1. Ceiling Fans and Lighting
Ceiling fixtures and fans only need to be cleaned once a month. Schedule different room cleanings for each week. Start by dusting high fixtures so that dirt falls to the ground. Daily cleaning of electrical equipment and lights can also affect their frequency and duration of operation.
2. Winter Coats
Looking to save on dry cleaning bills? Most winter coats can be worn throughout the season with just a few washes. The key to avoiding frequent washes is catching stains as soon as possible. Hang your coat properly after each wear and use a good clothes brush to remove dust and lint.
3. Bedspreads, Blankets, and Comforters
Bedspreads are a hassle to clean due to their size. Therefore, you don’t need to wash them daily or weekly. Instead, clean them at the end of each month. If you don’t have a large front-loading washer, take them to a laundromat. If you have children or pets on the bed, use a waterproof mattress pad and replace them regularly to keep your sleeping area clean throughout the winter.
4. Curtains and Drapes
Living room and bedroom curtains or drapes don’t need to be cleaned regularly. Just thoroughly clean them annually by dry cleaning. If you’re concerned about dust, take down the curtains and put them in the dryer to remove dust and even some wrinkles. Don’t use heat as it may shrink certain fabrics. However, kitchen and bathroom curtains should be washed more regularly as they can accumulate a lot of grease or hair products in the bathroom.
5. Carpets and Upholstered Furniture
Carpets and upholstered furniture should be professionally cleaned once a year using steam and specialized cleaning products. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip vacuuming carpets and upholstery at least once a week. Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from embedding into the fabric fibers. If you frequently spot clean, you can actually do more harm. Using too much cleaning solution and getting too wet can weaken the carpet backing and promote the growth of mold in the carpet pad and upholstery.
6. Glass or Fabric-Covered Furniture
For dining area chairs, you can cover them with a decorative fabric layer to give them a fresh look. On the tabletop, instead of leaving the wood exposed, many families will add a glass top that makes the table look beautiful and brighter, while cleaning can also be easier.
It’s really not necessary to remove the fabric layer for washing every day or remove the glass top every day for wiping the surface underneath. You can maintain that with a month-to-month frequency instead of cleaning them too frequently.
7. Bathtub Toys
Children need to bathe daily, but bath toys can be cleaned a little longer than normal cleaning time. If you rinse the toys in clean water and hang them to dry in a mesh bag, then just clean them thoroughly once a month.
You only need to mix 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar with a little warm water. Put the toys in and soak for about 15 minutes. Use a sponge or clean cloth to wipe the surface of the toys, rinse with clean water, and let them air dry.
8. Bed Pillows
Mattress pads and pillow covers should be washed weekly as they come into direct contact with our skin. But bed pillows only need to be washed from three to six months. Over-washing will cause them to wear out quickly. Most types of pillows on the bed (feather, polyester, or foam material) can be washed at home. Just make sure you have enough time for the pillow to dry completely before going to bed!
9. Oven
Cleaning the oven doesn’t need to be on your weekly household chores list. If you wipe away spills right when they occur, you can clean the oven only two or three times a year. You should choose the appropriate time to thoroughly clean them instead of waiting until the end of the year.
10. Kitchen Cabinets
The refrigerator is a place where raw and ripe foods are stored and can spoil quickly, so you should clean it weekly. But cabinets that hold dishes or dry goods don’t need to be cleaned as often. Just clean them one or two times a year. Empty the dishes and dry goods to one side, then wipe the shelves clean. Check and remove any insect activity and check expiration dates before sorting and organizing them in the kitchen cabinets./.
Source: VOV