Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for celebrations and an occasion to clean the house. A sparkling, organized home is believed to enhance positivity and happiness, while cleaning has spiritual significance. This tradition of deep cleaning before Diwali has been passed down for generations, which helps in flushing out bad energies and making room for good energies. We share some tips from experts in this article to get your home ready to welcome the festive season.
Cleaning the house on Diwali 2024, just like lighting diyas and distributing sweets, is an annual ritual for the whole family. So, here are some easy ways to do Diwali cleaning.
Diwali is the most awaited festival across India. Families come to visit far and wide. But before all this can happen, houses must be cleaned and the bad energy that has accumulated every year must be flushed out. So, in this blog, we explain some easy ways to do Diwali cleaning.
Most Useful Cleaning Tips for Diwali 2024
1. Cleaning Pooja Room
Your prayer room or temple needs a little extra attention around Diwali. Whatever the interior design of your temple, remember that most idols are made of brass. Store-bought brasso, tomato sauce, or brass cleaners can be used. Pour the sauce on the idol and keep it aside for a few hours. Then wipe it clean. The acidic component of these sauces loosens the dirt and makes it easier to clean.
2. Cleaning Kitchen
The kitchen gradually becomes oily and sticky. To clean the kitchen efficiently, one can divide the cleaning process into small steps:
First, clean the kitchen drawers and shelves. Wipe the drawers and shelves with a clean cloth, warm water, or any cleaner. Clean the kitchen utensils that are not used daily. Similarly, clean the kitchen floor, platform, and exhaust fan using warm water and detergent.
Often we forget to clean the places filled with plastic bags and food containers. Remove them first. Now remove the supplies whose expiration date has passed, towards the refrigerator. Flavor enhancers include agents, sauces, powders or oils. Clean the stove shelves with baking soda and lemon. This mixture helps remove greasy and oily stains from the shelves.
3. Cleaning Mattresses
Along with changing your linen on Diwali, give your mattresses a chance to sunbathe. Keep your mattresses, pillows and cushions in direct sunlight for a few hours to kill all the germs present in them. Do not forget to turn them after an hour or two, so that both sides get sunlight.
4. Cleaning Lights and Fans
Lights and fans are usually left unattended throughout the year. While cleaning the house during Diwali, use a vacuum to remove cobwebs and dust. Wipe the fan blades again with a wet cloth. If you are afraid that dust and dirt will fall on your fan blades, place a pillow cover over the fan blades, then take it out and wipe it off.
5. Cleaning Bathrooms
The bathroom is a must when cleaning the house for Diwali. Spray all toilets from the counter, above the sink. Do the same in the cabinets where you keep shampoo, conditioner and soap. While you are doing this, wipe down the taps and shower with vinegar to get rid of salt deposits in the water. Take down and wash the shower curtains. Also, don’t forget to clean the bathroom windows and exhaust fans.
6. Cleaning Glass Surfaces
You may not realize it, but there are a lot of glass surfaces in your home that go overlooked during daily cleaning. We are talking about mirrors, windows, etc. Wiping these surfaces with a damp cloth is not a good idea. The fibers of the cloth tend to stick to the surfaces. Use a sheet of newspaper and water instead. Pour water on the surface and wipe with a crumpled sheet of newspaper.
7. Cleaning Drawers and Cupboards
Start by cleaning out your pantry, cupboards, and drawers. When you get rid of expired medicines, spices, clothing, and more, you make room for new things. Look for things you don’t use but are keeping because you’re not ready to throw them away. You can donate some of the things you no longer need or use.
8. Cleaning Mats and Hand Towels
Stubborn stains on kitchen mats or towels can be difficult to clean, especially when washing by hand. And cleaning them with a washing machine can be dangerous. So how to clean mats or hand towels?
Clean kitchen towels in the washing machine first. Clean doormats in the next cycle. Then use descale power to run your washing machine on the drum cycle. This will help remove dust and contaminants.
9. Cleaning Appliances
Before Diwali, you should also clean places that are not seen often. We are discussing the insides of the refrigerator, oven and microwave. Start by wiping the walls with a damp tissue. This will prevent oil splatters from getting on the metal. Add lemon juice or vinegar to water and put it in the microwave for a few minutes.
10. Cleaning Curtains and Furniture
The week before Diwali is a good time to remove and wash curtains. Replace curtains as well as tablecloths, throws and cushion covers. If you don’t have two sets of curtains, you can wash your curtains in one room. Most linens are easy to wash in a washing machine. Use fabric softener to freshen up linens and keep them smelling fresh.
11. Cleaning Tips for Dusting and Vacuuming
Sweeping the floors of your house every day is probably not enough. To prepare the house for Diwali, you should pay attention to things that you do not look at often. Remove dust from your art pieces, vacuum the shelves, take down pictures and wipe all your frames. Use a damp or dry cloth. If you want to make the job easier, use both types of vacuum cleaners: wet and dry. You can reach small corners and cracks this way.
12. Post Cleaning
This is one of the tips for cleaning after Diwali. Well, after cleaning the house take time to clean your cleaning items. This includes brushes, mops, dusters, etc. Buy new items if any of these are dirty or torn.
13. Scent and Fragrance
Fragrance is important in creating a festive atmosphere. Light scented candles in the home, burn incense sticks or use essential oils in a diffuser. Sandalwood and jasmine scents are very popular on Diwali.
Conclusion
Diwali home cleaning in 2024 may seem like a daunting task, but if it is well planned, it can turn out to be a pleasant and satisfying experience. A clean, clutter-free home not only looks beautiful but also infuses the festive spirit. If you follow these tips, you will be all set to welcome the festival of lights.
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I start cleaning for Diwali?
It is best to start cleaning the house at least two weeks before Diwali, so that you have enough time to clean the entire house.
2. What is the best way to deep clean my kitchen?
It is important to give the kitchen a thorough cleaning to remove grease from surfaces, clean appliances and clear out the pantry.
3. How do I make my home smell nice for Diwali?
Use incense sticks, scented candles or diffuser oils to give your home a festive smell.
4. Can I use eco-friendly products for deep cleaning?
Of course! Natural cleaning ingredients like lemon, baking soda and vinegar are eco-friendly.
5. How can I maintain a clean home throughout the festive season?
To keep the house tidy during Diwali, dust and wipe surfaces, organize daily and clean after every festive occasion.