It’s funny how many excuses we had prior to the pandemic that we claimed were legitimate: I don’t have time to workout. I don’t have time to meal prep. I don’t have time for love, I’m married to my career! I don’t have time to clean, I’m never home anyways. 

Now eight months into the pandemic, we are realizing we did have time (or could have made time) to do all the things we procrastinated on, we were (are? both?) just really lazy. And we don’t blame you, we used to feel the same way about cleaning. It’s tedious, lengthy and at times, boring. But we are making an exception this winter since we discovered how much time we have and how badly certain things and rooms need tending too.

Windows

Washing windows in the summer is for the birds, especially in New York where humidity levels are hellish: the water evaporates, leaves streaks and you’re left sweating. In the winter – depending on where you live – the water might freeze into ice. Plus, since you’re spending more time at home this year, cleaning your windows could be therapeutic and bring joy when you see it streak-free.

Vents

Don’t turn on your heat this winter before cleaning your vents. To do this, grab a bottle brush to dust in between and place a paper beneath the machine to catch the debris. Or, vacuum each crevice and wipe with a microfiber cloth. That should kill all the bacteria that has been lingering and make room for new air.

Winter Coats

Rule of thumb: clean coats before storing them for the summer. If that didn’t happen, no worries, you can clean them now by reading your care label. Most will require a trip to the dry cleaners or laundry room. If you’re lucky, you might be able to get away with just wiping it down.  

Outdoor Furniture

If you’re blessed with a backyard, balcony or porch moment, you probably have outdoor furniture. These are the easiest to clean, take hot water, soap and a soft towel and scrub stains or residue away before the winter. That way stains won’t have a chance to seep in further.