It feels wonderful to have a completely clean home, but have you ever wondered if the once-a-year brightening blow-out was really the best way to go about it? Well, we’ve got the lowdown on how often you should actually be cleaning everything. Check out these 12 things around your home and how often you should be cleaning them, and use this season to get a jumpstart on a sparkling schedule!
Bedding
Don’t you want the space where you sleep to be as clean and serene as your best dreams? Regular cleaning will help cut down on the dust mites, sweat, debris, allergens and even – ew! – fungi that can build up from the constant contact with slumbering bodies.
Sheets
It makes sense that the items closest to your sleeping self would need cleaning the most often. Make sure to wash sheets once a week in hot water and dry on a hot cycle.
Pillows
Even though they’re protected by pillowcases, you’ll still want to clean your pillows a few times a year – about every three to six months – to prevent the build-up of things we’d rather not think about while trying to sleep. Throw them one (if king-sized) or two (if regular-sized) at a time into the washer on the gentle cycle with liquid detergent, run the rinse cycle twice, and dry on low with two clean tennis balls.
Mattress
This big item doesn’t have to be a big job, especially when you only need to do it every six months. Simply vacuum the top, using an upholstery attachment, and remove any stains with a cold, lightly-dampened cloth, using a little upholstery shampoo if you want. Rotate it head-to-toe for even wear, and you’re all set! Also remember that a quality mattress cover or pad can protect it from dust mites and other allergens.
Appliances
We use them every day without thinking too much about them, but the appliances in our lives need and deserve regular cleaning, especially the ones that come into contact with our food or that we trust to clean everything else in our homes!
Continue to the Next Page …