7 things you need to clean in your home ASAP
When your allergies are acting up and you don’t know what the culprit is, start cleaning these items | Photo by Anton on Unsplash
Cleaning is a life skill everyone needs to learn. Aside from the basic vacuuming, washing the dishes, and washing your clothes, there are many more things in the home that need attention. A weekly cleaning schedule is best to keep the home tidy, but you’ll really have to get into the nitty-gritty and do a general cleaning—whether you like it or not.
For people with an established cleaning schedule and routine, you’re already probably used to all the wiping, scrubbing, and spraying. But even the most diligent people miss some spots.
Here are a few home items and areas that you probably don’t clean regularly (but definitely should). These items and areas aren’t an everyday thing. Though, you’ll probably want to get on it as soon as you’re done reading.
Washer and dryer
Your washer and dryer clean and dry your clothes but that doesn’t mean they don’t need cleaning themselves. Dirt, grime, and detergent residue can build up on your washer, which makes them clean less effectively over time. Dryers can also store a lot more lint and potentially become a fire hazard if not maintained well.
For these appliances, you’ll probably want to enlist the help of an expert that can clean and maintain your laundry machines effectively. If you don’t want to spend on it, there’s always online tutorials.
Knife block
A knife block is honestly not the best way to store knives. It can accumulate dust, bacteria, and even mold if you stick your wet knives back inside. But if you already have one, you can clean it with a simple solution of white vinegar and water.
If you’re cleaning it regularly, dunking it in warm, soapy water can help. Just make sure you scrub the slots with a pipe cleaner to really get all the gunk out, then dry properly.
Utensil holder
Storing clean utensils in a crusty, dusty drawer almost defeats the purpose of having clean utensils | Photo by Orgalux on Unsplash
Storing clean utensils in a crusty, dusty drawer almost defeats the purpose of having clean utensils. If you’re storing your cutlery in a drawer with separators, take it out every week and give it a good scrub with soap and water. Make sure to dry it before you put it back, though.
Home decor
A nice set of coffee table books or some scented candles can give your home a cozier vibe, but you’ll need to remember to clean them, too. Dusting weekly and wiping down decor is necessary to keep the dust levels in your home in check. If your allergies are especially irritating and you don’t know what the culprit is, chances are it’s dust from the frames of your gallery wall.
Rugs and carpets
If you have pets that shed (or any pets at all) and a rug or carpet, you’re probably already a pro at vacuuming. Busting out the vacuum is great for weekly maintenance, but you’ll need to deep clean any rugs or carpets at least annually to avoid any buildup that might become harmful to your health.
Hanging light fixtures and lamps
Exposed light fixtures like lamps and chandeliers are also magnets for dust. For hanging light fixtures, you’ll need to dust them as often as weekly to keep the dust levels in your home low. Having an extendable feature in your vacuum can definitely help.
For other light fixtures like lamps, make sure to clean out the lampshade and areas near the bulb as well as any crevices that dust can creep into to keep them clean.
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