19 Home Items You Should Be Cleaning Every Month
Updated: Aug. 26, 2019
Do these simple yet often overlooked cleaning tasks monthly to avoid major messes and costly repairs down the road.
Washing Machine
It’s recommended to have your washer go through a cleaning cycle once a week, depending on how often you are using the machine. If you aren’t using it as often, it’s recommended to give it wash (both inside and out) once a month. Since most clothes/patterns require a cold wash, hot water isn’t moving through the machine often. The first thing you can do is wash the machine with hot water—bleach included. This will help to kill off whatever bacteria or bugs are currently residing within your machine.
Check out the surprising ways you’re shortening the life of your washer and dryer.
Garbage Disposal
The best way to clean out your garbage disposal is with baking soda and white vinegar. Take half a cup of baking soda and a cup of white wine vinegar, and put both down the sink. After a few minutes, pour some boiling hot water down, too. Next, fill the drain with some ice cubes, and add a cup of salt, which will help to remove debris. Finally, add lemon halves to the disposal and keep both the water running and the garbage disposal on. Here are more clever uses for ice cubes all around the house.
Baseboards and Blinds
If you let your mini blinds build up too much dust and dirt, they can be impossible to clean. The more you spray and wipe, the more you just spread the dust and grease buildup. It’s difficult to thoroughly wipe both sides of all blades using a cloth—all while trying not to damage any of the delicate pieces in the process. The secret? This time-saving kitchen tong hack! Find out more clever uses for kitchen tongs.
Check HVAC Filters
Bodrozic says you should replace your air filters at least four times a year, but it’s best to check them once a month. This keeps air in the house healthy and your system running efficiently because they are not clogged with debris or dust.
Find out how often you need to replace everything in your home.
Dishwasher Filter
Remove the filter and wash it to make sure all food particles are gone. Then sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 12 hours. Then add a cup of vinegar and run a hot cycle.
Find out the surprising ways you’re shortening the life of your dishwasher.
Sweep the Garage, Patio and Walkways
Sweep out your garage, patio and walkways to keep them clear of debris. If you do this job once a month it will be significantly more manageable over time.
While you’re at it, check out these DIY projects that add value to your home.
Refrigerator Grille
The top or bottom of your refrigerator has a grille that you can detach to get access to the compressor and cooling coils. This builds up dust over time and blocks airflow, which can burn out your refrigerator’s cooling system. That’s just one of seven ways you’re shortening the life of your refrigerator.
Vacuum Upholstered Furniture
Sprinkle a generous amount of regular baking soda onto the fabric and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The baking soda will help to release odours and break up some light stains in the fabric. After about 20 minutes, remove the baking soda—and the funky smell—with a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment for your large vacuum.
Here are more places you’re not vacuuming—but should be!
Inspect Sink and Tub Drains
If you notice that your sinks or tubs aren’t draining as quickly, there may be a buildup causing a blockage. The first thing to do is try to remove anything that is obstructing the pipe manually using a pipe cleaner to pull debris through the plughole. Second, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by some hot water, which should clear things out.
Check out more bathroom cleaning tips and tricks.
Grout
Save your worn-out toothbrushes because they’re great for cleaning grout. Just apply a little bit of detergent to the head of the brush. It works especially well on corners.
Don’t miss these other toothbrush cleaning hacks!
Ceiling Light Fixtures (One Room Per Month)
Cleaning light fixtures on a monthly basis keeps your fixtures from becoming covered in dust. To clean ceiling fixtures wipe the fixture with a cloth and remove the globe or pan for a quick shine as well as dumping any bug remains. You’ll be surprised how much brighter the light is with a little cleaning.
Find out how to clean a freezer, step by step.
Range Hood Filter
The purpose of the range hood filter is to collect grease, so over time, it will become less effective as the grease builds up. To clean them, simply remove them and place them in a sink full of hot water, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda. Leave to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If needed, scrub the remaining grease off with a brush, and then rinse clean. Dry the filters with a paper towel before replacing them.
Discover 20 more brilliant uses for baking soda around the house.
Lubricate Garage Doors
Your garage doors are probably a series of panels that are connected with hinges and have either metal or plastic rollers on each side. Use an appropriate lubricant, depending on metal or plastic rollers, to keep your garage door operating smoothly and prolong its useful life. While you’re there, tackle any clutter with these DIY garage storage solutions.
Air Vent Covers
You may not notice the air vents in your home regularly, but they can quickly build up dust around the vent covers. Dust them monthly to keep dust from blowing out into your rooms. Wipe down the nearby wall as well to remove any dust that has accumulated there.
Check out these brilliant DIY cleaning products for every room in the house.
Throw Rugs
Rugs are great at trapping dirt and dust so it’s important that you wash them on a regular monthly basis. No need to hire a professional, you can clean your area rugs yourself! Learn how to properly clean area rugs yourself with this step-by-step guide.
Find out more everyday items you don’t wash nearly enough.
Windows
A monthly cleaning for windows includes cleaning both the inside of the glass and cleaning the windowsills. Use a glass cleaner to remove streaks on the windows. If you wait for an overcast day, you can reduce the chance of leaving streaks on the glass.
Discover 30+ brilliant uses for vinegar all around the house.
Microwave
Appliances like the microwave take a lot of abuse. At least once a month, treat them to a deep cleaning that renews them to their original glory. Scrub down the inside and outside of your microwave oven.
Don’t miss these other tips for cleaning your microwave, stovetop and oven.
Ceiling Fans
If it has been a while since you’ve cleaned your ceiling fan, take a look up. You’re likely to see a ton of dust and dirt clinging to your fans. Dust the ceiling fan at least once a month to keep it looking nice, functioning well, and prevent all that dust from being dispersed in the air. Find out how to use a pillowcase to clean your ceiling fan!
Dryer
Even if you empty your dryer’s lint trap before each load, chances are there is still lint buildup around the area that could potentially cause a fire. So it’s important to deep clean the area once a month, and this handy hint will get the job done. Wrap a clean rag around one end of a paint stir stick. Remove the lint trap and clean out the area with the rag-covered stick. To help the lint stick to the rag, dampen it with water first.
Next, check out 25 cleaning tips that actually work!
