Diwali festival and cleaning challenge
The festival of Diwali is a symbol of light, happiness and enthusiasm. On this occasion, people decorate their houses with lamps, rangoli, flowers and lights. But after the festival is over, cleaning becomes a big challenge. Waste from firecrackers, burnt lamps, wax, flower petals and leftover colors of rangoli get collected in the corners of the house.
Correct way to remove firecracker waste
After Diwali, burnt papers, wrappers and other remains of firecrackers are visible outside the house, on the balcony and on the terrace. Do not rush while cleaning them. First of all, make sure that all the remains of crackers have cooled completely.
Sometimes firecrackers appear burnt on the outside, but there may still be gunpowder left inside. Do not touch any suspicious or unexploded firecracker or try to light it again. Keep children away from these also.
Collect completely cooled general waste wearing gloves. Throw it as per the waste disposal rules of the local municipal body. Avoid dumping the remains of firecrackers in the drain or burning them in the open.
cleaning of lit lamps
On Diwali, a large number of earthen lamps are lit at the doors of the house, on the balcony and at the place of worship. After the festival, the remaining oil, ghee and burnt wick in these lamps can make cleaning a bit difficult.
First of all, let the lamps cool completely. After this, remove the remaining wick and ash from them. If lamps are reusable, clean them with water and mild soap and dry them.
Keep broken earthen lamps separate. Check local waste management rules before throwing them in general waste. Clean and intact clay lamps can be used again next year.
floor cleaning
After Diwali, ash and dust from firecrackers may accumulate on the floor, windows and balcony of the house. Cleaning it quickly with a dry broom can spread fine particles into the air.
Therefore, while cleaning, first make arrangements for ventilation by opening the windows. Carefully collect the ashes on the floor. After this, clean the surface with a lightly wet cloth or mop.
If there are children, elderly people or people with respiratory problems in the house, it is better to keep them away from the area during cleaning. You can also use mask and gloves while cleaning.
Ways to remove wax and oil stains
Candles and lamps lit on Diwali can cause wax or oil stains on floors, tables and decorative items. Do not use a knife or any sharp object directly to remove them. This may cause scratches on the surface.
If there is wax on the floor or table, let it harden completely first. After this, remove it slowly with the help of a plastic card or some blunt object. Use a mild cleaner suitable for the surface to clean any remaining stains.
To clean oil stains, first absorb excess oil with a dry cloth or paper towel. After this clean with mild soap water. Before using any cleaner, test it in a small and hidden area.
Cleaning of Rangoli and Flower Decoration
On Diwali, beautiful rangoli is made at the main door and courtyard of the house. After the festival is over, its colors and flower petals are spread on the floor.
First of all, collect the flowers and leaves used in rangoli separately. If they are natural and without any chemical or plastic additives, they can be used in compost as per local regulations.
After this, carefully clean the remaining colors of the rangoli. If the colors are dry, collect them gently instead of sweeping them away with a sharp broom. Marks left on the floor can be cleaned with a wet cloth.
Balcony and terrace cleaning
On Diwali, most people pay attention to the cleanliness inside the house, but the waste of firecrackers can accumulate the most on the balcony and terrace. Paper, plastic wrappers, ashes and other waste from burnt firecrackers remain lying here.
Inspect the entire area before starting cleaning. Do not touch any unexploded or suspicious firecracker. Collect general waste separately and clean the floor with water. Take care that garbage does not go into the drains, as it can block drainage.
While cleaning the roof, take special care at the edges and high places.
Cleaning furniture and curtains
During Diwali, due to the movement of guests and dust from firecrackers, dirt can accumulate on curtains, sofas and furniture.
First of all, clean the furniture with a dry microfiber cloth. Vacuum cleaners can be used to remove dust from sofas and mattresses. Wash the curtains according to their fabric or get them dry cleaned.
Avoid pouring excess water on wooden furniture. Instead clean with a slightly damp cloth and immediately wipe with a dry cloth.
proper disposal of waste
While cleaning after Diwali, putting all types of waste in one bag is not the right way. Flower petals, plastic wrappers, paper, broken lamps and remains of firecrackers are different types of waste.
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Wet waste: Flowers, leaves and other organic waste.
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Dry waste: Clean paper, cardboard and plastic packaging.
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Broken lamps: Keep them separate and dispose of them according to local waste management.
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Firework residues: Mix these with normal dry waste only when they are completely cooled and local regulations permit.
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Unexploded firecrackers: Do not touch them and seek advice from the local fire department or concerned administration.
Keeping waste separated makes cleaning easier and also helps in its proper disposal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning
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Do not handle unexploded fireworks: they can be dangerous. Do not try to burn or open them.
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Do not sweep the ashes with a dry broom: this may spread fine dust into the air.
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Don't pour garbage down the drain: Firecracker residue and plastic can clog drains.
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Do not mix cleaning chemicals: There is a risk of poisonous gas being released from this.
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Keep children away during cleaning: especially around firecracker residue and broken lamps.
smart cleaning tips
If you want the house to be cleaned quickly after Diwali, then divide the cleaning into small parts. First of all, remove garbage from outside the house and balcony. After this clean the floors, furniture, windows and rooms.
Keep gloves, mask, garbage bag, microfiber cloth and mop ready in advance for cleaning. Dividing work among family members will save time and will not put too much pressure on any one person.