Cleaning egg off your house is the first thing to tackle. The wax can wait.
A week ago you were worried about how to get spooky outdoor Halloween decorations into your life, but now you want to get the ickiest holiday of the year out of your house.
Those melting candles, special makeup effects, and sticky treats have taken a toll on your home. Here’s how to get wax out of carpet and other tricks for post-Halloween cleanup:
Cleaning Egg Off Your House
Sun-baked yolks can stain your siding, so get started right away. Hose the mess off the house, spraying above the egg so the falling water can wash it away. If that doesn’t do the trick, wash it off by hand with dish soap and warm water. While learning how to remove egg from house siding, consider if it’s time for a more comprehensive cleaning.
Removing Toilet Paper from Trees
Pull down the paper with a rake or blast it away with a leaf blower. Wet toilet paper is a beast to remove, so wait until the sun evaporates dew. But if there’s rain in the forecast, start removal right away.
Getting Wax Out of Carpet
Trying to remove hot wax will only cause it to spread. Once it has cooled, break up the wax with a dull knife. Cover remaining bits with a paper towel or rag, and press a warm iron to the area. Replace the towel frequently to avoid spreading the wax.
Getting the Ick and Grime Off Doorknobs
After a night of being touched by little sticky fingers, your door fixtures have probably lost some luster. Restore the shine with a spritz of hydrogen peroxide.
Removing Halloween Makeup From Upholstery and Carpet
If only learning how to get wax out of carpet solved all your floor problems. The good news is many commercial carpet and upholstery cleaners can remove makeup, too. Blot the stain starting from its outer edge and working to the center. Always test the cleaner first on a small spot to make sure no color from the carpet is transferred to the white cloth.
Getting Your Porch Clean
All those grimy pirate boots and well-worn ballet slippers can leave a porch filthy. Remove planters and deck furniture, sweep the deck, then spray it down. If your porch is wood, remember that regular deck care protects your favorite place to kick back.
Cleaning Up Candy Wrappers and Other Litter
The leaf blower is your friend. It will corral candy wrappers, litter, leaves, and other debris without breaking your back.
Repairing Damaged Walls
If you decorated inside with a little too much holiday abandon, you might regret all the new holes you created once the festivities are over. Easy fix: Fill the hole with a piece of cosmetic sponge and spackle.
And One Final Tip to Banish Halloween’s Mess…
Halloween costumes lose their appeal around November 2. Don’t let them stick around to clutter the place up. While you’re purging, get rid of summer clothing (and costumes!) you or your kids have outgrown.
