Keep your hive clean and tidy...

Is there any better feeling than having a fresh, clean and neat home?
I don't think so, which is why I clean like a crazy little elf every day.
I love looking around and seeing a picture perfect, fresh smelling home.
Dust bunnies be damned!

But, even if you're not a chronic neat-freak like me, you can still enjoy a sparkling, home without having to spend hours in rubber gloves.

#1... If you haven't done a deep clean in more than 6 months, do it. You need to start carte blanche!
If you don't have the time, it is totally worth calling the pros.  Groupon has lots of local deals on professional cleaning services, most of them around $60 for 1000 sq foot home.

*Tip, it's all about maintenance.  Keep up your fresh clean with a small daily dose of chores.

#2...Everyday:

• Keep kitchen sink dish-free 
• Wipe counters after cooking 
• Make your bed - c'mon people, make your momma proud!
• Hang clothes laying around your room
• Arrange couch pillows - 30 second home facelift
• Sort mail and immediately toss anything that you don't need - buh-bye catalogue pile!
• Take out trash and recyclables when full (in office and bathrooms as well)
• If you have kids, have them put their toys away before bed - avoid the clutter build up!
• If you have pets, lint roll any furniture  

#3...Weekly:

• Laundry - don't let it pile up, one load doesn't feel like a chore. 6 does.  
• Vacuum.
• Shake small rugs out outside (great for getting rid of allergens) and spritz with febreeze!
• Change sheets and towels - you wouldn't wear same socks for a week without washing...
• Disinfect bathroom and kitchen surfaces, door knobs and key boards - clorox wipes make it a cinch.
• Light dusting.
• Open the windows while you work...it will help to freshen the air and ventilate the cleaning fumes.

#4...Monthly:

• Organize utility closets and desk drawers - avoid clutter.
• Clean fridge - toss any spoiled foods and wipe the shelves.
• Mop or Swiffer floors.
• Wash duvets and bath mats.
• Deep vacuum (under beds and furniture) & dust (ceiling fans and top shelves).
• Clean splattered back splashes.
• Organize dresser drawers and closets - not having to search through a heap of clothes will save you tons of time.

#5...Develop new habits:

• When you finish using something, put it away.
• When you finish cooking, wipe counters.
• Before leaving, straighten your living room.
• Empty the dish rack & washer - don't just pile up.  
• If you have kids, get them involved in the process.
• For the deep clean days, turn on some fun tunes and make it fun!
• Mrs Meyer's and Seventh Generation brands make earth and skin friendly cleaning products that work!
• Always wear gloves to protect your hands. Dry scratchy hands are a total bummer.

#6...Check this out for specific cleaning tips!
How To Clean (Almost) Anything and Everything!

Happy cleaning!
Bee