According to pros, several spots in the home are often forgotten when it comes to weekly cleaning, including sheets and pillowcases. These items collect germs, dead skin, sweat, body oils, and dust mites every night, making it a good idea to wash them every seven days or so.
Kitchen appliances are another area that requires regular cleaning. High-touch appliances like the refrigerator, cooktop, microwave, and coffee maker should be wiped down with a disinfecting wipe, and handles and knobs should be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner.
Rugs and carpets should be vacuumed weekly to pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair. However, carpet cleaner should be saved for stain removal, and professional cleanings should be scheduled once per year.
Hardwood Floors and Bathroom Surfaces
To keep hardwood floors in good condition, they should be swept every few days with a dry microfiber mop or electrostatic sweeper. Deeper wet cleans with a hardwood floor cleaner can be done every one to two months or as needed.
Bathroom surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and high-traffic areas, should be cleaned weekly with a disinfectant bathroom cleaner. Faucet handles should also be sprayed or wiped with a disinfectant spray or wipe.
Toilet and Light Switches
The toilet requires regular cleaning, including applying a toilet cleaner to the bowl and letting it sit for up to five minutes before scrubbing. The toilet seat and handle should also be wiped down with disinfectant wipes or spray.
Light switches and doorknobs should be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime, and then disinfected with a wipe or cotton ball dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Additional Cleaning Tasks
Towels should be laundered weekly, using the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric and adding ¼ to ½ cup fabric rinse. Dust wood furniture should be dusted once per week, using a soft microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water or a furniture dusting spray.
In practice, these cleaning tasks can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy and clean home environment, particularly for people with dust or pollen allergies, or those who live with pets. By incorporating these tasks into a weekly routine, individuals can reduce the accumulation of germs, dust, and debris, and create a cleaner and more comfortable living space.
Regular cleaning of these often-forgotten spots can also help to extend the life of household items, such as towels and furniture, by preventing wear and tear. Additionally, cleaning high-touch areas, like light switches and doorknobs, can help to prevent the spread of illnesses.