Broomhuggers » Mistletoe and eggnog

December 30, 2007 | Allergies, asthma, Cleaning tips

Christmas has come and gone, but New Year is just around the corner, and that means parties! More cleaning to be done, plans to be made, appetizers to prepare, and desserts to bake. The fun of the holidays is far from over!

But in another few days we’ll be putting away holiday decorations and putting our homes back in order - the way they are the rest of the year (or at least the way we want them to be for Superbowl parties).

A few things to remember as you’re doing your cleaning this week and next:

As you put away your holiday decorations, remember that the regular decor that’s been boxed up may have collected dust and other allergens. Unpack them outside if possible, and dust them before you bring them in - especially if anyone in your home has asthma.
Now is a great time to replace your air filters. All the changing of home decor probably created more dust in your home, and while you’re cleaning you might as well change those filters.
Don’t forget to sweep your entry ways (even outside the home) and give your door mats a good clean. With the extra traffic of the holidays, you’ll want to make sure what remains is memories, not dirt to be tracked in!
Have leftover candy canes? Throw them in a food processor, melt your favorite chocolate and spread it over a cookie sheet. Sprinkle the candy cane dust over the top, and refrigerate. Voila! Peppermint bark! Add a drop or two of peppermint oil to the melted chocolate to make it extra minty.
If you have silk plants and trees in your home, now would be a great time to spray them down. Again, the activity of the holidays brings extra things into your home, and that means extra dust. Either put the plants in the shower and use a detachable shower head to spray them down, or take them outside and use a garden hose and sprayer attachment to wash the dust away.
A feather duster is a great way to go over your home quickly for dust. Just remember to wear a mask if you have severe allergies, do it when others are away, and an hour or two after you dust each room run the vacuum to collect any dust that will have settled into your floors.
Don’t forget to clean out your refrigerator and freezer after the parties have finished. You’d rather toss it now than in a month when it’s become a science project!
Does your oven need a good scrub after all your holiday baking? Mine sure does! Good for you if you have a self-cleaning oven. If not, you don’t need a harsh oven cleaner. Just grab a good degreaser (Simple Green works well, as does Bon Ami and Bar Keepers’ Friend). Spray or sprinkle on, let sit a while, and then scrub away. It may take a few rounds, but it’ll be well worth it.

And may the New Year bring you renewed organization, healthy motivation, and a good balance of relaxation and good times with good friends!

Posted by mudlark @ 11:59 am

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