Holiday decorations put away? Check! Now, what's next? It's no surprise that after the holiday meals and relaxation ends, we all want to hit the gym and get back in shape. Then why is it any different for your house? It's time to clean out the dust and clutter from last year to create a more peaceful and healthier home!

Protect your carpet and furniture

Clean carpets and furniture help set the tone for the space in your home. Extend the life of your carpet, furniture, and drapes by getting professionally-applied upholstery sealant. It works by causing the liquid from inevitable spills to bead up instead of absorbing into the furniture. Another perk is that some of these products also prevent other issues such as mold, mildew, and fading fabric colors. Now guests and family can enjoy the beauty of your furniture and relax while doing it!

Pro tip: Apply the sealer once a year after a deep upholstery and carpet cleaning.

Keep track of the humidity in your home  

While humidity might be the enemy of your hair (or even nerves), it can be very helpful in keeping your furniture dust-free. Low humidity causes static electricity, which allows dust to stick. However, if the humidity is too high, you run the risk of creating an environment for dust mites. This can cause allergies or health issues for your family. The key is to keep your humidity level between 40% and 50% to eliminate static while decreasing the likelihood of dust mites in your home.  

Deal with mess daily

It's way better to deal with small messes on a daily basis than to mess up your life with long hours of cleaning. Whether it's a quick pick up at night, or a few spot-cleans during the day, don't let the smudges and stains build up. If you can do it in 2 minutes (or even less), do it now!

Create a spot-cleaning kit and include the following to be ready when messes come:

• Keep dry sweeper cloths to pick up dust quickly
• Have cleaning pads at the ready for getting rid of dirty fingertips on walls, counters, or light switches
• Have damp micro-cloths to reduce airborne dander and to wipe down dirty surfaces

Seal Your Countertops

We don't always think about it, but countertops can be porous (including granite and marble) and need to be sealed to prevent staining. A countertop sealer repels liquids like red wine, juice, or other sauces, forcing spills to bead instead of absorbing. Make sure you are reapplying your sealer twice a year. To test and see if you need a fresh coat, pour a small amount of water on your countertop for 2-3 minutes to see if the liquid stays beaded.

Make Sure Your Home Smells Good  

Oftentimes smell is the first thing someone notices about your home, so it's important to make the best impression right away. We have a few recommendations that make the most scents!

• Be sure that your garbage disposal is clean
• Strategically place candles throughout your home
• Place dryer sheets in drawers  
• Clip deodorizers to your vents

Remember, a healthier you starts with your home! Start the year off right by accomplishing these small tasks that make a big difference.