These simple yet often overlooked cleaning tasks monthly. To avoid major messes and costly repairs down, you should clean them at least once a month.
1. Washing Machine
It’s recommended to have your washer go through a cleaning cycle once a week, depending on how often you are using the machine. If you aren’t using it as often, it’s recommended to give it wash (both inside and out) once a month. Since most clothes/patterns require a cold wash, hot water isn’t moving through the machine often. The first thing you can do is wash the machine with hot water—bleach included. This will help to kill off whatever bacteria or bugs are currently residing within your machine.
2. Garbage Disposal
The best way to clean out your garbage disposal is with baking soda and white vinegar. Take half a cup of baking soda and a cup of white wine vinegar, and put both down the sink. After a few minutes, pour some boiling hot water down, too. Next, fill the drain with some ice cubes, and add a cup of salt, which will help to remove debris. Finally, add lemon halves to the disposal and keep both the water running and the garbage disposal on.
3. Baseboards and Blinds
If you let your mini blinds build up too much dust and dirt, they can be impossible to clean. The more you spray and wipe, the more you just spread the dust and grease buildup. It’s difficult to thoroughly wipe both sides of all blades using a cloth—all while trying not to damage any of the delicate pieces in the process.
4. Check HVAC Filters
Bodrozic says you should replace your air filters at least four times a year, but it’s best to check them once a month. This keeps air in the house healthy and your system running efficiently because they are not clogged with debris or dust.
5. Dishwasher Filter
Remove the filter and wash it to make sure all food particles are gone. Then sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 12 hours. Then add a cup of vinegar and run a hot cycle.
6. Sweep the Garage, Patio, and Walkways
Sweep out your garage, patio, and walkways to keep them clear of debris. If you do this job once a month it will be significantly more manageable over time.
7. Refrigerator Grille
The top or bottom of your refrigerator has a grille that you can detach to get access to the compressor and cooling coils. This builds up dust over time and blocks airflow, which can burn out your refrigerator’s cooling system.
8. Vacuum Upholstered Furniture
Sprinkle a generous amount of regular baking soda onto the fabric and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The baking soda will help to release odors and break up some light stains in the fabric. After about 20 minutes, remove the baking soda—and the funky smell—with a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment for your large vacuum.
9. Inspect Sink and Tub Drains
If you notice that your sinks or tubs aren’t draining as quickly, there may be a buildup causing a blockage. The first thing to do is try to remove anything that is obstructing the pipe manually using a pipe cleaner to pull debris through the plughole. Second, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by some hot water, which should clear things out.
10. Grout
Save your worn-out toothbrushes because they’re great for cleaning grout. Just apply a little bit of detergent to the head of the brush. It works especially well on corners.
11. Ceiling Light Fixtures (One Room Per Month)
Cleaning light fixtures on a monthly basis keeps your fixtures from becoming covered in dust. To clean ceiling fixtures wipe the fixture with a cloth and remove the globe or pan for a quick shine as well as dumping any bug remains. You’ll be surprised how much brighter the light is with a little cleaning.
12. Range Hood Filter
The purpose of the range hood filter is to collect grease, so over time, it will become less effective as the grease builds up. To clean them, simply remove them and place them in a sink full of hot water, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda. Leave to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If needed, scrub the remaining grease off with a brush, and then rinse clean. Dry the filters with a paper towel before replacing them.
13. Lubricate Garage Doors
Your garage doors are probably a series of panels that are connected with hinges and have either metal or plastic rollers on each side. Use an appropriate lubricant, depending on metal or plastic rollers, to keep your garage door operating smoothly and prolong its useful life.
14. Air Vent Covers
You may not notice the air vents in your home regularly, but they can quickly build up dust around the vent covers. Dust them monthly to keep dust from blowing out into your rooms. Wipe down the nearby wall as well to remove any dust that has accumulated there.