If we’re being honest, and since I’m always honest with you, my house is not clean right now.
Its not clean at all.
May is a whirlwind of events for us and cleaning is not one of those events that tends to take place during the month.
Until there is a mad dash next Friday to clean right before the kid’s birthday party so that our guests don’t turn and run screaming out the door…
I can hear the circus talking to her therapist in ten years, “Everyone showed up for my birthday party that year, but then made a beeline for the door when they saw dust an inch thick and dried crusty milk on the floor. They took all their presents with them. I’ve never been the same since.”
Therapy is going to cost me a fortune.
So next week, to hopefully cut down on therapy costs, these are my best cleaning tips that I will actually do…well at least everywhere that guests will be… 😉
Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with HomeRight. However, all opinions and dirty, dirty houses are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Indoor and Outdoor Cleaning Tips
First off, let’s de-clutter.
Shockingly, I did this last night when I found out the in-laws were coming down for the night. Lord knows, I can’t let them sleep on a bed where they may or may not end up being poked by plastic horses and measuring tapes – both of which were all over the guest bed last night. This de-cluttering printable covers every room, closet, nook and cranny.
I should probably work on the bathrooms next…
I finally did take out the overflowing trash can in my bathroom last night. Once more, because my in-laws are coming down. Thanks for helping me get my butt in gear, Mama and Dad. I will be doing some deep cleaning in the showers though with my HomeRight Steam Machine. Honestly, never in a million years did I think I would love something that cleans so much. I guess age does that to you. Or maybe its the fact that it cuts down on so much time that I can have that cheap beer sooner? 😉
Of course, the kitchen is gross too…and has a variety of craft items all over the counters that are supposed to be making some party decorations for the kid’s party. Still working on that one.
I also use my steam machine to clean my entire kitchen. Yep. The whole room. Counters, backsplash, sink, stove, refrigerator, all the stainless steel. You name it. I clean it with my steamer. See why I like it so much?
My favorite thing to do, ok wait its not my favorite because it involves dog accidents, but maybe the best thing about my steam machine plus, is that it can easily clean up pet stains and odors.
I am not a dog person. Go ahead. Throw the tomatoes at me. Sorry, y’all, they just aren’t my cup of tea. The thought of cuddling up with a furry creature is just gross to me. Alas, Grunt Labor and the circus adore the dogs, therefore I tolerate them. Ok, they are just a tad bit cute. Just a tad though. Their accidents are not cute. At all. Here’s how I clean up their stains and odors easily – yep, even on carpets.
I steam clean just about every floor in my house actually.
And trust me, never in a million years did I think I would be cleaning chemical-free. I grew up in the country where old ladies load their Cadillacs down with ammonia every spring for cleaning. I had fully intended on being one of those old ladies. The Cadillac will definitely happen – the ammonia, not so much.
That being said, I do still use store-bought cleaners for some things.
I am also a fan of using my magic eraser on a lot of things around the house.
One of those things being to clean my hardware. Its much cheaper than replacing it.
I also use a spray to protect my upholstery from stains and to waterproof it.
See, I’m not 100% hippie.
I literally just laughed out loud at the thought of even being considered a hippie.
And since the birthday entourage will obviously see the outside of my house, I’d better make that look a little more presentable too..
There will be some cleaning of concrete landscaping blocks.
And the sidewalk could use a quick little cleaning refresh…
Yea, I just cringed too at that before picture. I still have no idea what was growing on the sidewalk before I cleaned it.
If you’ve got rust on anything, I’ve got a killer way to remove it.
I thought this little cookie jar was way past it’s prime, until I figured out how to clean copper!
I love vintage brass, but I despise cleaning it up! Here’s the easiest way I’ve found to clean it.
What are your best cleaning tips?
Do any of you have a magic genie in a bottle that can just do all the cleaning, the party decorations and make all the food for me before next Saturday?
Anyone? Anyone?
Looking for more useful cleaning and organization tips?
Be sure to see these five simple storage and organization ideas that are truly life-changing!
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