Winter’s beauty can often be intertwined with tangled realities: slushy footprints, overflowing coat hooks, and condensation everywhere. But worry no more! Let expert cleaners and organizers become your secret weapon against winter’s clutter.
We’ve compiled their top 5 solutions for those winter-specific messes, all packed with handy tips you can use year after year to maintain a sparkling haven. Discover these tips and say goodbye to the winter mess monster!
Gear Up for Organized Storage:
As winter descends, so does the influx of bulky equipment like snow shovels, skis, and snowboards. These space-hoggers often end up cluttering floors, mudrooms, and hallways. For a more professional approach, renowned organizer Dex Flooring, recommends maximizing vertical space. Utilize strategically placed wall hooks or hanging racks to keep your winter gear visible, easily accessible, and off the ground. This approach fosters organization, prevents tripping hazards, and maintains a sense of order even in the throes of winter’s chill.
Banish the Winter Blues: Simple Solutions for Window Condensation
Winter’s frosty grip often brings an unwanted guest: condensation on your windows. These unsightly streaks can be easily tackled with everyday household ingredients, according to Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager at Two Maids. Her trusted technique utilizes a simple mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Apply this mixture to your windows using a microfiber cloth, followed by buffing dry with another clean microfiber cloth. This effective technique leaves your windows gleaming and the winter scenery unobstructed, creating a breath of fresh air and inviting winter vistas within your home.
Stop Winter Mess at the Door: Master the Entryway with Expert Tricks
Winter transforms our homes into cozy havens, but it also brings unwelcome guests: salt, slush, and tracked-in debris. Fear not, for conquering these messes starts at the entryway, and expert organizers have your back!
Katrine Burkitt, founder of Sunnyside Organizing, emphasizes the power of a well-equipped entryway. “Imagine it as a defense zone against winter’s mess,” she says. Her top suggestion? The right floor mat. Opt for a heavy-duty, absorbent material like rubber or polypropylene to capture moisture and dirt. Ideally, it’s large enough to accommodate multiple people wiping their feet,” Burkitt adds.
If you have the space, consider a welcoming bench or chair. Guests and family members are more likely to remove their shoes if there’s a place to sit and do so comfortably. Dex Flooring, recommends a shallow, waterproof boot tray, specifically designed to contain wet and muddy footwear. “Choose a plastic one for easy cleaning,” she advises.
But what if some mess still sneaks in? Don’t worry, Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager at Two Maids, has a simple solution. “Mix equal parts white vinegar with water in a bucket,” she instructs. “Using a mop, clean the affected area and rinse thoroughly with clean water.” The mild acidity of vinegar neutralizes salt, leaving your floors sparkling clean.
Keeping Paw Prints at Bay: Winter Pet Care for a Clean Home
Winter’s frosty wonderland entices our furry friends to playfully explore, leaving them with paws full of adventures (and mess). While we humans can shed boots at the door, our four-legged friends require assistance to avoid tracking winter grit, salt, and debris throughout the house. Here’s how to keep your home clean and your pet comfortable with helpful tips from experts:
The Power of Prep:
Shannon Parker, founder of Arrange For It, champions practical solutions. Inspired by her mother-in-law’s wisdom, she suggests a strategic setup by the front door:
- Paw Cleansing Station: Keep a spray bottle of lukewarm water (not hot!) and a soft, damp cloth readily available. As your pet enters, gently cleanse their paws, removing any visible dirt or salt. This simple step serves as the first line of defense against tracked-in mess.
- A stash of pet-safe wet wipes: Accidents happen, and a quick swipe with a wipe can address paw prints or small spills before they become bigger problems. Opt for wipes specifically formulated for pets, avoiding harsh chemicals or fragrances that might irritate their sensitive paws.
Beyond the Entrance:
- Strategic Floor Mats: Lay down absorbent floor mats inside and outside the entryway. They capture moisture and debris before it reaches your carpets or hardwood floors. Choose materials like rubber, or microfiber, for superior absorbency and easy cleaning.
- Consider Paw Protection: If your pet struggles with harsh winter conditions, explore protective booties or paw boots. These can shield their paws from salt, ice, and abrasive surfaces, reducing the need for post-walk cleanups.
- Regular Paw Care:Perform daily or weekly paw pad inspections into your pet’s routine. Check for cracks, dryness, or irritation caused by winter elements. Apply veterinary-approved paw balms or moisturizers to protect their pads from painful cracking and keep them healthy.
Conquering Winter Clutter: Taming the Outerwear Avalanche
Winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves – these essential allies against the cold can quickly transform your closet into a chaotic avalanche. Fear not, intrepid organizers! With a little strategic decluttering and clever storage solutions, you can reclaim your haven of peace and keep winter accessories accessible and at-the-ready.
Step 1: Declutter Your Gear:
- Embrace the Marie Kondo method: Ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If not, it’s time to let go. Be ruthless. Toss out worn-out items, unmatched gloves, or scarves that have seen better days. Remember, holding onto unused items only creates clutter and makes finding what you need a chore.
- Size matters: Do you still fit into that ski hat from your college days? If not, donate it to someone who will! Keeping clothes and accessories that no longer fit just adds to the clutter and discourages wearing them.
Step 2: Organize Smartly:
- Designated drop zones: Create a dedicated space for each family member’s winter gear. Separate bins or baskets clearly labeled with names keep things organized and prevent chaotic searches for lost mittens.
- Maximize vertical space: Don’t have enough floor space for bins? Utilize walls! Install an over-the-door organizer with pockets for hats, scarves, and gloves. Hooks hung strategically on walls can hold coats and heavier items.
- Categorize and contain: Group similar items together. Store gloves and hats in labeled bins, scarves in a hanging organizer, and bulkier items like ski pants and snow boots on high shelves. This makes grabbing what you need quick and easy.
- Utilize clear containers: Opt for transparent storage bins or open shelves. This allows you to see what’s inside at a glance, eliminating the need to rummage through everything.
