What to Clean First in Overwhelmingly Messy Ottawa Homes

Blog - by [email protected] - December 15, 2025

house cleaning

Ottawa homes can quickly become overwhelmingly messy, especially amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’ve just finished hosting a gathering or simply let things pile up over time, the task of cleaning can seem daunting. Tackling an untidy home requires a methodical approach, easing the burden by focusing on key areas first.

With the festive season approaching, there’s a certain cheer in the air, but also a lot to clean up. Knowing where to start is the key to reclaiming your home. This information will help you prioritize cleaning tasks, making the process more manageable and less stressful. Instead of getting lost in the chaos, you’ll have a clear path to follow, ensuring your home is inviting just in time for the holidays.

Getting Started: Tackling the Most Visible Areas First

When faced with a messy home, start by addressing the areas that guests and family members see first. This includes the living room and entryways. Think of these spaces as the face of your home; they shape first impressions and are where most activities take place. By focusing on these visible areas, you’ll not only boost your home’s overall appearance but also gain momentum to tackle the rest.

Here are some steps to help you manage these spaces effectively:

– Declutter First: Begin by removing items that don’t belong. Pick up shoes, bags, or toys scattered around the entryway or living room, and put them in their rightful places.

– Organize Efficiently: In the living room, organize books, magazines, and remotes. Use baskets or storage solutions to keep things tidy.

– Cleaning Basics: Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and sweep floors. Pay special attention to high-traffic zones that accumulate dust and dirt quickly.

Maintaining these front-facing areas helps create a welcoming ambiance. Not only does it prepare your home for spontaneous visits, but it also sets a positive tone for the rest of the house. Remember, a clean entryway and living room are your home’s best introduction.

Addressing the Kitchen: Hotspot for Mess

After sprucing up your living areas, shift focus to the kitchen. Often the heart of the home, the kitchen can be a magnet for clutter and grime. With a little planning, you can transform it from chaos to clean in no time. The key is to break it down into manageable steps.

1. Countertops: Begin by clearing countertops. Put away small appliances you don’t use daily, and wipe down surfaces with a gentle cleaner.

2. Appliances: Tackle appliances next. Clean the microwave by heating a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior. Don’t forget to clean the stove and oven, paying attention to sticky or greasy spots.

3. Sink and Dishes: Wash any dirty dishes, then clean the sink using baking soda to scrub away scum. Ensure the faucet and surrounding areas sparkle.

4. Pantry and Fridge: Check for expired or unused items and dispose of them. Organize remaining food in a way that is easy to access, and wipe down shelves with a damp cloth.

Keeping the kitchen tidy on a daily basis makes these deep clean days much less overwhelming. Establishing a simple routine, like wiping surfaces and emptying the trash regularly, prevents mess from accumulating. Once this key area is under control, you’ll find it much easier to keep your home’s energy positive and vibrant.

Bathroom Bliss: Making Your Restrooms Shine

Once the kitchen sparkles, the bathrooms are next on the list. Restrooms are often small but can quickly become some of the messiest and most used spaces in a home. They are places that need a good clean not only for appearance but also for hygiene. Start with essential tasks to keep this area fresh and welcoming.

One of the best starting points is the toilet. Use a quality cleaner and brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly. Next, wipe down the seat and surrounding areas with disinfectant wipes to eliminate germs. Moving on to the sink, remove any clutter, and use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub away soap scum. For that gleaming shine, don’t forget to polish the taps.

Shower and tub grime also need attention. Spray a cleaner specifically made for removing mineral deposits on doors or curtains to prevent buildup. Give the floor and walls a scrub with a non-scratch pad or brush. By keeping mildew at bay, you ensure a safe and pleasant environment. An often-overlooked spot is the bathroom floor. A quick sweep followed by a damp mop will do wonders.

To keep restrooms smelling nice, consider fragrant options like essential oil diffusers or simple air fresheners. The right tools and products make this process easier. Remember to regularly refresh towels and change out the bath mat to maintain a neat appearance.

Tackling Bedrooms: Creating a Peaceful Oasis

After sprucing up the bathrooms, it’s time to bring tranquility to the bedrooms. The bedroom should be a peaceful retreat, a place where you unwind and relax. Clutter and mess can disturb this tranquility, so it’s important to address these spaces thoughtfully.

Begin with the bed. Making the bed each day can instantly change the look of the room. Fresh linens contribute to both comfort and aesthetics. Remove any clutter from bedside tables, dressers, and floors to reduce distraction. These areas are perfect candidates for organizational solutions like bins or baskets.

For a deep clean, dust all surfaces, including light fixtures and fans, then move on to vacuuming or sweeping the floor. Bedroom cleanliness extends into closets as well. Periodically revisit and tidy the closet space to prevent clothing chaos.

Don’t forget children’s rooms that can easily overflow with toys and activity remnants. Teaching kids simple cleaning habits can maintain order. Take care of frequently forgotten areas like windowsills and baseboards, and your bedroom will become that restful escape it’s meant to be.

Final Touches: Enhancing the Overall Ambiance

Once key areas are in order, it’s time to focus on those little extras that make a home feel special. Regular dusting and vacuuming aren’t just maintenance tasks; they’re opportunities to breathe new life into your home’s atmosphere. As you go through each room, remove any remaining dust from shelves and knick-knacks. Vacuum carpets and area rugs to lift dirt and freshen fibres.

Adding subtle touches, like a strategically placed candle or a well-chosen air freshener, can create an inviting mood. A seasonal floral arrangement or a few potted plants around the house can also add a touch of charm and personality.

Keeping a tidy home isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. Whether you live in a bustling Ottawa neighbourhood or a quieter locale, maintaining cleanliness brings a calm and refreshing energy into your space. With these detailed steps, managing even the most chaotic homes becomes just a bit easier.

Once you’ve gotten your home in order, why not keep it that way with some help from the pros? Discover how residential cleaning in Ottawa can make your upkeep easier and your space fresher all year long. Let The Glebe Clean Inc. handle the dirty work so you can enjoy more peace of mind at home.