Tip #1: Send an electronic invitation requesting an RSVP from guests.

Planning for a party without knowing how many guests will be in attendance can be really difficult, and sending paper invitations can be costly. Instead, send an electronic invitation and request an RSVP from invitees. This will take the guesswork out of how much food and drink to prepare. If you’re hosting a pot-luck, include a space where guests can note what they are bringing. If you need help with particular food or drink items, don’t be afraid to ask.

Tip #2: Deep clean your carpets NOW.

Many people wait until the last moment to deep clean their carpets for their Thanksgiving gatherings. Checking this project off your list early will lessen the stress and anxiety of getting it done before the big day comes. Many Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® cleaning solutions include StainProtect® technology to prevent spills and stains from setting in. Protect your carpets before the festivities. No need to worry about spots and spills that happen between your deep clean and your actual gathering. Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® has stain removing sprays available at the rental locations and online to help you maintain your spot-free look through the holiday and beyond.

Tip #3: Use paper and plastic products to help with clean-up time.

Formal tableware is elegant and beautiful, but it can also be time consuming to set and clean up. Your friends and family are most likely more excited to spend time with you rather than being concerned with the dishware. Instead of using traditional tableware, opt for plastic and paper items instead. This will cut down on your clean-up time and allow guests to easily pick up after themselves. Be sure to set aside separate plastic and paper waste containers for recycling. If you are looking for a more formal look, but still want to use disposable dishes, premium plastic plates are great choice – and you may even have to convince your guests that it’s okay to throw them away!

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to ask for help with cleanup

Probably the least fun part of hosting a gathering is the time spent cleaning after everyone leaves or waking up to a dirty kitchen and house the day after. If this sort of thing stresses you out, ask your closest friends in advance if they could help you out after dinner. You and a few helpers can clean up in a fraction of the time compared to doing it alone. Knowing you’ll have a cleanup team after the event will help you relax and enjoy yourself more.

With just a little planning and a few smart shortcuts, hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether it’s sending digital invites, deep cleaning your carpets ahead of time, or asking for a little help with cleanup, these tips are designed to lighten your load and let you focus on what really matters, making memories with the people you love. Happy hosting, and Happy Thanksgiving!

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How to Remove Fake Blood Stains from Carpet

Did you know fake blood can sometimes be harder to remove from carpet than real blood? There are several variations and forms of fake blood available for purchase, including liquid and powders. Most store-bought fake blood products are either alcohol-based or corn syrup based and include FD&C Red #40 (red dye). Because of the permanent nature of FD&C Red #40, it is very hard to completely remove fake blood stains. The amount of time the stain is allowed to set can also impact the stain removal results. It is important to act quickly and try not to let the stain set. There are also an endless amount of homemade fake blood recipes available online. It really doesn’t matter if the fake blood is store-bought or homemade; the cleaning process, materials and recommended cleaning product are the same.

1. Start by blotting the stain area with a white paper towel or cloth to remove excess liquid. For powder form, grab a spoon and carefully scoop up as much of the powder as you can before running a vacuum cleaner over it to suck up anything that is left.
2. Next, use a grease and oil fighting solution like Professional Oxy Spot & Pre-Treat to saturate the stain.
3. Use a white sponge or cloth to gently agitate stain. Work your way from the edge of the stain inward towards the center to contain the stain in its original area and not make it larger.
4. Blot with a white paper towel, pressing deep into the stain.
5. Spray water on the stain to rinse and blot with a white paper towel again, pressing deep into the stain.
6. Allow area to dry and then repeat as needed.

If the stain is still visible after completing the listed steps above at least twice, you will need to deep clean the area. A portable spot cleaner is a great tool that can significantly diminish the stain further because it uses suction to extract the stain from the carpet fibers. It will provide a deep clean that can pull the stain from deep within to the carpet backing. Follow directions as indicated on the portable spot cleaner. Because the fake blood stain is one of the persistent stains, a professional-grade deep cleaner would deliver the best results. We recommend renting a carpet cleaner to extract deeper within the carpet fibers. Find a rental location near you with our rental locator.

You can take these same actions to remove other Halloween stains like makeup, food, and candy stains.

How to Remove Real Blood Stains from Carpet

Real blood is easier to remove than fake blood because of enzymatic cleaners that have been specifically developed to attack biological stains – like blood. Enzymatic formulas speed up chemical reactions that break down biological matter. We recommend using our Professional Urine Eliminator.  It is a pro-enzymatic formula that is scientifically engineered to remove biological stains like urine, feces, blood and more. To remove real blood stains from carpet, follow the steps below.

1. Act as quickly as possible, since it is harder to remove blood once it has dried and set into the carpet.
2. Blot away any excess blood with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. If the blood has dried, try gently scraping away with a spoon.
3. Generously spray the stain area with Professional Urine Eliminator. Be sure to thoroughly wet the area allowing the product to reach carpet backing and pad. Spray beyond the perimeter of the stained area surface in case liquids expanded below the surface. Do not blot or wipe, as enzymes need moisture to work.
4. Place a damp white paper towel over the treated area and let dry naturally. Allow the area to remain moist overnight.
5. Once dry, if discoloration remains, repeat steps until stain is removed.

If the stain is not removed after repeating the steps above at least twice, we recommend using a portable spot cleaner with a concentrated enzymatic cleaning solution. Renting is an option as discussed earlier with fake blood.

The above steps work for all biological stains like urine, feces, and vomit – human or pet. A bonus feature of Rug Doctor by BISSELL pet cleaning solutions and sprays is it also discourages re-marking. Since the formulas are designed to break down the matter, pets have a hard time finding the area for re-marking.

Scary Blood Stains Are Scary No More

Keep this information handy. Should you find yourself in a bloody situation this Halloween, you will be ready and armed. Rug Doctor by BISSELL wishes you a scary, safe and Happy Halloween!

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We are going to assume that you’ve already put your holiday décor away, so let’s start by tackling the fridge!

Day 1- Fridge/Freezer

Chances are you have plenty of leftovers in your fridge or freezer. It is time to purge all that food. Start in the fridge and remove any leftovers that have spoiled. Now take inventory of all the leftovers you have in your freezer and refrigerator. Use this opportunity to skip cooking tonight and have a holiday leftover buffet instead. Your family will love it! If there are any uncooked leftovers (looking at you extra spiral ham and can of cranberry sauce), rather than letting it freezer burn – consider donating it. There are many families hurting and in need right now. Clean all your containers and put them away. Cleaning out the leftovers will take minimal time, but once it is all done you feel so much better. Wipe down the outside and inside of the refrigerator, cleaning up any spills or leaks. This simple holiday clean up task sets the tone for a fresh start.

Day 2- Kitchen Appliances

It is likely your appliances got a workout in the last couple months. It couldn’t hurt to give them all a good scrub down to clean them up and prep them for a new year of cooking adventures. You will want to clean the oven, stove top, and microwave. Don’t forget your dishwasher and since you did the fridge yesterday, you are all done.

Day 3- Guest Room and Bathroom

If you have had guests stay over, it is probably a good idea to check in on your guest room and bathroom. Wash all sheets and bedding. Use a disinfecting spray throughout the room and on high touch points (door knobs, light switches, etc.). Scrub the toilet, tub and sink in the bathroom.

Day 4- Carpets

The last post-holiday clean up, but certainly not least, give your carpets a good vacuum and a deep clean. They had a lot of traffic over the holiday season and could benefit from a refresh. And no, this is not an all-day activity! With our deep carpet cleaner’s pro-grade power and suction, it only takes about 20 minutes to deep clean an average sized room. Visit our rental locator to find a Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® carpet cleaner rental location near you.

That’s it. Just a couple of hours a day for the next 4 days, and you are all done. Now go enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee and a good book, everything else can wait.

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Limit What You Bring In

One of the most practical winter cleaning tips is to reduce the mess before it starts. During the colder months, dirt, salt, and slushy snow easily find their way indoors. To minimize tracking in stains, place a rough mat made of coir, wood, or rubber outside your entry doors. For added protection, use a second absorbent mat inside to soak up melted snow and salt—keeping your floors cleaner and safer.

Wash and Dust

Dust tends to settle more during winter when windows stay closed and air circulation is limited. A key winter cleaning tip is to wash and dust surfaces that collect buildup, such as light fixtures, cabinet tops, kitchen appliances, and electronics. If you’re already deep into the season, don’t worry—just be sure to vacuum afterward to catch any dust that escapes your cloth.

Clean Your Furnace

Cleaning your furnace not only helps keep your air and your house cleaner, but it can also help make your home more energy efficient and help you save money on your heating bill each month. Be sure to change the furnace filter as often as your specific furnace recommends, which can be as frequently as once a month. Take the time to check the actual furnace, too. It can easily become coated in dirt and dust.

Deep Clean Carpet

There’s no wrong time to deep clean your carpet! Deep cleaning is a breeze, even in the wintertime, and it can remove set-in stains, debris and odor—even those that are embedded deep within the fibers of your carpet. Winter weather can mean more time spent indoors, playing on carpet and floors, so make sure your carpets are freshly deep cleaned and ready for hours of indoor play. Find a rental location near you here!

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Easter is one of the first holidays of spring, and it brings with it all the early signs of the season—sunshine, pastel colors, and flowers peeking through the soil. It’s also a time when many people prepare their homes for guests and embrace the fresh start that spring offers. That makes it the perfect moment to dive into some practical cleaning tips to get your space looking its best. Whether you’re tidying up for company or just ready to refresh your home, spring is the ideal season to clean smarter, not harder.

Declutter and Organize

To prepare for an Easter or springtime celebration at your home, start by clearing up the clutter. One of the most effective cleaning tips is to begin with organization. Make sure everything on your counters, tables, or desktops has a designated place. Use file folders to organize paperwork, plastic bins to keep toys off the floor, and take time to reorganize your kitchen cabinets. A few hours of decluttering can make your home feel more spacious and make cleaning much easier.

Pro Tip: Label storage bins and drawers to maintain order long after your spring cleaning is done.

Surface Cleaning

Once your space is organized, move on to surface cleaning. Follow your usual routine—dusting, wiping down counters, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, and mopping floors. But for a true seasonal refresh, take it a step further. One of the most overlooked cleaning tips is to tackle hard-to-reach areas like behind furniture, ceiling corners, and baseboards.

And don’t forget about the Easter egg hunt! The best hiding spots are often in places that don’t get cleaned regularly—so give those areas a little extra attention.

Pro Tip: Use a microfiber cloth and extendable duster to make reaching high or awkward spots easier and more effective.

Deep Cleaning

Spring is the perfect time for deep cleaning. Go beyond the basics and give your carpets a thorough refresh. Deep cleaning removes embedded dirt, allergens, and dust that winter left behind. It also creates a cleaner, healthier space for kids to enjoy their Easter treats.

One of the most valuable cleaning tips for carpets is to use a professional-grade formula like our Professional Max Advanced Carpet Cleaner. It surrounds carpet fibers to lift dirt and protect against future stains—perfect for juice spills and muddy shoes.

Pro Tip: Rent a carpet cleaner instead of buying one. With over 35,000 rental locations nationwide, it’s a cost-effective way to get professional results without the hassle of storage or maintenance.

Ready to Clean Smarter This Spring?

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart cleaning tips, you can get your home guest-ready and enjoy the season stress-free.

Need help with the heavy lifting? Skip the hassle of buying and storing a machine—rent a professional-grade carpet cleaner from one of our 35,000+ locations nationwide. It’s a smart, affordable way to get deep-clean results on your schedule.

Find a carpet cleaner near you and make your spring cleaning easier than ever.

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How to Get Chocolate Out of Carpet

Chocolate tastes and looks yummy, but it can cause a significant unsightly stain on soft surfaces. We know you don’t want to interrupt your Valentine’s festivities, but it is really important to address a chocolate stain as soon as you notice it on your carpet. Follow these steps to remove it. 

1. If the chocolate stain is dried or solid, skip to step three. If the chocolate is melted or in liquid form, gently blot with a white cloth or paper towel to remove as much of the liquid as possible. Clean by squeezing and pulling up only, not rubbing so you don’t spread the stain.
   
2. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and place on top of the stain to speed up the drying and hardening of the chocolate stained area.
   
3. Once the chocolate is dry, get a spoon or butter knife and gently scrap away as much as you can. You want to do this slowly and carefully as not to damage the carpet fibers.
   
4. After scraping as much chocolate from the carpet as you can, vacuum the area to remove any flakes or chocolate debris remaining.
   
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have removed as much of the chocolate as possible.
   
6. Generously spray the affected area with a carpet cleaning solution and allow the cleaner to penetrate the stain. We recommend Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® Oxy Spot & Pretreat.
   
7. Use a sponge or cloth to gently agitate the stain from the outside edge to the center. Be sure to use a white sponge or cloth to prevent color transfer.
   
8. Spray cold water on the stain to rinse and blot with a white paper towel or cloth again.
   
9. Repeat steps 6 – 9 until carpet discoloration is gone.

How to Get Red Wine Out of Carpet

Red wine stains can be extremely difficult to remove from carpet and fabrics. The red color pigments in the wine come from the skins of the grapes and mimic permanent dye. When a spill happens, it soaks into the carpet fibers and begins to set almost immediately. It is vital to react to a wine spill immediately. The success of removal (or lack of) is directly related to the amount of time the spill is allowed to remain on the carpet. Follow these steps as soon as possible to remove red wine stains from carpet.

1. Blot the red wine stain (never rub!) as best you can with a clean dry cloth.  Use a white one to avoid any color transfer and blot from the outside of the stain in so you don’t spread the stain further. 
   
2. Generously spray the affected area with a carpet cleaning solution and allow the cleaner to penetrate the stain. Again, we recommend Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® Oxy Spot & Pretreat.
   
3. Blot again with a clean dry cloth. Press deep into the stain and soak up as much of the wine and cleaner as possible.
   
4. Repeat steps until carpet discoloration is gone.

Chocolate and wine stains that have been allowed to set may take a little more than elbow grease to remove. If either stain is still visible after completing the listed steps above at least twice, you will likely have more success with a portable spot cleaner. A portable spot cleaner uses suction to extract the stain from the carpet fibers, providing a deep clean that will draw the stain from deep within your carpet. A professional-grade deep cleaner delivers results comparable to an upright deep carpet cleaner. We recommend renting a Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® Pro Portable Detailer and Spot Cleaner and use with our Spot & Upholstery Cleaner.  This spot cleaner is designed with professional-grade suction power and has a motorized brush to do the scrubbing for you. Find the nearest rental location to you with our rental locator , use the “Optional Machine Filter” to specifically find this machine.  Cleaning solutions may be purchased online or in-store at the rental kiosk.

How to Prevent Chocolate and Red Wine Stains on Carpet

Obviously, the best way to prevent chocolate and red wine stains on carpet is to keep it away from carpeted areas in the home. However, standing in the kitchen or sitting at the dining room table is probably the least romantic way to enjoy these Valentine’s Day treats. The next best way to prevent food and drink stains like chocolate and wine from setting into your carpet is to treat your carpet with a protectant. Many of our cleaning solutions contain StainProtect® Technology so you can protect as you deep clean with one of full size carpet cleaners. 

We hope your Valentine’s Day is full of lots of love and laughter, with minimal messes and spills! But should a spill happen, we are here to help. Happy Valentine’s Day from Rug Doctor® by BISSELL®. We love to hear from you! Show us your Valentine celebrations and clean-ups on Facebook or Instagram

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Set a Cleaning Schedule

We know it feels like your to-do list is never ending. So, for the year ahead, set a schedule and stick to it. Decide what needs to be cleaned daily, weekly, and monthly and you won’t feel so overwhelmed when your to-do list piles up. Get the whole family involved! A cleaning schedule can divide the workload and make everything feel more manageable.

You can even set a schedule for your deep cleaning regimen. We recommend deep cleaning your carpet at least twice a year, but up to six times if you have pets or young children. Consistently deep cleaning your carpet will help you:

• Remove dirt and stains your vacuum can’t reach
• Suck up dust and dander allergens that get trapped in the fibers of your carpet
• Help to extend your carpet’s life by keeping it looking good longer

Get Organized

We don’t just mean the typical kind of organized. To really stay on top of things, you can organize in three ways:

• Organize your budget: Becoming more money savvy is a common New Year’s resolution. Apply this to your housekeeping budget.  Start by doing an inventory of all the cleaning supplies you already have so you only purchase what you really need!
• Organize your routine: You can make cleaning a little faster if you make it a habit to clear clutter on a daily basis. This can be as simple as doing a quick walkthrough before bed, picking up any clutter, taking dishes to the sink or the dishwasher, and tidying up as you go.  Make a commitment to stick to the cleaning schedule you created!
• Organize your home: Once you’ve organized your budget and your pick-up routine, you can organize your home. Does your linen closet often fall into disarray after laundry day? Is the coat closet overwhelming? Does your pantry make you crazy? Focus on the spots in your home that are most dysfunctional and use organizational tools to make them work for you.

Make Cleaning Easier

Whether you live in an apartment or a house, cleaning can feel tiresome if you’re lugging loads of supplies around with you. Make cleaning portable by creating a cleaning caddy. A tote or carry caddy can be a great place to keep the cleaning supplies you use most often; they can also allow you to move from room to room easily.

Renting a deep cleaner from Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® also helps make cleaning easier and saves precious storage space, too. You pick up the machine only when you need it, it’s easy to use, and you don’t need to worry about maintenance – so keeping those cleaning resolutions has never been easier. With over 35,000 rental locations, there’s likely to be one near you, find a location here!

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Expect the Unexpected

If you know you’re likely to have people show up randomly, it’s a good idea to have some snacks and beverages on hand. Think coffee, soda, salty snacks, appetizers or desserts that can be frozen and quickly thawed for serving—anything that is easy to prepare and put on the table.

When You Only Have One Hour

First, don’t panic—there simply isn’t time for extensive cleaning! Focus on the spaces that will be seen. Don’t hesitate to put stray items in a basket for sorting later. Arrange living room pillows and throw blankets nicely. Clean up dishes in the kitchen and wipe the counters down. Give the main bathroom a quick clean by straightening up the hand towels and wiping the sinks. Light some scented candles and call it good!

When Company Will Be There in a Few Hours

With company on their way, a few hours can feel like not enough time, but there is plenty you can do. Complete all the decluttering mentioned in the previous section, but take your time to return the items where they belong. You can also complete other items like:

• Dusting
• Vacuuming
• Mopping the floor

With a few more hours before the company arrives, you can move your cleaning to other rooms. This is especially important if they’ve never seen your home before—you never know when someone will want a tour!

When You Have Until the Next Day

Company arriving the next day? Cleaning up will be a breeze! You can take your time to declutter your home, put away items left out, and complete other tasks that may take a little longer, like washing floors and windows or even deep cleaning your carpet and upholstery. If you’re renting a carpet cleaner, it’s even easier because the machine is always ready when you are. With over 35,000 rental locations, one will likely be near you! Enter your zip code to find the nearest one here. Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® rental makes it easy to get results you can be proud of.

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1. Keep busy:
   Find a new hobby or get back into things you loved to do before your children came along. Your time is your own now and you should spend it the way you want to. Date nights, trivia nights, and girls’ weekends are much easier to do when you don’t have kids in the house.
2. Clean your house:
   This is the time to get a top-to-bottom clean on your house that will stay that way. Clean your kid’s old room the way that you’ve wanted to for years. While you have the time, rent a carpet cleaner from Rug Doctor® by BISSELL®. (If you aren’t sure how to clean carpet, we have an easy guide here .) Get the ground-in dirt and carpet stains that have been hidden under furniture or piles of clothes. And be happy knowing that their room is going to stay clean this time!
3. Get a good night’s sleep:
   No matter how old the kids are, you never sleep as well as you did before you had them. Without the worry of late-night phone calls or curfew, you can try for some solid uninterrupted rest.
4. Laundry will be much easier:
   No more dirty socks in the living room or last-minute panics because their FAVORITE shirt isn’t clean and they need it RIGHT NOW. Towels will stay clean until you use them and won’t be dropped on the floor of the bathroom. You will have fewer loads of laundry – it’s going to be great!
5. Think about adopting a dog or cat:
   Find a new normal with a pet to spend time with at the end of the day. Both dogs and cats need exercise and play, and someone to take care of them. Maybe you will be ready to adopt a new family member when the time is right.

At the end of the day, there are many reasons to appreciate being an empty nester. One of the things we appreciate most is our young adults when they come back home. Let yourself enjoy who they are becoming as adults!

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Think about carpet cleaning in a similar way to washing clothes. If you just beat the dirt out of your clothes, you wouldn’t expect them to get clean. Dirt would be knocked off, but stains wouldn’t come out. To get clothes clean, they go in the washing machine with detergent and water, get moved around by an agitator, spun and then dried. When you vacuum your carpet, the surface-level dirt comes out. But to get carpet really clean, you need to add cleaning solution and water to a carpet cleaner, which works it into the carpet and then suctions up the collected dust, dander and moisture. Easy as pie.

Use our location map to find a Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® carpet cleaner rental near you today. Get your carpet bright and clean for summer by renting a carpet cleaner soon!

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Stop Dirt From Entering

It can be difficult—especially if you have kids or pets—but you do your best to stop dirt in its tracks and prevent it from entering your home. We find that a nylon mat at each door is a good tactic, as well as implementing a “no shoes” rule in the carpet rooms. To stay organized, add a shelf or mat near each door where shoes can be easily stored.

If you are having a big graduation celebration or anticipate a lot of treading on your carpet this summer, don’t be afraid to use a plastic mat in high-traffic areas. It will help protect your carpet from dirt and debris. After all, you may be unable to ask all your guests to remove their shoes!

Summer Allergies

Warm summer months are the peak of allergy season, so if a family member suffers from severe allergies, close the windows and run the air conditioning on hot days. Keeping your home cool helps slow down mold and mildew growth, too.
      
And, of course, we already know that vacuuming regularly can help cut down on dust and dander allergens in the air and the carpeting in your home, so be sure to keep up with your regular vacuuming routine. It’s important to also deep clean your carpets during the summer months. Deep cleaning can eliminate dirt, debris, and odors that you can’t remove by vacuuming alone. It can also help reduce dust and dander allergens embedded in your carpet. Long summer holiday weekends when you have an extra day at home are a great time to deep clean!

We know that most of the cleaning you do during the summer months can be following your family around to pick up their messes! Use our tips to maintain your carpet’s appearance and extend its useful life. We help make it quick and easy—so you can get back to having fun, relaxing, and enjoying your summer.

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Cleaning is so much easier when there is less clutter. The first step is to declutter your home. Before you get started, create three designated areas: keep, donate, trash. When evaluating each item, keep these definitions in mind:

• KEEP – I will use this item again soon and have adequate space to store it until needed.
• DONATE/SELL – I will likely not use this item again anytime soon, but it is in good or like new condition and may be useful to someone else.
• TRASH – I cannot use this item again because it is broken, torn or otherwise irreparable. DO NOT DONATE TRASH ITEMS!

Start your end-of-summer cleaning list by decluttering these four areas: closets, toyboxes, pantry, and entryway/mudroom.

1. CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS
   Start in the kids’ room and clean out clothing items they have outgrown. You may want to purchase plastic tubs with lids to store clothes you are going to keep for smaller children or out of season clothes you can store until later use. Donation items can go in a large trash bag. Be sure to separate torn or stained clothing from the donation bag. Don’t forget to sort through their shoes as well. Take note of seasonal clothing that the child may outgrow before the season comes around again and go ahead and get it out of there! This way you can easily see items your child can still wear, and what they may need. It also makes room for all the new school clothes you just purchased. Your closet is next. Be honest with yourself and really get rid of things you will never wear again. It may be hard to part with items now, but when you see your closet clean and less full, you will feel better.
2. PURGE THE TOYBOX
   It may not seem like it now, but the holidays are right around the corner and you will need some toybox space. Utilize the time your child is in school to prepare their toybox for a major decluttering. Getting rid of personal toys is usually a tough task for kids. We have all been there. Pick up a toy that your child has not played with in years and mention something about giving it away; all of a sudden, it becomes your child’s FAVORITE TOY EVER! Take advantage of them being out of the house to sort through the toy box first. Remove broken or damaged toys and put them in the trash (or recycle if possible). Sort all the toys that have been outgrown or neglected and put them aside. When your kid gets home from school, go through the items with them. This will make them feel like they are a part of the decision-making process and will cut down on the drama. Let them pick out three things to keep no questions asked. Beyond that, let them know they will have to explain why an item is special to them and present a compelling argument as to why they should get to keep it. Listen with an open mind. Don’t rush their decision making, rather help them organize their thoughts and emotions. Explain how they are helping others by donating the toys they don’t need or use. Here is a neat tip from kidsactivities.com for items your kid is having a hard time parting with: Take a picture of the toy or clothing, print it, frame it and hang it in the room. This way the child will always see and remember it and there will be no hard feelings.
3. CLEAR THE PANTRY
   If you had food items in your pantry that made it through the summer, they will likely not be eaten. Most kids tend to clear the pantry for you while they are at home. Consider donating canned and dry goods to your local food bank. Anything that is expired or rotten, toss it. Since you are clearing the pantry out, this would be the perfect time to organize and make it easier for you and the kids to find what you are looking for.
4. TIDY THE ENTRYWAY/MUDROOM
   If this area is still housing summer shoes and toys, clear them out. Either donate or store summer items and make space for backpacks and sporting/band/dance equipment. Get some baskets and bins for shoes and other small items. Invest in some hooks for your kids to hang their backpacks, hats, scarves, and jackets. It’s easier to keep up with things if they have a designated spot. Not having to look all over the house for shoes while you are trying to get out the door will also reduce your morning stress.
5. DEEP CLEAN NEGLECTED AREAS
   Now that all the unwanted stuff is out of the way, it’s time to deep clean areas of the home that may not have gotten the cleaning attention they need over the summer. You may want to walk through your house and make a project list.  Below are some spots we suggest starting with! 
   • Dust everything. Clean cobwebs and dust from ceilings and air conditioning vents. Your air conditioner has been working hard to keep you cool while little ones are running in and out. Help it out by cleaning dust from the vents. Don’t forget about the ceiling fans, shelves and other high-reach areas.
   • Clean windows and walls. Little summer hands have been all over the house.
   • Clean upholstery with a portable carpet cleaner. Lazy days mean extra time snacking in front of the television. Your upholstery has probably been hit hard this summer. Use a spot cleaner with an upholstery solution to deep clean your sofa and chairs. We recommend the Pet Portable Spot Cleaner. It is a powerful little machine that removes stains, odors, and pet messes! Don’t want to buy a machine?  You can rent a portable carpet cleaner at many locations, look for one near you here.
     
6. DEEP CLEAN CARPET AND AREA RUGS WITH A CARPET SHAMPOOER. Your carpet and area rugs probably took the biggest beating this summer. Give them a refreshed look and remove the dirt, dust, odors and stains that have collected over the summer with a Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® rental carpet cleaner. Find a rental location near you with our rental locator.

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