I found this post a few weeks ago on pinterest and it kind of all made sense. I do alot of cleaning but a few of these I kinda of forgot about...
1. Bed PillowsI’m sure you wash your sheets on a regular basis (well, at least I hope you do…). But oftentimes people forget to wash their bed pillows as well.
2. Washer and DryerYes, you would think since you’re washing your clothes and constantly using detergent that your washer and dryer would be relatively clean. OK, it’s not terribly dirty, but if you want to keep your washer and dryer in the best shape possible, clean it once every 3 months.
Run 1 cup of white vinegar run through the warm cycle to break up mineral deposits and keep the pipes clean. The vinegar will also serve to neutralize any lingering odors (including that moldy smell). Make sure you check the dryer exhaust and the hose for lint, too.
3. DishwasherRemove all debris in the bottom of your dishwasher with a paper towel or rag. Next set a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run a full cycle with hot water and let steam dry. You can wipe any remaining gunk out when the cycle is complete.
4. Your Kitchen SinkChemical cleaners are an option, but can damage the pipes and sink in the long run. For a more eco-friendly cleaning process, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Wash it down with half a cup of vinegar and a spritz of lemon. Let this set for a few minutes while it fizzles. Then rinse with hot water.
5. Bed SheetsOh my, I really hope you do this on a regular basis. To make things easier, have at least one extra set of bed sheets so you’re not scrambling right before bedtime to make the beds.
6. Bathroom MatsThese are another thing that get used on a daily occasion but probably don’t get washed as much as they should. Think about all the mildew and germs they gather everyday, yuck. Wash on the hottest temperature you can (throw in some towels for scrubbing help), then tumble dry low. If needed, use a little cleaning brush to fluff it back into shape. Also, this is another one I recommend having backups for.
7. Makeup BrushesConsidering makeup brushes usually sit in the bottom of a makeup bag with tons of residue, it’s no wonder people get breakouts. You’re basically wiping access oil, dirt and bacteria back into your skin. To clean, just gently wash with warm water and baby shampoo then rise. So simple people. And it will breathe new life into your brushes.
8. CarpetsUrgh, this one makes me wanna barf. Just think for a minute of all the things that could be in your carpets right now… dirt from your shoes, dander, bacteria, dog hair… not to mention what your little kids bring in from their little adventures.
First thing is to VACUUM. Vacuum like crazy in every possible direction. Get all of the dust and allergens out! Then you need to do a deep steaming using the hottest water possible. I almost always suggest calling in the professionals at least twice a year though. You can find coupons in your mail and online. Trust me, it’s worth it. Think of the stuff trapped in your carpets that you’re breathing in daily. Yeah… it’s worth it.
9. Your PurseClean out your purse at least once a month. Or to make it easy, every time you switch your purse to go with an outfit or season, empty out the pockets and start with a clean slate.
To clean, pull the interior fabric out and use a lint roller to grab all of the crumbs and dirt. You can also clean leather with baby wipes.
10. Your Desk at WorkI’ve heard before that an office desk has more germs than a public restroom. Dear goodness, I hope that’s not true since a lot of people eat at their desk everyday. Make sure on Fridays that you wipe it down with cleaners or clean up everytime you eat. While you’re at it, clean off your mouse and computer keyboard (first with the can of compressed air, then wipe with a damp cloth with mild soapy water).
11. ComforterWhile I’m sure that most people don’t wash their comforter as much as they should, there’s really no one perfect way to do this. You will need to read the instructions on your comforter tag, or just take it into your dry cleaners once a year for a deep clean.
12. CouchesVacuum off your couch cushions with your brush attachment once a week, including under the cushions. If you’re going to use any cleansers, make sure you check an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it won’t harm your upholstery.
13. Door KnobsEvery cough, cold, and flu season I think a little more often about cleaning our doorknobs, don’t you? Best and easiest way to clean is with disinfectant wipes.
14. PhonesYou probably use this more than any other accessory but hardly ever clean it. Disinfectant wipes are great for a quick clean. Another idea is to get cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol and clean in between the numbers, your phone case, etc.
15. Remote ControlYeah, this is another one that gets used daily and often forgotten about when cleaning day comes around. To disinfect, use cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol to get in the nooks and crannies, or just use a disinfectant wipe. And make sure you definitely clean the remote when you have a sick kiddo at home laying on the couch watching TV!
