Keeping a home clean is an important part of healthy living. However, it’s easy to overlook certain cleaning tasks that can lead to dirt, dust, and bacteria buildup over time. In this article, we will discuss 10 often-overlooked cleaning tasks that are essential for a truly clean and healthy home.
Introduction
It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day cleaning tasks like vacuuming or washing dishes, but there are many tasks that should never be forgotten. Neglecting these tasks can lead to unsanitary conditions that can impact your health and wellbeing. By incorporating these 10 cleaning tasks into your regular cleaning routine, you can ensure that your home is always clean and healthy.
1. Clean Your Mattress
Many people forget to clean their mattress, but it’s actually an essential task. Mattresses can harbor dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens that can negatively impact your health. To clean your mattress, start by vacuuming it thoroughly. Next, spot clean any stains with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Finally, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
2. Dust Your Light Fixtures
Light fixtures can accumulate dust and dirt over time, which can impact the quality of the light they emit. To clean your light fixtures, start by turning off the power to the fixture. Next, remove any glass or plastic coverings and clean them with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Finally, use a soft cloth or duster to clean the inside of the fixture.
3. Wash Your Curtains
Curtains can accumulate dust, dirt, and even allergens over time. To wash your curtains, start by removing them from the window and checking the care label for washing instructions. If your curtains are machine washable, wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. If they are not machine washable, consider taking them to a dry cleaner.
4. Clean Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers can harbor food particles, grease, and bacteria over time, which can impact their cleaning effectiveness. To clean your dishwasher, start by removing any food particles from the bottom of the dishwasher. Next, place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run the dishwasher on a hot cycle. Finally, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot cycle.
5. Scrub Your Showerhead
Showerheads can accumulate mineral buildup over time, which can impact the water pressure and quality. To clean your showerhead, start by removing it from the wall. Next, soak the showerhead in a mixture of water and vinegar for an hour. Finally, scrub the showerhead with a soft brush and rinse it thoroughly.
6. Vacuum Your Refrigerator Coils
Refrigerator coils can accumulate dust and dirt over time, which can impact their efficiency. To clean your refrigerator coils, start by unplugging the refrigerator. Next, use a vacuum with a crevice tool to clean the coils thoroughly. Finally, plug the refrigerator back in.
7. Clean Your Washing Machine
Washing machines can accumulate dirt, soap scum, and bacteria over time, which can impact their cleaning effectiveness. To clean your washing machine, start by running a hot cycle with no clothes and a cup of vinegar. Next, run another hot cycle with no clothes and a cup of baking soda. Finally, wipe down the inside of the washing machine with a cloth.
8. Dust Your Baseboards
Baseboards can accumulate dust and dirt over time, which can impact the overall cleanliness of your home. To clean your baseboards, start by vacuuming them with a crevice tool or using a dry cloth to remove any loose dust or debris. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the baseboards. Finally, use a dry cloth to buff the baseboards to a shine.
9. Clean Your Trash Can
Trash cans can harbor bacteria and odors over time, which can impact the overall cleanliness of your home. To clean your trash can, start by emptying it and removing any loose debris. Next, fill the trash can with hot water and a cup of bleach. Let it sit for 30 minutes before pouring out the water and rinsing the can thoroughly.
10. Clean Your Vents
Air vents can accumulate dust, dirt, and even mold over time, which can impact the air quality in your home. To clean your vents, start by turning off the power to the HVAC system. Next, remove the vent covers and wash them with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Finally, use a soft-bristled brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the inside of the vents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping a clean and healthy home requires more than just regular vacuuming and dusting. By incorporating these 10 often-overlooked cleaning tasks into your cleaning routine, you can ensure that your home is truly clean and healthy. Don’t forget to clean your mattress, light fixtures, curtains, dishwasher, showerhead, refrigerator coils, washing machine, baseboards, trash can, and vents.
