There are some common items that often get the short end of the stick when it comes to regular household cleaning. These are items that we often just don’t think about cleaning, though we use them and depend on them a lot. Here is a list of 11 things you should clean right now. If you’ve already thought of it, then give yourself a big pat on the back, but don’t forget to put it into your regular rotation.
1. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t think about cleaning their bed pillows, or at least how infrequently they do. This is something that should be done at least monthly. For a great how-to on whitening yellow pillows, see this post.
2. Bathroom mats are another item that play a big role in our daily lives, but don’t get the credit {or the cleaning!} they deserve. Once in a while, remember to toss them into the washing machine. If your mat has a rubber backing, hang it outside to dry. Once your newly refreshed bath mat is back in place smelling and looking like new, you’ll be glad you took the time to clean it.
3. Makeup brushes are another item no one ever thinks about cleaning….at least I don’t! Let’s resolve right now to do better, shall we? All we need to do is wash them with a baby shampoo, then rinse and gently squeeze out the excess water. Just let them air dry. Good as new!
4. Your office desk space is probably in need of cleaning. At least weekly, wipe down your desk surface with a disinfecting wipe, and use a can of compressed air to clean your computer keyboard.
5. Don’t forget to clean your comforter. It’s a good idea to take it to the dry cleaners every six months or so for a good deep cleaning. In between those bi-annual deep cleanings, here is how you can wash your comforter at home {provided your washing machine is big enough}.
6. Door knobs all around the house are infamous for harboring germs and bacteria, so take the time to clean them regularly with a disinfectant, especially during cold and flu season.
7. Another thing you use frequently but probably don’t clean as often is your television remote control. Be sure to wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant wipe, especially after you’ve been sick and laying around watching tv!
8. How often have you thought about cleaning out your purse? I know I don’t do it often enough, and when I do, the bottom is always full of crumbs and yuck. It’s a good idea to do this monthly before it gets too disgusting. Baby wipes are a great thing to use to wipe down the outside of your leather purses and bags.
9. Believe it or not, washing machines need to be cleaned once in awhile, even though they’re used for cleaning. If you have hard water, it’s a really great idea to run a cup of white vinegar through an empty cycle {water, no clothes} to get rid of mineral deposits and any musty odors. You can also use a commercial cleaner made for this purpose. I really like Lemi Shine!
10. Your dishwasher is another example of an appliance you use for cleaning every day, but it too needs some care and attention. To keep it working effectively, cut down on mineral deposits and other gunk by placing a cup full of white vinegar on the top rack and then running it through a regular wash cycle.
11. You probably use your cell phone more than anything else, but do you clean it? I hate the thought of what might be hanging out on that screen! Conquer those germs frequently with a disinfectant wipe. Here’s one made just for that purpose. It’ll clean your screen without leaving streaks behind and has an awesome scent.
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