Cleaning is a necessary part of keeping a healthy and happy home, but there are many things you may neglect without realizing. Here are nine things you need to clean more often.
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Bed Pillows
Just because you cover your pillows with cases doesn’t mean they don’t need a refresh every now and then. Even with a pillowcase, dust, dirt and oils find their way to the pillow itself. Experts say you should wash them every three to six months to keep them clean and feeling fresh.
Pillows often have cleaning instructions on their tag, and most can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. You don’t want to throw your pillows in with bulkier items, as that can flatten them. Washing them separately and adding tennis or dryer balls to the dryer can get them nicely clean while keeping them plush.
As for your pillowcases, you should wash them every one to two weeks with your sheets.
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Makeup Brushes
It’s easy to forget about your makeup brushes, but your skin will thank you for cleaning them more often.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that regular makeup wearers clean their brushes every seven to 10 days with warm water and a gentle clarifying shampoo. Lather your brushes and rinse with clean water until no residue remains.
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Shower Curtain
You might overlook your shower curtain and liner when cleaning your bathroom, but neglecting them can lead to a buildup of soap scum, dirt and debris. It can also lead to mold and mildew that can permanently damage it.
Like pillows, shower curtains and liners often list cleaning instructions on their tags, and you can often wash them on a delicate cycle with towels, which work as scrubbing agents.
Wash your curtains and liners every one to three months, and try to stay ahead to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
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Dishwasher
It’s your dishwasher’s job to clean, but it needs care, as well. Over time, the food debris from the cleaning process can clog your filter and drains. Left unattended, these issues can lead to unsavory odors and permanent machine damage.
You can rinse out the filter and unclog the hoses at least a few times each year to ensure you get clean dishes.
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Washing Machine
Your washing machine handles dirt and germs all the time, but it also needs cleaning. Bacteria can hide and grow in the machine, and clogged filters can make your machine work less efficiently.
Bleach, vinegar or peroxide are some of the most popular cleaners that can clean and disinfect your barrel. Clean your trays and filters until they are clear so they continue to work properly and don’t break the machine.
Manufacturers often provide cleaning instructions within their manuals. A good general rule is to clean it at least once a month.
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Door Knobs
It’s easy to forget to disinfect your door knobs. With how often you, your family and visitors touch them, cleaning them can help prevent the spread of illness.
To avoid viruses and bacteria, wipe down your knobs at least once a week with disinfectant wipes or by spraying with a disinfectant solution. You can clean them more frequently if someone in your home is sick.
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Handbag
The bags we carry with us can be vital in our daily lives, but they can also be homes for many viruses and bacteria. If you think about all the places you take your bag, it makes sense to remove the germs and debris.
Without regular cleaning, enterococcus, micrococcus, staphylococcus, bacillus and other bacteria can colonize in your bag, potentially harming you and the people around you.
Wipe down your bags once a week with warm water and dish soap. Some heartier fabrics can go into the washing machine. As always, check the tag or contact the manufacturer to know for sure how each bag can remain looking and feeling new.
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Phone
Our phones are often neglected, considering they’re something we put to our faces.
Your cell phone has ten times the germs of the average toilet seat, increasing your chances of getting sick from using it.
With the necessity of cell phones in modern society, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends cleaning your phone once a day by adding soap and water to a microfiber cloth. You can also use alcohol wipes designed for technology. Never spray or pour cleaning products directly onto your device or you could damage it. Also, avoid getting cleaners in openings.
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Carpets
While it’s easy to see dirt and debris on hardwood and tile floors, germs and allergens can easily blend into carpets. Your carpet could have as much as 200,000 bacteria per square inch thanks to footprints, pet dander and waste, and much more.
Vacuuming at least once a week and deep cleaning every couple of months can help you and your family stay healthy.
Keeping Your Home Clean
Keeping a clean home is a necessary part of keeping you and your family healthy, but it is easy to forget these nine things to clean that could make a major difference. By cleaning them more often, you can significantly reduce the amount of dirt, germs and allergens in your house.
