Congratulations! You're a new mom. This is a very exciting time. It can also be pretty frustrating when it comes to house cleaning. There is so much to be done, and there seems so little time for you to be able to do it now! The great thing is that there are simple things you can do throughout the day to help you keep your home clean. Here are some great home cleaning tips for the new mom:
• One of the best things you can do as a new mom is take a nap when your baby takes a nap. Don't make the common mistake that most new moms do and clean up while your baby is napping - unless you feel that you simply don't need rest. Instead of doing this, clean up when your baby is awake and satisfied! You can place him or her in the swing, playpen, bouncer, etc., and get some home cleaning accomplished!
• When you're a new mom, things can start to clutter your home quite easily. One way to avoid this is to designate a spot for everything. Invest in some baskets that you can use to keep clutter to a minimum. In the nursery, these come in handy to put the baby's essentials in and keep things off of the counters, dressers, and table tops. A small pail or Diaper Genie works well in the nursery for instantaneous disposal of soiled diapers. As it fills, you can take it out with the rest of the garbage.
• You should try to avoid harsh chemicals in your home cleaning supplies at this time for obvious reasons, but there are some great alternative cleaners you can utilize. Vinegar is a wonderful all-purpose cleaner. Use half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle to wipe down counters, tables, changing tables, and any other surface that needs regular cleaning. It also removes odors quite well. Another great odor remover is citrus fruit. If you find that your surfaces hold odors, cut an orange or lemon in half and rub it all over the entire surface. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a wet cloth to get rid of stickiness.
• As you are going throughout your day, take a few minutes to clean several times can be a lot easier than trying to take a few hours each day to clean. Since you have limited time, this works out well. For example, when you're waiting for a bottle to heat, gather all dirty dishes from the rooms and place them in the dishwasher to start. As you're cooking dinner, throw a load of clothes in the washer and fold any that need to be put away. When you get out of the shower, make sure that all dirty clothes are in the hamper, the clutter in the bathroom is minimal and the surfaces are clean. You can even give the toilet a quick scrub and wipe down and spray the shower with self-cleaning spray.
Being a new mom can bring you some unique time challenges, but using the tips and ideas above can help you overcome them. Perhaps the most important tip you can ever get is to remember that everyone needs help once in a while! Don't underestimate the joy of letting Dad take the baby for a while, or a doting aunt, grandma, or friend! This way, you'll get a bit of a break and be refreshed for when your bundle of joy gets back.
Kristi Patrice Carter is a housecleaning maniac and the proud author of Super Woman Doesn't Live Here Any More: The Ultimate 2 Week Plan for Getting Your Family to Help With Housework." For ordering information and information on Daily Housecleaning Schedule, please visit http://www.dailyhousecleaningschedule.com
Home Cleaning Tips for the New Mom
