We don’t often think about it this way but when we buy things, we are agreeing to care for those items. Caring for our stuff includes routine cleaning. Our parents taught us how
often to clean ourselves (hopefully), the vet tells how often to wash our pets, but what about everything else?
Here is a short guide on how often to clean your stuff.
Bedding – weekly
Air your bed out daily by throwing back the top sheet and blankets. This is not an excuse not to make your bed! Air out your bed while you shower and get ready for the day. Wash
your linens in water between 100 and 150 degrees; opting for the hottest temperature your sheets will tolerate to kill bacteria. Vacuum your mattress once a month.
Washing machine - Monthly
Add a cup of white vinegar to the detergent cup and run empty on the hot cycle.
Oven - Biannually
Use a special oven cleaner like Eazy-Off. Do not scrub the walls as it will harm the lining.
Dishwasher – Monthly
Remove the racks and clean them separately with warm soapy water, then run a vinegar wash. To run a vinegar wash, place a cup of white vinegar in the upper rack, then run the machine
on hottest cycle. This will remove grease and odors. Wipe the detergent drawers and seals every couple of washes.
Toilet – Weekly
Contrary to popular opinion, your toilet is not the dirtiest place in your home; it is actually dish clothes and cutting boards. Clean the bowl weekly but give the seat a wipe
daily with a Clorox wipe. Clean your toilet brush monthly and replace every six months – or use the disposable variety.
Make-up brushes – Weekly .jpg)
Cleaning our make-up brushes is particularly important when using liquid foundation and concealer as strep can build up. A dedicated make-up brush cleanser is your best bet or
you could use shampoo in a pinch.
Curtains – Quarterly
Check the washing instruction on your curtains before washing. Some require dry cleaning. This goes for shower curtains as well. At the very least, give them a good steam using
a vertical steamer.
Refrigerator - Biannually
Remove the shelves and drawers, washing in warm, soapy water. Use the soapy water and a soft cloth for the fridge itself.
Laptop and/or keyboard – Weekly
Take a can of compressed air to sprat between the keys then use a Clorox wipe to go over every surface.
Lampshades – Quarterly
Use a dust roller to remove the dust and warm water when necessary, if the fabric allows.
Towels – Every 2 days
Guest and hand towels should be washed every two days. Wash washcloths after every use. Bath towels should be hung to dry after use and washed after four or five uses.
When we realize how much we need to do to maintain our stuff, it becomes a case for fewer things.
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