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Love Your Home: Post-Holiday Cleaning Tips for Broward County

The holiday season has come and gone, leaving behind cherished memories—and probably a bit of post-holiday mess. If you're a Broward County homeowner, you’re likely contending with not only leftover tinsel and pine needles but also unique challenges brought on by our coastal climate. Between the humid air, salt residue, and sandy outdoor spaces, refreshing your home after the holidays can seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be! 



This guide is here to help you declutter and freshen up your space with quick tips tailored for the Broward lifestyle. Whether you live in Hollywood or Coral Springs, we’ll make sure your home feels renewed and ready for the year ahead.

Understanding Broward's Unique Environment

Before we jump into the tips, it’s important to recognize the cleaning challenges specific to Broward County. 


  •   Coastal Climate Effects: The tropical climate—with its high humidity, frequent rain, and salt air—can accelerate mold and mildew growth inside your home and cause salt residue to build up on outdoor surfaces.
  •   Outdoor Living Spaces: Many Broward homes boast patios, pool areas, and outdoor kitchens. These spaces are wonderful for hosting gatherings but require extra care to keep them tidy and functional.
  •   Post-Holiday Mess: After weeks of festive gatherings and neighborhood events, your home might be left with a mix of clutter and remnants unique to the Broward lifestyle—sand, salt, and maybe even a bit of glitter.


Now that we’ve identified the key challenges, here’s how to tackle them step by step.

Quick Decluttering Tips

Indoors

  •   Sort Holiday Decorations: Carefully pack away ornaments, lights, and decorations in labeled storage bins. Consider donating holiday items you didn’t use this year to make room for next year’s new favorites. 
  •   Tidy Living Areas: Clear high-traffic areas like the living room by returning items to their proper places. Vacuum or sweep to remove leftover debris from celebrations.
  •   Declutter the Kitchen: Sort through leftover holiday goodies, recycle packaging, and wipe down countertops for a clean slate.

Outdoors

  •   Patios and Pool Areas: Remove sand, leaves, and other debris. For patios, a quick power wash can work wonders in restoring the space. 
  •   Sweeping Entrances: If you’re in Fort Lauderdale, a casual sweep of driveways and sandy entrances can make your home feel instantly refreshed after beach gatherings.
  •   Outdoor Furniture: Check outdoor furniture for salt residue or mildew. A simple mix of water and white vinegar can help clean surfaces effectively.

Freshen Up Your Home

Easy Cleaning Hacks


  •   Natural Cleaning Solutions: Refresh surfaces with DIY cleaners, like a mix of lemon juice and baking soda for counters or distilled vinegar for stubborn streaks on windows.
  •   Quick Window Shine: Wipe down windows to remove salt buildup and improve natural light flow. This is particularly helpful for homes near Hollywood Beach.


Tackling Humidity


  •   Mold and Mildew Prevention: Keep the air circulating by using fans and opening windows when the weather permits. You can also invest in a small dehumidifier to reduce moisture build-up in problem areas. 
  •   Air Freshening: Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or citrus to your mop water to gently scent your home as you clean.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning Strategies

When to Deep Clean


A seasonal deep clean is perfect after the holidays to restore a sense of order. It’s also a great way to start preparing your home for Broward County’s unpredictable weather patterns or even hurricane season.


Deep Cleaning Checklist


  1. Kitchen: Scrub appliances, deep clean the fridge, and disinfect countertops. 
  2. Bathrooms: Remove soap scum from showers and sinks, and tackle grout with a baking soda paste.
  3. Floors: Steam clean carpets and mop tile or hardwood for a thorough refresh.
  4. Outdoor Spaces: Scrub poolside surfaces, clean grills, and protect outdoor furniture with specialized sprays to handle the salty air.

Hurricane Prep (Bonus Tip)


While you're deep cleaning, take the opportunity to declutter and organize spaces for easy access to essential storm supplies. Starting the year prepared is never a bad idea!


Local Recommendations & Additional Tips


  •   Eco-Friendly Products: Look for cleaning solutions that work well in our tropical environment, like mold-resistant sprays specifically designed for high-humidity regions. Many shops in Broward County, like Fort Lauderdale's local hardware stores, stock eco-friendly options.
  •   Support Local Services: Don’t have the time or energy for deep cleaning? Broward has many reputable cleaning professionals who specialize in both indoor and outdoor spaces. A quick search can connect you with teams trusted in your neighborhood.
  •   Community Tip: Maria, a Hollywood resident, shares her go-to tip for patio cleaning—“I always make a mix of water and dish soap for my outdoor furniture. It’s simple, and it leaves everything looking fresh after our family BBQs!”

Love Your Space All Year Long


Your home deserves some post-holiday TLC, and with these tips, you’ll be able to declutter, refresh, and deep clean with ease. Taking the time to care for your space now will set the tone for a great year ahead.


Have your own post-holiday cleaning tips? Share them in the comments below or tag us in your before-and-after cleaning photos on social media using #BrowardClean. We’d love to see how you’re loving your Broward home!