After the holiday decorations are tucked away and the new gifts have found their rightful places, do you feel the urge to dive into a deep clean? January might still be dark and chilly, with unpredictable weather, but for many homemakers, it feels like the perfect time for a “spring clean.” A new year brings new opportunities, and a clean house can symbolize a fresh start.
The Joy of January Cleaning
For many of us, cleaning isn’t just about tidying up — it’s therapeutic. As Kimora Lee Simmons wisely said, “I look forward to spring cleaning and putting things in their place. It’s therapeutic for me.”
Starting the year with a clean and organized home can boost your mood and help you feel more prepared for the months ahead. January cleaning can feel like clearing the slate, creating a peaceful and productive environment to welcome new opportunities.
Dealing with Allergies During Cleaning
One of the downsides of a deep clean, however, is battling allergens like dust. If you’re like me and suffer from dust allergies, you know that sneezing fits can turn a productive session into a frustrating ordeal.
My go-to solution? Haymax balm. This little pot of magic is applied around the nostrils to trap dust particles before they can trigger a reaction. I discovered it during my January clean, but my son had already been using it for his hay fever in the summer. It’s portable, easy to use, and incredibly effective — a lifesaver during any cleaning spree.
Where to Start?
When tackling a house-wide clean, the kitchen is often my first stop. It’s the heart of the home, and knowing every surface is spotless sets the tone for the rest of the cleaning. From scrubbing the countertops to organizing cupboards, having a clean kitchen feels immensely satisfying.
Next, I move room by room, working through my mental checklist. One area that often needs attention during winter is the windows. The low winter sun reveals every streak and smudge, so I always make it a point to clean them. A tip I swear by (and one endorsed by Good Housekeeping) is to clean windows on a cloudy day — this prevents the cleaning solution from drying too quickly and leaving streaks. Winter days are perfect for this task!
A Personal Cleaning Project
This week, my cleaning efforts are getting a boost because we’re having new carpets installed throughout the house. It’s the ideal excuse to vacuum every nook and cranny, dust light fixtures, and deep-clean the windows. By the time the carpets are in place, my home will feel completely refreshed.
Cleaning with Kids? Plan Strategically!
If you have kids at home, you know how challenging it can be to maintain a clean house. As Phyllis Diller famously quipped, “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.”
The secret? Tackle your cleaning while the kids are at school. This way, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, even if it’s just for a few hours. There’s nothing more satisfying than sitting down with a hot cup of coffee in a freshly cleaned home, savoring the calm before the chaos returns.
My Top Tips for January Cleaning
- Set a schedule. Breaking the cleaning into manageable chunks can prevent burnout and make the process feel less overwhelming.
- Use the right tools. Dusting wands, vacuum attachments, and natural cleaning products can make the job easier and more enjoyable.
- Don’t forget the windows. Take advantage of those cloudy winter days for streak-free results.
- Create a playlist. Music or a podcast can make even the most tedious tasks feel more fun.
- Celebrate your progress. Take a moment to enjoy your clean space with a treat or a break — you’ve earned it!
Why January Cleaning Matters
Starting the year with a clean home is more than just a chore — it’s a way to reset and embrace the year ahead with clarity and purpose. As homemakers, we pour our energy into creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and functional. A January deep clean helps us step into the new year with a sense of accomplishment and readiness.
So, whether you tackle the entire house or just a few key areas, embrace the opportunity to refresh your space this January. After all, a clean home can inspire a fresh outlook on everything else in your life.
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into your January clean? Share your tips, stories, and experiences with our homemaker community — we’d love to hear how you make your home sparkle for the new year!