If Marie Kondo hasn’t gotten you in the mood for some serious Spring cleaning and decluttering, we’re here to help even more. Cleaning can sometimes be a chore, but if you love your home and the “stuff” (furniture and décor) in your home, I encourage you to take pride in it and tackle little bits every day.

Cleaning and tidying up a room will make you want to spend time there. It also helps you keep track of all your things and with kids in the house; it can help keep sticky fingerprints to a minimum. Because let’s face it, they are never truly gone, are they?

Next to the kitchen, the living room is one of the most heavily used areas so it makes sense to start your cleaning habit routine with this space. Whether you eat on the sofa or not, giving your living room regular attention can help you enjoy the room while getting longer life out of your furniture, and be guest ready at a moment’s notice.

We’ve pulled together a handy checklist to help guide you in your quest for a clean (and organized!) living room.

Daily

• Before bed, each evening or first thing in the morning, re-set the living room (put everything where it belongs)
• Spot clean as necessary (wipe up any spills or marks)

Once a Week

• Straighten cushions & throws
• Wipe down tables and surfaces
• Vacuum and mop floors
• Spot clean as needed
• Dust lampshades, ceiling fans, vents, photos & décor items, including mirror

Once a Month

• Dust & wipe down behind the TV (it’s amazing how much dust gets in with all those wires)
• Wipe down & sanitize all remote controls (they are germ heaven!)
• Dust & clean all photos & décor items, including mirrors
• Dust moulding
• Vacuum under cushions/in your sofa/chairs

Twice Yearly

• Clean and condition any leather and/or wood furniture
• Deep clean carpets and all upholstery, including curtains
• Wipe down baseboards
• Touch up paint or wall cleaning as required

Doing little bits each day, especially putting everything back in its place, really helps when it comes time to actually cleaning. Why? Well, you can get right to work cleaning windows or polishing wood furniture rather than spending time “cleaning up” before you clean. It might not “spark joy”, but it sure will make your life easier (and cleaner!).

What is one of your favourite cleaning tips? How do you ensure your furniture gets the attention it needs?

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert