GENERAL CLEANING TIPS 1. Appliances Anyone who has ever cleaned household appliances knows just how grimy they can sometimes get –– especially when they get overlooked for long periods of time. The list of appliances could certainly get long, for now, we’ll focus on the refrigerator, the cooking range, and the washing machine. Remember that in general, giving your appliances and their surrounding areas a bit of extra T.L.C. will help tremendously in extending their lives.
The refrigerator. Unplug it, pull it from its place, clean its coils and the space in which it rests. It’s easier than you think, and should only take about 15 or 20 minutes. It should be done every three to four months.
They should be well-cleaned regularly, but for deeper cleaning, every other week or more is recommended. Burners plates can be pulled out and washed either by hand or in the dishwasher, and coils should be wiped clean. For glass stovetops especially, use only non-abrasive cleaners and cleaning cloths.
Washing machines. If you’re noticing it, chances are, it needs a cleaning. You can use a microfiber cloth to clean the agitator, and in some cases, a toothbrush can come in quite handy to get to the finer areas. Washers with gaskets can get funky when moisture and mold build up, so wipe out these areas using a cloth sprayed with a non-abrasive multi-surface cleaner, and then wipe dry with a soft, dry cloth.
GENERAL CLEANING TIPS 2. Tops of hard-to-reach shelves and cabinets Vacuum the area first, to get rid of as much dust as possible before wiping down. Next, if you find that there are areas in which grease has built up (this can happen over time when cabinet tops get neglected), you may need a putty knife along with a strong, deep-cleaning, degreasing spray cleaner. Spray down your surfaces and scrape them clean before wiping them for effective and thorough cleaning.
GENERAL CLEANING TIPS 3. Baseboards Although they are in plain sight, baseboards still get passed over more often than we might think of cleaning them. To mitigate this issue, simply make them part of your weekly floor cleaning routine. Whether you’re vacuuming or mopping, it really only takes a few extra minutes to get the baseboards clean as well. Vacuum them first with the brush attachment, then give them a good wipe with your cloth and cleaner.
GENERAL CLEANING TIPS 4. Underneath hard-to-move furniture Again, this may seem pretty basic. It’s just a matter of getting to the area that’s the challenge, but it needs to be done every so often –– experts recommend every 3-6 months to maintain a clean and healthy home environment. For heavier furniture items, find someone to help you do the moving. Never lift things that are too heavy for just you, as you may injure yourself. More than one person is usually sufficient to lift heavy furniture, one foot at a time, onto slides or furniture rollers (recommended for wood or stone floors). Once they are moved aside, they area can be vacuumed or mopped.
GENERAL CLEANING TIPS 5. Windowsills, window frames and door jambs Similar to baseboards and cabinet tops, these spots are often omitted from the weekly to-do list. Never fear, since these are usually easy places to get to, with perhaps the exception of higher windows that require a ladder to reach. Get them on your list at least once a month. Vacuum the excess dust, then give them a wipe down with your cloth and multi-surface cleaner.
Now you’re on your way to getting on top of your overall household cleaning situation! It’s so much better than being behind, and it makes us feel better, knowing that our indoor air and surfaces are clean and fresh.
You will need useful household tools and cleaners
Vacuum cleaner
A Coil cleaning brush
A clean, unused toothbrush
Microfiber cotton cloths