Sometimes it is easy to get into a cleaning routine. Where you continue to do the same chores over and over again.
Clean the kitchen counters, sanitize the bathrooms, sweep and mop the floors.
It is so easy to check off all of your regular chores and forget that there are other things that need to be cleaned in your house perhaps just not as often.
Below are some tasks that are commonly forgotten about when it comes to keeping a clean home.
CLEAN BEHIND WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER
Are you always wondering where your unmatched socks go? Behind the washing machine and dryer is an overlooked area. Some homes have drip pans underneath these machines to help catch any condensation and dirt. It is important to periodically pull your washing machine and dryer out from their alcoves to remove lint, dust, and dirt buildup. You may find it easiest to use a vacuum to get behind there especially if you cannot bring them completely out of their spots. If you clean behind them you may actually find a long lost sock or two along with other miscellaneous lost items.
BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR
Remember the last time that you spilled a whole galloon of milk right in front of the fridge or the time when you knocked a jar of pickles off the top shelf? All of that sticky smelly mess gets underneath your fridge and sticks to your flooring. Once a month you should remove the fridge from the wall. Use a vacuum to suck away dust and dirt from the ventilation system behind the machine. Vacuum up all of the crumbs on the floor. Then use a multipurpose cleaner to wipe away grime from the floor, sides and back of the fridge.
LAMP COVERS
This chore includes all types of lamp covers fabric and glass. For fabric lamp covers make sure that you are using a vacuum or lint roller to remove dirt. Then at least twice a year all of the glass bulb cover on your lamps and hanging light fixtures need to be taken down and cleaned thoroughly. Often times there are dead bugs and spider webs that get trapped in these areas.
WINDOWS, SCREENS, AND SILLS
This chore can be very time consuming. It is important to clean the windows, screens, and sills at least twice a year. The lower level windows can easily be done using Windex or another type of glass cleaner. Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of the windows. If you have an upper level you may or may not be able to get to these. A window-cleaning tool can be found at your local hardware store.
For your window screens wet them first with a garden hose. Then use half parts water half part vinegar to scrub your screens.
Wipe away any dirt, dust, and/or bugs that are lying in your windowsills. Cleaning your windows entirely can be a long, time consuming process, but will make your house look clean.
BEDDING
Your normal bedding such as your sheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors need to be washing on a weekly basis. This will prevent bed bugs and reduce allergens.
If you have a large comforter that cannot fit inside your washing machine it is important to take it to the dry cleaners or Laundromat. Doing this twice a year will also help reduce allergens and prevent bed bugs.
SANITIZE YOUR MATTRESS
First vacuum your mattress regularly. Your mattress should be cleaned at least monthly.
For a spot cleaning you can create a spray made from equal parts baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. Spray the solution onto the stains. Blot or rub dry.
For a deep clean spread an entire box of baking soda equally over your mattress. Massage the baking soda in as deep as possible. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. This will absorb odor, moisture, and dirt. Then vacuum thoroughly.
VENT CLEANING
Vent covers throughout your house are easy to over look. But they are a high collector of dirt and debris. Yearly you should remove all of your vent covers and rinse off the grime.
It is easiest to remove them all at one time. Bring them out to your lawn and hose them down with the garden hose. If there is remaining dirt then clean them individually with soap and water.
TRASH CANS
This is one of the dirtiest jobs on the list. First and foremost all garbage cans inside and out should be cleaned periodically. Inside can being smaller are likely to smell more quickly. Take them all out, empty them, and rinse them with soap and water. Let them dry completely. And don’t forget to line them with plastic bags to prevent smells.
The outdoor trashcans also need to be cleaned. Take it to the edge of your drive way or property to give it a good cleaning. It is best and easiest to use a pressure washer. If you don’t have one just use your garden hose and soap and water. Use an old broom to really brush down the sides of the can. Especially during the summer you should put small amounts of bleach into the can to prevent flies and maggots.
SHOWER CURTAIN
Both the inside and outside curtain need to be cleaned. They are a high source of mold and mildew buildup. Both can be put into the washing machine for a short cycle. Make sure to read the tags just in case yours has specific instructions. Then hang them back up in the bathtub to dry.
It is tough just to get the tasks of daily living done each week. Try to add one of these forgotten chores onto your monthly to do list. It will help you to complete them periodically and keep your home cleaner.