Prepare yourself for the big clean

We have already taken care of the outfit. Now let´s talk tools, music, treats and other helpful things.

Music

What you like to listen to while cleaning is of course very individual. I have created a spotify list of my favorite cleaning songs, you can find them here if you like. Or you can put together your own list.

Prepare to donate

While you are roaming around the house you are bound to stumble upon things that you can give away to charity. Clothes that are to small for your children. Toys that nobody loves anymore. Or just random unwanted clutter. Prepare a moving box or a bag that you can put all that stuff in, and when you are done you can take it to a charity of your choice.

Tools

Oh man, it is so annoying when I am all set for cleaning and I realize that I am all out of something important, like vacuum bags. So don´t forget to load up your inventory a couple of days in advance.

I never throw away sheets, towels or bedlinen, instead I use them for cleaning rags. I love them. They have been washed so many times and are excellent at absorbing water.

I don´t use a lot of cleaning products, I find that you can come a long way with regular dish washing soap. I use a bucket, some sponges and a floor brush, vacuum cleaner, window cleaning gear and a stepping stool so I can reach high. For a Eco friendly way of cleaning you can listen to the radio show Pikant. (In Swedish) If you have any tips on good sites in English for this type of things let me know.

Do This Right Away:

Throw all you can wash in the washer: curtains, towels for kitchen and bath.

Remove all of your carpets. I have a lot of rag rugs, I throw them in a big tub of water and soap. I deal with them later, they can lay there for a couple of days. Other rugs I take to the cleaners or I just give them a good beating outside.

I gather all my plants and give them a shower. PS: Yes Mom, I can tell Hydrangea needs water.

If you are a good cook prepare a meal or two, that is easily heated. And buy some treats that you can snack on when you want to pause and look at your clean windows or something like that.

Since your hands will be in water most of the time don´t forget to use a soft hand cream. Or gloves.

If you have kids make plans for them.

I love my kids but when it comes to cleaning they are not much help.  Have them do something fun. Go to granddads house and make a mess there instead of one at home for example.