Once Upon a Time...

March 31, 2023

How to Turn Your Clean-Home Fantasy into Reality

Does a sparkling clean home sound like a fairy tale to you? Since self-cleaning homes have not yet been invented and fairy godmothers seem to be in short supply, you are likely the one in charge of spring cleaning your castle.

Make your home the fairest in all the land with a spring cleaning checklist. Many free printables are available online. We’ve shared a few samples below to get you started, as well as some basic tips to make your spring cleaning session go smoothly.

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go:

Gather cleaning supplies and tools needed for each room before you start. Then you’ll have everything at hand for a faster, more efficient workday.
Enlist all family members to share the load. Even young princes and princesses can contribute with age-appropriate tasks. Everyone who gets to live in the home gets to help keep it clean!

Whistle while you work:

Listening to music, an audiobook, or your favorite podcast can help the time to pass more quickly.
Motivate yourself or your cleaning team by choosing a reward – a meal out, a family game night, a special dessert, a small purchase for your home, or a fun activity – to be redeemed only after the work is done.

And they lived happily ever after:

Resolve to spend just 10-15 minutes daily keeping your home neat. Setting a timer for a quick speed-cleaning session can make a real difference in your home's appearance and your peace of mind.

• Wipe up spills as they happen.
• Don’t go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink.
• Don’t let mail accumulate on the counter.
• Make sure that kids learn early to put away their own toys at the end of playtime.
• Pre-treat clothing stains before they go in the hamper.
• Put away laundry immediately after the load is complete. Don’t let it become part of your home décor.

You don’t need a magic wand to keep your home tidy. After your annual spring cleaning, a bit of daily effort will help ensure that your house stays the cleanest home in the kingdom.