How many people genuinely want to spend their free time cleaning their homes? We’re guessing not very many. Even with a routine, there are always places you forget to clean. Here are nine places you probably forget to clean and a few tips and tricks for keeping your space sparkling.
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9 Things You Should Add to Your Cleaning List
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Ceiling fans
- Curtains
- Pillows
- Garbage or recycling bins
- Reusable shopping bags
- TV remote
- Your cleaning supplies
Cleaning Your Dishwasher
If you’ve never cleaned your dishwasher, prepare to be amazed, disgusted, or both. The appliance that makes your dishes and utensils sparkling clean needs some TLC to stay free of mold and other unsavory things.
Although you can purchase pre-made tablets that are supposed to remove hard water and other residues from inside your dishwasher, if you’re wondering how to clean it properly, taking the dishwasher’s filter apart and giving it a good scrub is the best way to remove any unwanted particles, freshen the smell of your dishwasher, and keep your dishes clean.
Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Although designed to do the cleaning for you, your washing machine is another appliance that still requires a once-over every now and then.
There are 3 main areas when it comes down to how to clean in your washing machine:
- Outside
- Inside
- Filter
You can clean the outside of your washing machine by wiping it down with a damp cloth. For the inside, add bleach to an empty drum and run an entire cycle on hot. Don’t forget to clean the detergent and bleach dispenser!
Learning how to clean a washing machine filter can be as easy as watching videos online. Be sure to look up the specifics for your exact machine and have extra towels and a bucket on hand to drain any accumulated water.
While you’re at it, clean out the area that holds your lint catcher for your dryer. You’ll be amazed at how dusty it can get!
Cleaning Ceiling Fans
If you forget to clean the blades of your ceiling fan can leave you with massive amounts of dust flying around the room when you turn it on. But it can also be a struggle to try and clean off the blades without accumulated dust falling off.
Top tip on how to clean ceiling fan blades easily? Pillowcases. Whenever you’re washing your sheets, slip off your pillowcases and slip one over each blade of your ceiling fan. Wrap the pillowcase around the fan blade and then pull it off while sandwiching your hands on the top and bottom.
Washing Curtains and Window Blinds
Your curtains accumulate dust just like any other surface in your home. So, whether they require a trip to the dry cleaners or can be run through the laundry at home, learning how to clean and sanitize your window curtains is a must.
While your curtains are being cleaned, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down any window blinds. Don’t forget to clean and sanitize the portion you touch to move them up and down or open and close them.
Wash Your Pillows
Throw pillows are a great accent to bring together the look and feel of a space. However, they also tend to get overlooked in your cleaning schedule. Be sure to read the care labels to see how to clean the throw pillows on your couch or bed, and then add them to your to-do list.
Ensure you don’t forget to clean your main bed pillows regularly, even if they have protective covers. Your face touches your pillow every day, and even if you wash your pillowcases regularly, you can still experience breakouts or other issues from dirty pillows.
Garbage or Recycling Bins
Even with the bag that holds your trash, your garbage bin is bound to accumulate odor and crumbs. But do you forget to clean it? How often do you take the time to remove the can and wipe it down? Probably not as frequently as you should. This is your reminder to make wiping down your recycling bin and trash can a priority on your routine cleaning list!
Reusable Shopping Bags
If you use reusable shopping bags, think about the last time you washed them. Using these bags to transport groceries, produce, clothes, and other items is a great way to help the environment and contribute less plastic waste to the planet. However, don’t forget to clean them in the wash every now and then – especially if you’re using the same bags for produce and groceries as other items.
If you don’t have washing machine-safe reusable shopping bags, use a cleaning spray or other approved sanitizing method to wipe down the bags inside and out. Spray the handles and pay close attention to any crumbs that may have accumulated inside the corners of the bags.
TV Remote Cleaning
How often do you sanitize your television remote? Probably not often enough. The oils that accumulate on your skin throughout the day are transferred to the remote, as are any other germs that you may come into contact with. For pet owners, accidentally leaving the TV remote on the couch can leave it buried underneath your furry friend.
Need tips on how to clean your TV remote? You should be wiping down your television remote at least once a week with a sanitizing wipe to remove dirt, germs, and other residues that have accumulated. Avoid spraying something too wet on the remote, as it can drip into the electronics and render the remote useless.
How Often Should You Clean Your Cleaning Supplies?
We’ve covered your dishwasher and washing machine, but what about the tools you use to clean your home? From your mop and rags to brooms, vacuum cleaners, and toilet accessories, all your cleaning supplies should be subject to a good scrub regularly. Thankfully, most of these items are relatively easy to clean.
If your mop is reusable, read the directions on how to clean it properly. Some mop heads can be tossed in the washing machine, while others are designed to be thrown away after a certain number of uses. Wipe out and sanitize the buckets you use and the handles of your tools and give your toilet brush and plunger a good dunk in a mixture of water and bleach regularly.
For your vacuum cleaner, empty the canister regularly and wipe the inside and outside with a damp cleaning cloth. Also, keep an eye on your filters and when they need to be replaced or washed.
Did you know there’s a quick and easy way to avoid cleaning all these things? With Pure House Cleaning, you’ll never have to worry about whether or not you forgot to clean your blinds or if your remote control has been sanitized. With two locations serving Seattle and Bellevue, keeping a clean home has never been easier.