Sparkling Home for the Holidays

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  A sparkling clean house is inviting and welcoming.
  Anne Kitzman/Fotolia

The holidays are a great time to make memories with friends and family, and a clean and inviting home sets the tone. From family traditions and cookie exchanges to visits from out-of-town guests, you want your home to always have that special holiday shine.

Windex has been helping homes sparkle for the holidays — and every day — for 75 years. Here are some hints to help you keep your home clean and inviting all season long.

Kitchen 

Tackle the Fridge — Clear out food and leftovers that are past their prime. Wipe down shelves and make room for batches of holiday cookie dough and perishable food gifts you might receive. Also wipe down the handles and doors so you have a shiny surface with a fresh, clean scent.

Declutter — Clear everything off the counters that isn’t involved in cooking. Put whatever has been slowly piling up, such as mail and magazines, in piles: throw away, keep and recycle. This will make clearing the clutter more manageable.

Clean the Stovetop — Crumbs can build up in the space between the stove and the countertop. Use a stiff brush to loosen and remove them in no time. Once the crumbs are gone, wrap the bristles with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water to degrease that area.

Bathroom 

Let the Light In — Take down your bathroom light fixtures and clean them . Dust off your light bulbs too — you’ll be surprised at how much brighter the bathroom looks when you’re done.

Soap Up the Sink — Use an old toothbrush to get behind the sink faucet and knobs, and don’t forget the sink pedestal or lower cabinets where dust, hair and makeup can build up.

Spruce Up — Fresh, neatly folded towels, scented hand soaps and a seasonal candle go a long way toward making a bathroom look and feel welcoming.

Living room

Freshen Up Fabrics — Get pet hair off of upholstery with your favorite pet hair remover. Vacuum upholstered surfaces, then spot clean and use a fabric freshener where needed. Add a few seasonal pillows or throws for a fresh look guests will love.

Make It Shine — Dust can build up on your most valuable electronics including computers, televisions and other items in your living room, so dust them to remove dust, dirt and grime, leaving behind a streak-free shine.

Get Rid of Smudges — Doorknobs, light switches, phones and more can get smudges and fingerprints, so give them a good cleaning as well. This is a great job for youngsters to tackle.

Just in time for the holiday entertaining season, these easy tips will make your house a shiny, clean and welcoming place for all your holiday guests, whether they’re planned or not.