Kick Off 2026 with a Clean Slate (and a Clean House)

Westlake Ace Hardware shares smart, simple ways to reset your home after the holidays

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 19, 2026) – The lights, tree, and wreaths have come down, the guests have gone home, and all that glitter…sigh. Well, the glitter may be around until the next holiday season. 

January is the perfect time to pack away holiday decorations, recover from weeks of entertaining, and give your home the deep clean and organization reset it deserves. To help homeowners start 2026 feeling fresh and in control, Westlake Ace Hardware is sharing easy, practical tips to clean smarter, organize better, and protect your home for the year ahead.

“After the holidays, most homes could use a little TLC,” said Jennifer Schadegg, director of merchandising for Ace Retail Group, parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “A few simple cleaning and organizing projects in January can make your home feel calmer, cleaner, and ready for the next 12 months.”

January Home Reset Checklist

• Pack It Up (the Right Way)
  • Store holiday decorations in clear, labeled bins so next year’s setup is easier and faster.
  • Wrap fragile décor carefully in bubble wrap and group items by room or theme for stress-free decorating next season.

• Breathe Easier Indoors
  • Change HVAC filters. In most areas of the country, the middle of winter is when HVAC systems work the hardest. Replacing filters regularly helps improve the air quality in your home and reduces strain on the heating system.
  • Clean your bathroom exhaust fans. You’ll be amazed by how quickly your bath fan can get dirty, especially in winter. A standard family home with daily showers will clog it even faster, so check it every few weeks and keep a shop vac standing by to take care of deep cleaning if needed.

• Show Your Oven Some Love
  • Holiday cooking puts ovens to the test. Run a self-cleaning cycle if you have one (and open a window), or tackle the inside with a powerful oven cleaner that works on racks and interior surfaces.

• Floors That Can Handle Winter
  • Place door mats and boot trays at entrances to catch snow, slush, and salt.
  • Keep a broom and a dustpan nearby for quick cleanups.
  • Refresh hardwood floors with a specialized cleaning product like Bona. Folex is an excellent option for spot cleaning carpets and rugs.

• Protect Outdoor Surfaces
  • No matter what type of ice melt you use, the trick is to not let it stand on high-traffic surfaces for long periods of time. Once ice melts, sweep up leftover ice melt from sidewalks, driveways, decks, and patios to prevent staining, cracking, and surface damage later.

• Deep Clean the Details
  • Remove lime buildup on faucets with Lime-A-Way.
  • Tackle slow drains with Insta-Flow.
  • Shine appliances using stainless steel cleaner and degreaser.
  • Scrub indoor and outdoor trash and recycling bins to eliminate lingering odors.

• Get Organized (and Stay That Way)
  • Under-sink cabinets: Clear clutter, wipe surfaces, and use bins or shelf risers so leaks are easier to spot.
  • Garage refresh: Use wall hooks, pegboards, and track systems to get items off the floor and within reach.
  • Store bikes, sports gear, and yard tools vertically to save space and prevent damage.
  • Donate what you no longer use and safely dispose of expired or hazardous materials.