19 Home Items That Should Be Cleaned Monthly
Keeping your home clean is essential for maintaining a healthy, comfortable living environment. While we often focus on daily tasks like vacuuming or wiping down surfaces, there are certain items that require more periodic attention. Some home items can accumulate dust, grime, or even harmful bacteria if neglected for too long. To avoid major messes and potential hazards, here are 19 home items that should be cleaned regularly—ideally, once a month.
1. Washing Machine
Despite being a machine designed to clean, your washing machine can harbor bacteria and mold over time. Most clothes require a cold wash, which doesn’t fully sanitize the machine. To give it a thorough clean, run a hot water cycle with bleach or a dedicated washer cleaner. This will eliminate bacteria and remove any funky odors that may be lingering.
2. Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are convenient, but they can also trap food particles and grease, causing unpleasant smells. A simple monthly cleaning with baking soda and white vinegar can help. After pouring the mixture into the disposal, follow up with boiling water to clear out any remaining debris. A few lemon halves will also leave your sink smelling fresh.
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3. Range Hood Filter
The range hood filter is designed to catch grease from cooking, and over time it can get clogged and lose efficiency. To clean it, remove the filter and soak it in hot water mixed with dishwashing liquid and baking soda. Scrub off any remaining grease and rinse thoroughly before drying and replacing it.
4. Dishwasher Filter
Your dishwasher’s filter collects food debris, which can affect its cleaning performance. Once a month, remove the filter and wash it with warm, soapy water. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher, let it sit overnight, and then run a hot cycle with vinegar the next morning to fully sanitize the appliance.
5. Air Vent Covers
Dust can accumulate on your air vent covers, which may affect the quality of air circulating in your home. Wipe down the vent covers and surrounding walls with a damp cloth once a month to prevent dust from blowing into your living space. Clean vents improve air quality and help your HVAC system work more efficiently.
6. Baseboards and Blinds
Both baseboards and blinds tend to collect dust, making them look dirty and dull. Use a microfiber cloth or dryer sheets to wipe down these areas. A monthly cleaning can prevent buildup, which becomes harder to remove over time. If you suffer from allergies, this task is particularly important to minimize dust in your home.
7. Refrigerator Grille
The refrigerator’s grille, located either at the bottom or top of the appliance, helps regulate airflow around the compressor and cooling coils. When it gets clogged with dust, the fridge has to work harder, reducing its efficiency. Detach the grille, vacuum away the dust, and wipe it down for optimal performance.
8. Microwave
Microwaves often take the brunt of splatters and spills from food. Clean both the inside and outside of your microwave at least once a month to prevent grime from building up. A mixture of water and vinegar heated in the microwave can soften stuck-on messes, making them easier to wipe away.
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9. Ceiling Fans
If you haven’t cleaned your ceiling fan recently, it’s likely covered in a layer of dust. Regular cleaning prevents that dust from being blown into the air every time you turn on the fan. Use a pillowcase to cover each blade and slide it off to capture dust without spreading it everywhere.
10. Dryer
Even if you clean the lint trap after every use, lint can accumulate in other areas, posing a fire hazard. Use a damp cloth wrapped around a stick to clean around the lint trap and inside the vent. Deep cleaning your dryer monthly will not only prevent fires but also help the machine run more efficiently.
11. Grout
The grout between tiles can become discolored and grimy over time. Save your old toothbrushes to scrub grout lines with a mixture of water and detergent. Regular attention to grout helps maintain its color and prevents mold growth in humid areas like bathrooms.
12. Throw Rugs
Throw rugs are magnets for dirt, dust, and even pet hair. Shake them out regularly and give them a thorough vacuuming at least once a month. For added freshness, sprinkle baking soda on the rug, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up to neutralize odors.
13. Windows
Windows tend to collect dust and smudges, reducing the amount of natural light in your home. Clean the glass and windowsills once a month with a streak-free cleaner. Tackling the windows on an overcast day can help avoid streaks caused by quick evaporation in direct sunlight.
14. Patio and Walkways
Outdoor areas like patios and walkways can gather dirt, leaves, and other debris. Sweeping these spaces once a month not only makes them look tidier but also prevents the buildup of material that could damage surfaces over time.
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15. Refrigerator Shelves
It’s easy to forget about the interior shelves of your fridge, but they can quickly become sticky from spills. Remove all food items and clean the shelves with warm, soapy water once a month to keep things sanitary and smelling fresh.
16. HVAC Filters
Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable, but it needs clean filters to do its job properly. Check your filters monthly, especially during peak usage times like winter and summer. A clean filter not only improves air quality but also helps reduce energy bills.
17. Ceiling Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Dust can accumulate on the fixtures, reducing the brightness of your lights. Once a month, carefully dust and wipe down the fixtures and lightbulbs to keep them clean and bright.
18. Sink and Tub Drains
Slow drains can be a sign of a blockage. Once a month, pour a mixture of baking soda and hot water down the drain to clear out any buildup. For more stubborn blockages, use a pipe cleaner to pull out debris from the plughole.
19. Garage Doors
Garage doors, with their hinges and rollers, require regular lubrication to function smoothly. Depending on whether your doors have metal or plastic parts, apply the appropriate lubricant to prolong their lifespan and prevent squeaking or sticking.
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This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.
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