Your family or cleaning service has a daily, weekly, and monthly routine about what to clean. Once a week, you vacuum, scour the bathrooms, do the laundry, and so on. Once a quarter, you might scrub the carpet and change the air conditioning filter. And then you do things like cleaning the gutters when you see they are not working any longer.
However, there are many items in your home full of germs, pollen, and dust mites that need your attention regularly.
Here are 15 of the most neglected items in your home, plus when and how to clean them.
Overall Home
Curtains
They may look clean, but they can hold a lot of dust, pollen, and dander, especially if you have a fireplace.
When to clean: Take all your curtains down once a year. Mark your calendar for April because if you have a fireplace, the season will be over by this time.
How to clean: If your curtains are made of linen or silk, take them to the dry cleaners. Cotton ones can go into the washing machine, but be sure to hang dry them.
Filters
Air conditioning and heating filters can move around germs and pollen in your home. If not replaced regularly, they can cause your furnace or central AC unit to work harder, causing a spike in your fuel bills.
When to replace: Monthly
Reusable Grocery Bags
These bags can be a haven for bacteria.
When to clean: Weekly
How to clean: Put in the weekly laundry on a hot water setting.
Computer Keyboard
This can be another haven for bacteria, mostly if you eat around the computer.
When to clean: Weekly
How to clean: You can use disinfectant wipes or simple soap and water. If you use the latter, be sure to squeeze most of the water out of the paper towel or cloth before going over the keyboard.
Pet Bowls
The water and food bowls can hold germs and retain that pet “smell” many people complain about when they enter a home.
When to clean: Daily
How to clean: Wash with hot water and dish soap.
Living Room and Family Room
Throw Pillows
These are where dust mites love to live.
When to clean: Monthly
How to clean: Vacuuming the pillows can loosen up the dust. Inserts can go into the wash. Please put them in the dryer on low heat, so there is no damage to the fabric.
Throw Blankets
These can be a conduit for germs, especially if you have pets.
When to clean: Monthly
How to clean: Throw them into the washer on cold water with a delicate cycle.
Bathroom
Bath mats
Every person who uses your bathroom touches these mats, making them an excellent place for germs to hide.
When to clean: Monthly
How to clean: Put in the washer. If they have a rubber back, avoid the dryer and hang dry.
Kitchen
Blender
When to clean: Monthly
How to clean: Put hot water and dish soap into the blender. Hit blend and let it run for a few seconds. Rinse several times and allow to air dry.
Skinny Necked Bottles
When to clean: Monthly
How to clean: Fill the bottle with water. Put a denture tablet into the water and let it sit overnight. The next morning, scrub the inside of the bottle with a bottle brush.
Oven
When to clean: At least twice a year, in April and October
How to clean: Before using the self-clean option, wipe down all racks, pans, and surfaces inside the oven. Clean the oven window with white vinegar and water. Pour salt on all baking spills. Then, set your range for clean.
Laundry Room
Dryer Vents
When to clean: Every April
How to clean: Go outside and take the cover off the dryer vent tube and vacuum it. Return inside and remove the flue-tube from the dryer and vacuum it.
Outside
Outdoor Furniture
When to clean: The beginning and end of the outdoor season. April and October
How to clean: A solution of vinegar and water should work on the pieces. On the upholstering, wipe it down with a wet rag.
Grill
When to clean: This depends on use, but at a minimum once a year in October
How to clean: Use a handheld steamer, and then if any residue is left, use the wire brush.
Gutters
When to clean: Every November
How to clean: You will need an extension ladder, gloves, and someone on the ground spotting the ladder. It is a messy job requiring digging into the gutters and removing the debris collected all year long.
These Tips Brought to You by Mulligan Management Group
When you are thinking of outsourcing your digital marketing, please contact us at 330-472-7673 for a free consultation on ways to improve your company’s online presence!
