With Eid al-Adha knocking at the door, preparations are running at an all-time high, but what about the challenge of returning to normal life right afterwards?
After the joyous celebration, getting back into a daily rhythm can be quite a task, especially after having to deal with the aftermath of the festivities first, including doing the piled-up dishes, cleaning up the cluttered spaces, and so on.
To begin, instead of getting overwhelmed with everything all at once, create a checklist of activities to navigate the chaos and reset to start afresh.
Step 1: Targeted Stain Elimination
Figuring out the type of stain and determining the right way to remove it is the first step. Residues are left everywhere, and unless tackled carefully, they may leave a permanent mark.
One example of such a task is dealing with blood or protein stains, mainly from animal sacrifice.
It is important to act fast, as it is easier to work with fresh stains. At the same time, it is equally important not to act hastily, but to think clearly about the basics of cleaning, whether it be using cold water, as using hot water will lead to setting of the stain, or blotting, as rubbing will lead to spreading of the stain.
For soft fabrics, a mild detergent supplemented with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, or even some pinches of baking soda mixed with some water can be sprayed on for spot treating stains.
For tough surfaces, a soap solution of floor cleaner and/or dishwashing liquid with hydrogen peroxide mixed in does the trick, after leaving it to sit for a few minutes and then using a nylon scrubber for lifting stains without scratching.
With the delicate handling of indoors done, a more heavy-duty approach is taken for outdoor cleaning, with harsher substances like bleach and stronger tools of steel.
Step 2: Simple Deodorisation
A lingering smell of the animal sacrifice, whether it be of the meat or the remains, is perhaps the most identifying feature of the occasion. But despite its association, it is not the most pleasant thing, and so must be dealt with accordingly.
Start by airing out the house, letting any unpleasant odours out. Opening the doors and windows helps in cross ventilation, while turning the fans on speeds up the process, effectively improving air circulation.
For any smell sticking on fabrics, dab on some baking soda paste and then vacuum up, and for surfaces, spray on some white vinegar solution and then air dry. Not only will they effectively neutralise smells, but due to their reactive properties, they will also kill off any bacteria.
Using muslin-wrapped charcoal sachets is an unconventional but efficient way of deodorising, as they passively work on absorbing odour molecules, and so placing a few around the house for some time does wonders for this.
An air freshener is always a handy thing and can be used liberally. In the absence of a store-bought one, whipping one up at home is also quite easy, by simply sprinkling around some lemon water.
Step 3: Budget-friendly Re-styling
Often, superficial cleaning is done for the simple purpose of looking great for the festival. But once the moments pass and the mess has to be faced, it is always best to not only deal with what lies in front, but to get into the nooks and crannies.
With stain elimination and deodorisation already out of the way, it is now a matter of just a few more steps to end up with a refreshing space.
Start off by dealing with whatever remains. Getting the dirty dishes done and placing them back in their rightful places in the cabinets, packing the leftover food in containers and storing them as needed is important to do before buckling down on the deeper aspect of cleaning.
Dust down all surfaces, sweep and mop the floors, disinfect taps and sinks, and scrub and rinse down all drains. While it may sound difficult altogether, it is easy to do one by one.
Afterwards, make a few tweaks here and there to update home visuals.
Take the decorations a notch down from the festive designs. Swap them out for more neutral ones, while still keeping aesthetics in mind, through bright colours or funky patterns on bed sheets, cushion covers and the like.
Hang around some jute wall hangings or paper flower garlands, put up a hand-drawn painting or a custom-printed writing to add more charm to the overall appeal.
Opt for a few hacks that are not only artfully crafted, but are also functionally practical. Use trays and baskets for neatly arranging small items. Arrange a few scented candles or incense burners with essential oils for lighting.
Spiritual fulfilment is only attained after completion, and in no way is it possible for Eid ul-Adha to be complete without the refresh that comes after it. Sounds daunting, but not only can it be done rapidly, but it can also be done without emptying all pockets on it.
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