7 Cleaning Tasks You Need to Do Every Month
Maintaining a clean and organized home can be overwhelming, especially when daily tasks pile up. But there are a few key cleaning tasks that, when done monthly, will help keep your home in great shape without too much effort. Here are seven essential cleaning tasks you should tackle every month.
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1. Deep Clean Your Appliances
Your appliances work hard for you, so giving them a little attention once a month is crucial for their longevity and efficiency. This includes:
- Refrigerator: Wipe down shelves, clean the drawers, and throw out expired food. Also, give the door seals a good scrub to prevent grime buildup.
- Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices to loosen stuck-on food and wipe the interior clean.
- Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle with a cup of vinegar to clear out any grime, grease, and hard water buildup.
- Washing Machine: Clean the drum by running an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar or a special washing machine cleaner.
Lucy's Family Owned - Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) - 5% Acidity
2. Clean and Dust Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans and light fixtures can accumulate dust and grime, which not only looks unsightly but can also affect air quality. Once a month, use a microfiber cloth or extendable duster to remove dust from fan blades and light fixtures. For particularly grimy fixtures, a damp cloth with a mild cleaner can do the trick.
Check out 7 Specialized Cleaning Brushes for Those Hard-to-Reach Areas for more tips on cleaning light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Swiffer Duster Heavy Duty 3 ft Extendable Handle Starter Kit
3. Vacuum and Rotate Your Mattress
Your mattress collects dead skin cells, dust mites, and other allergens over time. Once a month, vacuum the surface of your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This will help reduce dust and allergens, making your sleep environment healthier.
While you’re at it, rotate your mattress to ensure even wear and prolong its lifespan.
Upholstery Attachment for Vacuum Cleaner
4. Wash Windows and Mirrors
Dust, smudges, and streaks can accumulate on your windows and mirrors, making them look dingy. Once a month, clean them with a glass cleaner or a simple mixture of water and vinegar. Don’t forget to wipe down the window sills and frames, which can collect dust and dirt. This will keep your home feeling brighter and more inviting.
Windex Glass and Window Cleaner Spray Bottle
5. Clean Out Your Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal starts to smell funky, it’s time for a deep clean. Toss in a handful of ice cubes and run the disposal to help scrape off stuck-on debris. Follow that with a few slices of lemon or orange to freshen it up. You can also sprinkle some baking soda down the drain and follow it with vinegar to break up any remaining buildup.
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Made in USA
6. Wipe Down Baseboards and Door Frames
Baseboards and door frames are often overlooked but can collect a surprising amount of dust, dirt, and scuff marks. Once a month, give them a good wipe down with a damp cloth. For particularly dirty spots, a little bit of mild cleaner or soap will help. This small task can make your entire home feel cleaner and more polished.
7. Clean Your Vents and Change Air Filters
Air vents and filters play a major role in your home’s air quality. Once a month, vacuum the vents to remove dust buildup. It’s also important to change or clean your HVAC filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and reduce allergens in your home. This will help your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently, too.
Filtrete 16x20x1 AC Furnace Air Filter, MERV 5, MPR 300
Final Thoughts
Incorporating these seven monthly cleaning tasks into your routine will help keep your home looking and feeling fresh without the stress of constant deep cleaning. By staying on top of these areas, you’ll reduce dirt, dust, and allergens, creating a cleaner and healthier living space.
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