As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many families focus on shopping for supplies and organizing schedules. But there’s another important way to prepare: a thorough back-to-school cleaning. Resetting your home before the school year starts helps create a calm, organized environment that supports learning, reduces stress, and keeps everyone healthier during the busy months ahead. Here’s a guide to help you tackle the key areas.
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Declutter Bedrooms and Study Spaces
Kids’ bedrooms and study areas often accumulate toys, books, and clothes over the summer. Take time to:
- Clear out old school supplies and broken toys.
- Sort and donate clothing that no longer fits.
- Organize desks, ensuring kids have a clutter-free workspace.
A tidy, organized space makes homework time easier and helps children stay focused.
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Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas
Hallways, entryways, and living rooms get more use once school starts. These areas quickly gather dirt from backpacks, shoes, and daily comings and goings. Focus on:
- Vacuuming and mopping floors.
- Wiping down walls, light switches, and doorknobs.
- Organizing shoe racks, coat hooks, and storage bins.
This not only keeps your home looking great but also cuts down on germs.
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Refresh the Kitchen and Pantry
The kitchen becomes a central hub during the school year for breakfasts, packed lunches, and after-school snacks.
- Empty and wipe down the refrigerator.
- Toss expired pantry items.
- Organize lunch-making supplies so mornings run smoothly.
Consider creating a dedicated snack station or lunch prep zone to make school days more efficient.
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Sanitize Bathrooms
Bathrooms see increased traffic during the school year, with rushed mornings and evening routines.
- Disinfect sinks, toilets, and tubs.
- Replace old toothbrushes and bath towels.
- Stock up on soap, toothpaste, and other essentials.
Keeping bathrooms clean ensures a fresh, healthy start each day.
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Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
With kids in and out of school, germs travel quickly. Prevent illness by disinfecting:
- Doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
- Tablets, laptops, and other electronics kids use for homework.
- Backpacks and lunchboxes (wipe or wash weekly).
Regular disinfection keeps colds and flu from spreading through your household.
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Tackle Laundry and Linens
Fresh bedding and clean clothes set the tone for the year ahead.
- Wash all bedding, including comforters.
- Deep clean mattresses and vacuum upholstered furniture.
- Organize school uniforms or outfits to save time on busy mornings.
A clean, organized laundry routine helps reduce daily stress.
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Create a Family Cleaning Routine
Once your home is reset, keep it that way by setting a family cleaning schedule:
- Assign age-appropriate chores to kids.
- Set daily or weekly cleaning tasks to stay on top of clutter and mess.
- Make it a family effort to maintain order during the school year.
Reset Your Home for Success
Back-to-school cleaning isn’t just about appearances—it’s about setting your family up for success. A clean, organized environment reduces distractions, supports healthy habits, and makes busy mornings smoother. If managing it all feels overwhelming, consider hiring professional cleaners who can give your home a fresh start.
Ready to reset your home for the school year? Contact The Purple Maids today for expert cleaning services that make your home sparkle and your school year stress-free.