reset your goals
As Crombie points out, floors really take a hit at Christmas, so give them the reset they deserve.
“Vacuum completely up to the skirting boards. Use the nozzle in corners and under sofas (prepare yourself for what you might find).
“Wipe or steam with a fresh pad and a drop of essential oil. Clean sticky patches with warm soapy water.”
Did you have a real tree? She recommends cleaning the needles with a dustpan and brush first, as those sharp little things can damage the vacuum rollers.
Sort Gift Packaging and Wrap
The mess of gift wrapping can last for days if you let it…
Bring order with three simple stacks, says Crombie. “Keep the pile – anything that needs to be removed. Recycle the pile – all packaging. Donate the pile – duplicates or unwanted gifts.”
And here’s the queen of clean classic: “Keep a small box labeled ‘Next Christmas’ for leftover cards, tags or wrapping; this saves space and sheds a few pounds come December.”
Bring sofas and soft furnishings back to life
“A cozy Christmas usually means crushed cushions and crumbs where they definitely shouldn’t be,” Crombie highlights.
“Remove the cushion and vacuum deeply. Sprinkle bicarbonate and essential oil on the fabric, leave for an hour, then remove.”
She continues: “Wash the throws and fluff the pillows. Give the curtains a quick shake, and open the windows for fresh winter air.”
“Instant freshness, no fancy sprays required.”
Kitchen messy and deep clean
Crombie suggests that the kitchen works overtime at Christmas, so show it some love. “Wipe cupboard doors and handles – major germ hotspots.
“Clean the oven door with a paste of bicarbonate and water. Scrub the sink with hot water and washing-up liquid for that shine.”
Crombie continues: polish Kettles, toasters, and appliances with microfiber cloths. Refresh the chopping board with lemon and salt.
“Put a bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the corner to absorb the December smells like magic.”
New start of fridge and freezer
Time to cleanse and refresh…
She says to empty everything and throw away old leftovers. “Wipe the shelves with warm soapy water. Add a few slices of lemon for instant freshness.
“Bought too much cheese or bread? Freeze it and save it from going to waste.”
decorate your bathroom
She underlines that bathrooms can lose their shine due to Christmas guests and busy schedules.
“Spray white vinegar on shower doors, leave for 10 minutes, rinse. Wipe faucets with half a lemon to tackle limescale. Wash bath mats and hand towels.
“Don’t forget to wipe down the toilet base, which often gets missed! Finish with eucalyptus shower spray for that fresh January spa vibe.”
bring peace back to your home
Now breathe… your home is almost back, enthuses Crombie.
“Light a clean-scented candle. Open the windows for 10 minutes of fresh air. Straighten out the blankets, fluffy cushions and pop on a relaxing playlist.
“Add fresh flowers or a new plant to signal the beginning of cool weather,” she says confidently.