Cleaning before the new baby arrives home

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Having a baby is a big job and there are many things you should take care of before it arrives. Apart from buying all the necessary tools and equipment, you should thoroughly clean and disinfect your house and baby-proof it. The deep cleaning and disinfection of the house are of crucial importance since a newborn has sensitive skin and eyes, and is generally prone to catching disease relatively easily. Not to mention that all babies and toddlers touch everything and often put random items in their mouths.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that once the baby is born the mother will need her well-deserved rest and will spend time bonding with her little one. She will not have time to do the cleaning and tidying up of the house. If everything is cleaned thoroughly before they both arrive home, things will be much easier for everyone in the household.

Of course, the nursery will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised but a baby needs a clean house and not just a clean room. This article will discuss what areas of the house you will need to take care of and disinfect before the baby arrives home.

Dust
Dust one room at a time
Wipe the windows sills with a damp cloth, vacuum and dust the curtains
Dust the tops of doors, picture frames, fans, and light fixtures.
Start at the top and work your way down.
Vacuum and mop the floors at the end (most of the dust will collect there).

Floors
Vacuum all carpets and rugs, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Dust and mop all hard floors.
Dust and wipe baseboards and get into all corners of your flooring.
If your carpets are stained or dirty, make sure you steam clean them (the steam will thoroughly clean your carpets in a safe way, free of any harsh chemicals, and will also disinfect it).

Bathroom
Give your bathroom a deep, thorough cleaning. Use natural products only.
Replace bathroom rugs.
Wash and disinfect all surfaces.
Treat mould and mildew.
Clear out all cabinets and give them a good cleaning.
Scrub and sanitise faucets, handles, and everything that is commonly touched.

Appliances
Dishwasher – Your dishwasher is already constantly used but once the new baby arrives, it will be helping you even more. The cleaning and sanitisation of baby bottles are extremely important. Here is how to thoroughly clean your dishwasher: Remove all racks, spray arms, and filters and wash them thoroughly. Place them back in your dishwasher. Fill up a small bowl with vinegar and place it on the top rack. Pour a bit of vinegar on the bottom of the dishwasher as well. Run a cycle on the hottest setting. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help you make your dishwasher clean and healthy.
Washing machine – A new baby means a lot of laundry. Make sure you thoroughly clean your washing machine as well. To properly remove odours, mould, and laundry detergent residue, add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar to your detergent drawer and run the machine on the hottest cycle. Wipe down the interior of the appliance, and clean the rubber gasket and the inside of the door as well.

Extra tips on cleaning before the baby arrives at home:

  • Use a damp cloth when dusting to reduce the number of small dust particles flying in the air.
  • Use dusting tools with extendable handles to avoid using stools and ladders when reaching higher places.
  • Vacuum all carpets and rugs. You can do the same for your curtains. Do not forget to vacuum your upholstery and the cushions on it. A lot of dust gathers in between the sofa cushions so remove them, and vacuum all their sides, as well as under and behind them.
  • Deep clean your mattress. Your baby will occasionally be with you in bed so you should make sure all dust, grime and dead skin cells are gone for good.
  • Get rid of any mould or mildew around the house.
  • Deep clean your carpets. Vacuuming may not be enough so make sure you also deep clean them. Use natural ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar. They are great disinfectants but will also remove stains. The best part is that they are safe for the baby.
  • Vinegar is also great for treating bathroom grime. It will reduce the amount of mould and mildew you have in the bathroom. You can also use it to disinfect any faucet taps, surfaces, cupboard handles and other frequently touched objects.
  • To remove unpleasant house odours, again, use vinegar. It is great for cleaning and minimising unpleasant smells. And no, it will not leave a smell behind.
  • Get a steam cleaner for your house. You will be needing it.