Tips

The Lazy Person’s Guide to Cleaning: 10 Items You Don’t Need to Clean Often

The act of cleaning has long been associated with creating a comfortable and airy living space. However, it is important to note that not all items in your home require frequent cleaning.

Administrator

22 July, 2024

Did you know there are some household items that you don’t need to clean frequently? Check out our list below to find out!

1Clothing

It’s common to re-wear certain types of clothing. To avoid odor, always hang or fold your clothes neatly after each use. Avoid piling them into a messy heap. However, this practice doesn’t apply to undergarments, sportswear, or socks, which should be washed after each wear.

Over-washing your clothes can reduce their elasticity and fabric quality. Additionally, the chemicals in detergents can also affect the longevity of your garments.

Clothing

2Dirty Dishes

Many people have the habit of rinsing plates and bowls before putting them in the dishwasher. However, using enzyme-based dishwasher pods can effectively remove food particles and stains without the need for pre-rinsing.

So, there’s no need to spend too much time pre-cleaning your dishes. Simply scrape off any large food remnants into the trash before loading them into the dishwasher.

Dirty Dishes

3Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

Ceiling fans and light fixtures are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Since they don’t accumulate a lot of dust and don’t directly impact your health, they don’t need to be cleaned frequently.

A good tip is to start cleaning high areas first and work your way down, finishing with a vacuum to pick up any fallen dust or debris.

Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

4Bedding

Typically, you only need to wash your bedding when the seasons change. However, this frequency may vary depending on individual habits. If you often eat or drink in bed, consider using a washable mattress protector to make cleaning easier. Always remember to immediately clean up any food or drink spills on the bed.

Bedding

5Curtains

Curtains are another item that doesn’t require frequent cleaning. You can freshen them up by putting them in the dryer to remove wrinkles and dust. When washing or drying curtains, avoid high temperatures to prevent shrinkage.

Curtains

6Carpets and Upholstered Furniture

Carpets and upholstered furniture should only be deep-cleaned once a year using steam cleaning methods and appropriate cleaning products. Weekly vacuuming is usually sufficient to keep them tidy.

Carpets and Upholstered Furniture

7Furniture Covers

Frequent washing of furniture covers can cause the fabric to shrink and lose its original shape. Therefore, weekly washing is unnecessary unless there are noticeable stains from food or pets.

Furniture Covers

8Decorative Pillows

Washing decorative pillows too often can damage them and may even cause shrinkage. Some types of pillows are not suitable for machine washing and should only be dry cleaned.

Using protective covers can help keep them dust-free and reduce allergens.

Decorative Pillows

9Oven

Many ovens have a self-cleaning function, but using it too often can impact the appliance’s lifespan and your health. Instead, wipe down spills and messes as they occur.

Oven

10Pantry

Your pantry is another area that doesn’t require frequent cleaning. Simply wipe up any spills from spices or other ingredients, and dust the shelves as needed. A thorough cleaning once or twice a year should suffice.

Pantry

We hope you found this information helpful! Now you know which household items you can clean less frequently.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to clean your mattress every 6 months to a year, depending on use and stains. You can freshen it up by sprinkling baking soda and vacuuming it after 15 minutes. For stain removal, use a mild detergent and blot the area with a damp cloth.

A simple paste of baking soda and water can be used to clean your oven. Apply the paste to the interior surfaces and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wipe it out with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, add some vinegar to the baking soda paste.

Yes, a natural way to clean your drains is to pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, followed by a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Let it fizz and then flush it with more boiling water.

Towels should be washed after every 3-4 uses, or once a week if they are not used daily. Bedding should be washed at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if you have skin conditions or allergies.

Yes, dusting lightbulbs and ceiling fans is important for maintaining good air quality and brightness. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the surfaces, capturing the dust instead of spreading it around.

To clean and freshen your garbage disposal, grind some lemon or orange peels in it. The citrus oils will help to break down grease and leave a pleasant scent. You can also use ice cubes and vinegar to help clean and sharpen the blades.

An easy way to clean your microwave is to place a microwave-safe bowl of water and vinegar inside and run it for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any food residue, making it easy to wipe down with a sponge or cloth.

A deep clean of your refrigerator should be done every 3-4 months. This includes wiping down all surfaces, cleaning the seals with vinegar, and vacuuming the coils. Spills and stains should be cleaned up as they occur to prevent odors and bacteria growth.

A daily quick-clean of your shower can be done by spraying a mixture of vinegar and dish soap after each use. Once a week, scrub the surfaces with a non-abrasive sponge to prevent soap scum and mildew buildup.

Keep a small trash bag in your car and empty it regularly. For quick touch-ups, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the dashboard and interior surfaces. A handheld vacuum can be used to clean the seats and floors.