What Should I Clean Every Month?

What Should I Clean Every Month?

Cleaning your house or business may seem like a never-ending process, but if you can create a schedule and stick to it, you might be surprised at how easy the process is. We have a list that details what you should clean daily, weekly, and monthly so you can follow along without worrying about it. When paired with speed cleaning, you can make your home look like you spend hours cleaning and organizing weekly. 

Top Items to Focus on During Your Monthly Cleaning

  • Ceiling fans
  • Windows
  • Kitchen –cabinets, refrigerator, disposal, and dishwasher
  • HVAC filters
  • Dryer vent

How to Clean Your Ceiling Fan

Man Cleaning Ceiling FanDid you know that you can run ceiling fans year-round if you change the direction in the fan spins? A small switch on the center of the fan should change the direction the blades rotate. During the summer, the blades should push air down, while in colder weather, the fan should help warm air circulate from the top of a room.

A ceiling fan is something that many people forget to clean. Once you remember, the amount of accumulated dust can amaze you. Thankfully, there is an easy trick to cleaning a ceiling fan. 

While the fan is off, place a pillowcase around one of the blades. Then, use your hands to slide the pillowcase off while pressing down lightly on the top of the blade. The dust will collect into the pillowcase, preventing it from blowing all over your room while you try to clean it. It’s one of our favorite house-cleaning hacks! 

How Often Should You Clean Windows? 

Window washing can be done as needed, but if you’re asking yourself, “how often should I wash my windows?” we recommend once a month. First, create a mixture of dish soap and warm water and use a sponge or washcloth to wipe the dust and fingerprints from the windows, sliding glass doors, and windowsills. Use a squeegee to remove as much of the mixture as possible, and then use a towel to dry any remaining surfaces.

4 Things to Focus on in Your Monthly Kitchen Cleaning

  1. Kitchen cabinets
  2. Refrigerator
  3. Garbage disposal
  4. Dishwasher filter

When to Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Gloved Hands Cleaning RefrigeratorThe tops of your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator can be a breeding ground for dust and other allergens. Although many people leave these areas for their annual deep spring clean, we recommend doing them more frequently. You can use a sponge and soapy water mixture from your windows to lightly wipe away any dust that has built up.

Should I Clean My Refrigerator Every Month? 

Cleaning out your refrigerator is a task that you should put on your weekly to-do list. However, deep cleaning your fridge is something you should do at least every month. Unfortunately, spills and leaks can go unnoticed, and doing a monthly scrub of your refrigerator and freezer can help prevent stains and keep everything smelling fresh. Make sure to wipe down the inside and the outside of the appliance. 

Cleaning the Garbage Disposal

Knowing how to clean your garbage disposal keeps it working properly and prevents any unpleasant smells from making their way into your kitchen. There are a few things that you should put on your monthly cleaning list in your kitchen but giving your garbage disposal a deep clean may be one that most people need to remember. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Ice
  • Boiling water
  • Salt
  • Lemon halves

When you want to clean your garbage disposal, the first step is to ensure that the entire unit is unplugged or the power is off at the circuit breaker. Using the proper safety procedures is critical when working around objects with a sharp blade.

Once a month, clean your garbage disposal with a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal and add one cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then slowly pour a few cups of boiling water down the drain while you turn it on and let it run (ensure an adequate amount of water flows through the disposal at all times).

Next, fill your disposal with ice cubes and then pour in a cup of salt. When you turn on the disposal, the abrasive nature of the salt will help clean off any debris. Finally, turn on the hot water and add 2-3 lemon halves as you run the disposal. This step will add a fresh smell without any harsh chemicals.

Where is My Dishwasher Filter? 

Woman Removing Dishwasher FilterDid you know that your dishwasher has a filter? Although it doesn’t always make sense that we have to clean the things that clean other things, your dishwasher is an excellent example of an appliance that you must regularly clean to keep it working the way it should. You should clean your dishwasher filter monthly to remove any built-up food particles or other debris and keep it smelling its best.

Although your dishwasher filter is most likely located at the bottom, underneath the spinning arm, it’s easy to find out how to clean it by quickly searching YouTube for your specific brand and model number. Once you know how to remove a dishwasher filter, use a toothbrush to lightly scrub the parts before reassembling everything. We also recommend using a tablet that removes hard water deposits regularly!

Why Should You Change Your HVAC Filters

Your heating and air conditioning unit has a filter that keeps dirt and dust from spreading throughout your home. These tiny particles become trapped in the filter as air blows from your air handler through your vents and into each room of your home or office.

If you’re wondering how often to change your HVAC filter, we recommend every month or every other month, depending on the quality of your filter. Some companies offer automatic refills for air filters that ship each month to help you remember to keep your filter fresh. We love the convenience of this service and recommend it to anyone who is responsible for changing their air filter.

How Often Should the Dryer Lint Trap Be Cleaned? 

Person Cleans Out Dryer Lint TrapBuilt-up dryer lint causes thousands of fires every year. While you should always clean out your dryer’s lint trap after each use, lint can still build up in the vent and duct that carries it to the exterior of your home. So, make sure to take a moment once a month to check the vent and duct for any blockage, and have your ducts cleaned at least once a year.

Even though it’s possible to stick to a cleaning schedule and make deep cleaning less frequent, sometimes there are things we would rather do instead of cleaning – like pretty much anything. Thankfully, Pure House Cleaning serves communities in and around Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland to help keep your home looking and feeling its best with cleaning that fits your schedule and budget. Visit our website to learn about our cleaning process, prices for cleaning in Seattle and other coverage areas, and more.