Have you ever wondered how often you should be cleaning certain household items in your home? If you're questioning it, it's probably more than you think. Here is a list of how often to clean these household items and how to properly clean them:
Bathroom
Shower curtain liners:
Many people usually don't wash their shower curtain liner, they wait until it's moldy and toss it in the trash. A great way to save money is simply wash your curtain and liner to avoid buying new ones as often.
You can either wash your plastic or vinyl liner by running it through the washing machine warm water with either vinegar, baking soda, or detergent. You can also hand wash with baking soda and hang dry. For fabric liners, see the care instructions before washing it.
Try washing your liner every three months to avoid dirt and mildew. Make sure to keep the bathroom door open after showering to allow the moisture to leave, which will prevent mildew forming. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly liner option, check out this chlorine free PEVA plastic liner from William & Sonoma.
Kitchen
Dish sponges:
Most people probably don't even think about how often to clean and replace your dish sponge. One way to wash them is by rinsing them out completely and running them through your dish washer. Another option is to dampen the sponge and let it microwave for one minute. Additionally, you should replace your sponge every two weeks.
Sink:
Clean your sink drain once a week by flushing hot water down it and monthly by using a mix of vinegar, boiling water and baking soda to help break down debris while also deodorizing.
Dishwasher:
It seems counter intuitive to clean the dishwasher since it's constantly being run with dishes. However, it's very important to clean it monthly. Good Housekeeping suggests filling a measuring cup with two cups of vinegar on the top shelf of the dishwater and let it run as normal.
Affresh also has dishwasher cleaner tablets and can be used once a month for cleaning.
Bedroom
Bedsheets:
It's imperative to wash your bedsheets weekly to ensure a clean bed. According to Martha Stewart, washing your sheets in warm water followed by a quick tumble dry and taking them out ten minutes before the cycle ends helps to prevent wrinkles. You should also iron your sheets while they are still damp.
Pillows:
Pillows can be washed every 3-6 months and most can be thrown in your regular wash to prevent mold, bacteria, and odors.
Vent:
Make sure to clean your air vent with a handheld vacuum. Simply remove the cover, vacuum, and use a wet soft brush to finish.
Appliances
Kitchen:
Appliances like your microwave, toaster oven, and coffee makers should be cleaned weekly.
If you have a Nespresso Machine, you must snap off the attachment for the water in the back and clean it in the dishwasher. The container that the pods go into get filled with coffee and should also be cleaned in the dishwasher. Don't forget to clean the surface underneath the place where you place the mug.
Laundry:
If you don't properly clean your washing machine, you are wasting electricity and it won't function properly.
The first step is to clean the lint tray by using a wet paper towel or a vacuum. Don't forget the hidden compartments! Rinse the filter from the dryer in the sink to remove lint.
Another spot to clean lint is by lifting the rubber lining inside the washing machine. Use Affresh Wipes to clean inside rubber lining 1 x a week for all cleaning.
Use Affresh tablets inside the machine and run cycle for cleansing. Leave the doors open after washing to let air dry and avoid odor.
Vacuums:
We prefer using Miele vacuums, and for efficiency, it's important to replace the filters frequently. Most vacuums need to be cleaned every few months, so be sure to check your manual to see if you can clean it in the dishwasher or if you simply need to replace the filter like we do.
Water filter:
A great way to use less plastic and filter your water is with a water pitcher. We love the Mavea water filter. But be sure to clean the filter often to ensure clean water each time. Fill up the pitcher with tap water and push the start button, this is when the filtration begins. Be sure to clean the pitcher on the inside every few days to get rid of the sediments.
Check out our other favorite cleaning products in our shop.