Cleaning Tasks That Keep Your Home Safely Running Smoothly
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Discover the cleaning task that most people overlook but could have a significant impact on your home safety.
Cleaning Tasks That Keep Your Home Safely Running Smoothly
There are some dirty jobs out there, but somebody’s got to do it. Deep cleaning a few of these hidden hardworking parts of your home will keep your house running smoothly.
Some of the commonly missed spots are those that are intended to make home life easier or keep a household safe. Let’s tackle these cleaning tasks together and get your home in tip-top shape.
Cleaning Refrigerator Coils
Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the coils located at the back or bottom of your fridge, causing it to work harder and less efficiently. By taking the time to clean these coils regularly, you can improve the appliance’s performance and longevity, while also reducing the risk of a potential fire hazard in your home.
When To Clean: Twice a year. Quarterly if you have depending.
How To Clean: Find the coils. They are usually covered by a panel at the bottom front or the back of your fridge. Unplug the refrigerator first to turn off the power. Pull it away from the back of your wall. Take off the protective covering and gently scrape across and between the coils with a long handle refrigerator brush. You may also want to wear a dust mask.
Cleaning Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Regular kitchen hood and exhaust cleaning will help to maintain a hygienic working environment by removing grease, oil, dust, and other particles from the air. It will also help with keep good air movement and preventing a possible fire.
When to Clean: Twice a year.
How To Clean: Turn off and unplug the exhaust fan, then unhook the levers or tabs on the side of the filter to remove it. If it is in bad shape, you can purchase a replacement. However, in good condition, cleaning is the best way to save money. Soak the filter in water with baking soda and vinegar. Scrub with a brush to clean. I have found that heavy grease can be lifted by using dishwasher detergent soaked in hot water.
Cleaning Dishwasher Filter
Maintaining your dishwasher filter is a simple but important chore that often gets overlooked. By regularly cleaning the filter, you can ensure that your dishwasher runs efficiently and effectively, while also preventing any potential issues that could arise from a clogged filter.
When to Clean: Once a month.
How To Clean: If your dishwasher is older, your filter may not be removable. Check your manual first. Your filter will be located under the bottom rack. Some may have two removable parts: a cylinder and a flat mesh screen. Once you check your manual for the removal process, then you can scrub it under hot water using an old toothbrush. If grease and crime are present, hand wash with dish soap.
Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Surprisingly, washing machines are a prime spot for salmonella to breed, posing a health risk to your family. Often you end up with dirty and crime around the tub of your washing machine.
When to Clean: Once a month.
How To Clean: This will depend on whether you have a top-loading machine or a front-loading machine. Both are similar. First, you will either be wiping down the top of your tub removing dirt, or wiping down the rubber seal and drum. Next, run a normal cycle with a cup of bleach. Your washing machine may have a clean cycle that presets the time, agitation, and water temperature. Then all you need to do is add bleach.
Cleaning Your Dyer Duct
Another often neglected but crucial household chore is cleaning your dryer duct. Over time, lint and debris can accumulate in the duct, posing a serious fire hazard. By regularly cleaning out your dryer duct, you not only ensure the safety of your home but also improve the efficiency of your dryer.
When to Clean: At least once a year. Twice to be on the safe side.
How To Clean: First, like any appliance you will need to unplug it first. After unplugging, disconnect the duct from the dryer and the wall. Using a long-handled brush, loosen the lint inside. Next, using a vacuum with a crevice tool attachment, suck up the lint on the floor and from the holes in your dyer. Brush and vacuum the vents on the outside as well.
Cleaning Your Gutters
it’s time to turn our attention to an often-overlooked chore: cleaning your gutters. While it may seem like a mundane task, the consequences of neglecting your gutters can be costly and even dangerous.
When to Clean: Seasonally. Once in the spring and once in the fall.
How To Clean: You will need a ladder, a bucket, and a good part of working gloves. Once your ladder is set up, scoop out the leaves and twigs using your gloved hand. Dropping the debris into your bucket. Once cleaned out, you are ready to grab your hose. But first, check your downspout for clogs. Starting at the farthest end from the spout, flush your gutter with water.
Deep Clean Your Vacuum
Did you know that most vacuums only pick up about 75% of dirt and debris? That means, that even though we may think our floors are spotless, there could still be a significant amount of hidden dirt lurking in our carpets and upholstery. If you want to truly achieve a deep clean in your home, it’s time to give your trusty vacuum a little extra TLC. Let’s start by deep cleaning it.
When to Clean: Once a year. More frequently if you have pets.
How To Clean: First start by removing any hair, strings, or debris wrapped around the roller. If the brush head is jammed, cut any threads that are preventing it from rotating. At this point, I began by taking it apart. My Dyson breaks down and almost every part can be cleaned with soapy water and put back together. Every vacuum is different. It is best to look at your manual first. The last step I take is to replace the filters. Some can be hand washed while others that are paper will need to be dusted out or replaced.
Cleaning Shower Drains
When was the last time you thought about cleaning your shower drains? Often neglected, these areas can easily become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris over time. By taking a few minutes to regularly clean out your shower drains, you can prevent water from backing up and potentially causing water damage or mold growth in your bathroom.
When to Clean: Once a week.
How To Clean: This is the method that i like to use best. It works, and it is all-natural. Click here to see my step-by-step instructions.
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