As we are wading into what we are calling the “new normal,” you’ll find that frequent and deliberate sanitization is as important as ever. Your home is no exception. But really, who isn’t less than inclined to pick up a broom? Well, we think the antidote to lack of motivation is a handy-dandy checklist.
A checklist provides a semblance of structure, which can dampen our anxieties and later provide proof of achievement. Lucky for you and your dusty living room, we whipped one up—just for you. To deep clean your living room and help reduce the chances of contracting infection or sickness, take heed to the following steps.
1. Dust ceiling and other overhead furnishings
You might think that the order of operations is irrelevant; on the contrary, the key to tackling any dirty room is to clean it from top to bottom—literally. Not only is this strategy efficient, but it ensures that you don’t have to dust, wash, scrub, or vacuum anything twice. When you start cleaning the higher-up surfaces, this allows dust and dirt to collect on the floor, which (spoiler) is the final item in our checklist.
After taking down your curtains, swipe a ceiling duster or dry cloth (if you’re using a step ladder) over curtain rods and ceiling fan blades. Don’t forget to wrangle up those pesky cobwebs that tend to congregate in the corners of the room. And make sure to get to the tops of tall entertainment centers, cupboards, and bookcases, too!
2. Dust and wipe down windows and wall décor
Next up: windows. If we’re considering the top-bottom schematic of a home, windows are usually positioned mid-level. Before putting your Windex and lint-free towel to work, take a duster to the window, making sure that you sweep over the glass, blinds (if you have them), and all around the frame.
After generously spraying your window, wipe your clean towel in a Z-shaped motion to dry the glass. If dirt or streaks remain, repeat the process.
Then, continue onto your wall décor. Regardless of how dusty or dirty your ornaments and framed portraits are, a duster or clean microfiber cloth should do the trick. On ornate decorations, be sure to dig your fingernails through the cloth to really get into those crevices. We recommend temporarily taking things off the wall as you clean them.
3. Clean or wash soft surfaces
Soft surfaces are not cleaned as often as the dust-prone surfaces we wipe down every once in a while. Here is how often you should clean the following soft surfaces:
- Curtains – Since curtains are exposed to sunlight and dust, they should be washed at least twice a year to curb deterioration over time. Follow the fabric care instructions on the label; if they’re made of silk, linen, or a synthetic material, they should be dry cleaned.
- Throw blankets – About once a season, throw your fleece and cotton blankets separately on a gentle cycle in cold water. If you’re using a clothes dryer after, make sure to use a no-heat setting to prevent the fibers from shrinking.
- Decorative pillows – On a regular basis, it is recommended that you use the rotary brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to lift any dust off the fibers. If your pillows have removable covers, make sure you wash these at least once a season.
- Furniture upholstery – Make sure you take special consideration of the material that dons your upholstered furniture. First, make sure you read the fabric care instructions to determine whether your couch should be cleaned with dry cleaner detergent, a mild detergent, a steam vacuum, and/or water.
Using DIY cleaning solutions for stains, here’s how to clean upholstery:
- Fabric – Mix a ¼-cup of vinegar, a ¾-cup of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spritz the soiled area and scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts. Use a second damp cloth to work in the soap and pat the area dry with a separate rag.
- Leather – Mix a ½-cup of olive oil with ¼-cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist the surface of the couch and buff with a soft cloth.
- Synthetic – Mix ½-cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, and a ½-tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the soiled area and scrub with a soft cloth until the stain is gone.
4. Dust and sanitize high-touch surfaces
Due to their frequent use, the CDC recommends routinely cleaning high-touch surfaces. These include light switches, lamps, tables, doorknobs, handles, desks, and electronics. Cleaning them is as easy as putting on disposable gloves and using a damp, soapy cloth to reduce the number of germs, dirt, and impurities that often linger on these surfaces. For glass tables and wood furniture, of course, be sure to follow specialized instructions.
We recommend going the extra mile by using a household disinfectant with at least 70 percent alcohol to kill germs in their tracks.
5. Discard or sort clutter
Ah, clutter: a culprit of anxiety and grief. Take matters into your own hands by giving your space the full Marie Kondo treatment. Yes, we do mean evaluating knickknacks and other objects on a metric of “does this spark joy?” As you do this, make sure you have a few subcategorized “no” piles—at least three: one denoting the garbage bin as the final destination, one for items that should be stored elsewhere in the home, and a donation pile.
For items that you wish to donate, make sure you take the time to properly disinfect them and the container you plan to drop off at your local donation center or shelter.
6. Vacuum or steam rugs and carpets
Before you look to cross off the final item in this checklist, make sure you clean your vacuum filter to avoid kicking up dust onto the surfaces you just cleaned. (If you’ve got wood floors or tiles, cleaning your floor is as easy as using a Swiffer Sweeper or mop—a one-and-done deal.)
Depending on the state of your area rugs or carpeting, a once-over with your vacuum might not be enough. You might need to call for reinforcements. A leave-in carpet cleaner and a carpet steam cleaner constitute the only battalion you need against stains. For this process, keep in mind that you will need to clear the room and allow your carpet 4 to 12 hours to dry for all of the moisture to escape.
After dabbing the cleaner over affected areas and letting it sit for a few minutes, prepare your carpet steam cleaner per manufacturer instructions. We recommend running the steam cleaner starting from one corner to another, making clean straight lines with each run. This approach will ensure you don’t miss any spots.
If you’re looking to revitalize your living room with brand-new furniture, check out our catalog! Call our experts today to see what we can do for you.