In today’s post, we are sharing a list of items in your home that you SHOULD be cleaning but are probably not! Some of these items may already be a part of your cleaning regimen but some others, may come as a surprise. Regardless, it is important to make sure these items are not “left in the dust” and accounted for to maintain the health and safety of your family. We will also be sharing a few helpful cleaning tips, where applicable.
- Bathroom Fans – At least 1 time per year. Usually, a burst of canned air will work fine for getting up inside a hard-to-reach fan. For a light surface-level clean, try using a handheld dusting wand or a damp cloth.
- Garbage Cans – At least 2 times per year. Empty your wastebaskets and hose them down outside. Then, simply spray a disinfectant and let them dry thoroughly.
- High Touch Surfaces (TV Remotes, Door Handles, Screens, Keys, etc.) – At least 1 time per week. It should come as no surprise that these surfaces accumulate germs very easily. It has been proven that a phone screen can hold up to as much bacteria as is found on a TOILET! Wipe them down with a disinfecting wipe at least once per week to avoid the spread of germs.
- Toilet Brush – At least 1 time per week. As a rule of thumb, your toilet brush should be replaced about every 6 months. It is also important to regularly clean it to avoid bacteria buildup. You can do so with a simple bleach spray and a rinse of boiling water.
- Houseplants – Once you can start to feel dust or can blow it off the leaves. The leaves ofHouseplants can build up dust just about as quickly as any other wood surface. To give them a quick clean, spray the leaves with a mist of water and wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any buildup. How frequently you will have to do so is dependent on your home environment.
- Your Dishwasher – At least 1 time per month. You can clean a dishwasher with a simple solution of white vinegar, baking soda and dish soap. Giving the filter a good clean and running the wash cycle a few times with baking soda and vinegar will help keep it running good as new.
- Shower Curtain – At least 1 time per every 3 months. You can wash a shower curtain or shower liner by way of either the washing machine or handwashing.
- Ice Cube Trays – At least 1 time per month. The easiest method to wash ice cube trays is with hot, soapy water, just as you would wash any other dish in your home.
- Toaster – At least 1 time per month (May be more if you use it more often). Remove the bottom tray of your toaster and dump out any excess crumbs. You can clean and soak this crumb tray with a simple solution of dish soap and hot water for a deep clean.
- Your Pet’s Dishes – At least 1-2 times per week. Just as we wash our plates and silverware after dining, keeping our pet’s dishes clean is just as important yet often overlooked. 1-2 times per week, give their bowls a thorough wash with hot, soapy water. This will continue to keep them safe and healthy.
