Getting together with friends and family can be a very rewarding experience. Good food, great conversations, time well-spent with the ones you love and a chance to show off your home. However, when all the festivities are done, you’re often left with a mess you probably don’t want to contend with.
Here are 3 simple ways to minimize the after-gathering cleanup and help your home stay spotless.
Dishwasher
Depending on whether you’ve opted for reusable cutlery and dishware, your dishwasher could reduce your cleaning time dramatically. Most washers can handle 2-3 sinks-worth of dishes. Another bonus to their overall capacity is the amount of water that you could save using your dishwasher. Not only will you save time, but your wallet may thank you for the added efficiency.
Clean Surfaces
Clean surfaces are another great way to keep yourself out of the cleaning cycle for longer than is absolutely necessary. While some may think you need to follow guests and pick up after them, simply removing things from a few surfaces could help you when the festivities are over.
Moving a few decorative items to another shelf or surface opens space for your guests to use to set their items down. After your event, you have a neat and targeted area that you can tidy with ease. No need to run around hunting for plates, napkins, cutlery and other dishes or drinkware. Then, simply wipe the surfaces and replace your decor.
Disposables
While dishwashers save a lot of time, not all dwellings have them, or they may be out of order for the time being. Disposable plates, utensils, drinkware and napkins are all viable options. Given the advances in every-day consumer products, you have access to eco-friendly choices, if you’d prefer. Bamboo, recycled paper or compostable disposables are great options; and when you’re done, you’ll be able to clean up by simply tossing the disposables away.
Having gatherings is one advantage to your home. You and yours should be able to enjoy it and each other’s company without dreading the cleanup. Try these tips during your next get-together, and watch your cleaning time dwindle.
About the Author
Meryl Diamond
While I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have spent the last 27 years living in the Lisle and Naperville area. The first single family home my husband and I ever owned was in Green Trails, Lisle. There were two things we loved about living in Green Trails - the sense of community and all the green space. This was a dream come true for my children who always had a friend to play with or a babysitter near by. For me, it gave me a chance to get to know the neighbors whom I have built lifelong friendships with. From neighborhood garage sales to summer barbeques, we always found reason to come together.
