Is there a better time than January to start the process of creating new and positive energy in your home? Oftentimes people wait until the spring to do their yearly “spring cleaning”, but I implore you to rethink this notion. In early January we are often left with extra time to clean and we have new belongings we need to make room for. So, make early January a time for your “New Year Cleaning”. Cleaning your home in the New Year can be simple and easy, follow some of these tips and you can start right away.

• Try not to do too much at once. You may want to simply start with just one room each day. Do some general tidying and box away items you do not use anymore. Once the clutter is cleared away you are able to do deep cleaning, such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping.

• Make sure you have mops and brooms that are in good working order. Make sure your mop head is clean and does not need to be changed. Mopping with an old dirty mop head doesn’t bring that new clean energy into the home.

• Use homemade cleaning supplies. The most effective cleaning supplies can be found right in your home. Lemons, essential oils, borax, baking soda, and dishwashing detergent are a few items that can start you cleaning today.

• Be kind to the environment and use old sheets, towels, and rags to clean. After you are done cleaning just simply throw them in to wash.

• To avoid inhaling too much dust, try damp dusting. Simply take an old rag and apply a small amount of olive oil on it. Dust as you would normally and instead of dust flying through the air, it settles on the rag. Your lungs will thank you for it.

• Open the windows in the room you are cleaning. Even if you live in a cold climate, opening your windows a few inches allows dust and dirt to leave and new fresh air to fill the room.

• Before vacuuming, check to see if the bag needs to be changed. If the bag is full and you vacuum, you just send the dust and dirt back into the air to settle on the floors again.

• After you are done cleaning each room take some time to reflect. Sit in the room and ask yourself, “What can I add that would make this room really beautiful, personal, and inspiring”? Is there a picture or quote that you can hang? A statue you can place on the table? Or a piece of nature you can bring in?

“New Year Cleaning” can be a very rewarding time. Making your home sparkle can inspire you to dream and create new things for the New Year. Following these simple tips will start you on the road to a new and clean house.