Kitchen Counters: Daily
During covid, our hygiene levels were most likely at the best it could possibly be at; washing our hands after touching something, and even avoiding touching things altogether! So it’s no question that these regimes need to continue nowadays too! Make sure you wipe down your counter with antibacterial spray everyday and keep all the knives you use to chop raw meat clean.
Toilet: Daily
This is probably one that most people don’t do as often as they should, despite it ironically being such an infamously bacteria-ridden facility! For many, it’s a torturous chore. However, it doesn’t have to be as there’s a simple way to do it. Just pour vinegar down it, leave for 10 minutes, and then flush!
Smartphone: Daily
Don’t ignore the lack of cleanliness that your handset may have. It is guaranteed to be one of the germiest items in your home, ever! It builds up dust and bacteria right under your nose, and most people choose to be oblivious to it! Instead of this, applying rubbing alcohol to sanitize your smartphone daily can prevent potential risks.
Humidifier: Every 3 days
When people think of cleaning household items, cleaning products like humidifiers doesn’t usually spring to mind. However, they do need sanitizing every 3 days, and they work best with bleach or vinegar which are super cheap and accessible – so you really have no excuse not to!
Towels: After around 4 uses
When washing your towels, you’ve got to remember that being overdone is worse than being underdone. People who wash their towels after every single use may be overdoing it slightly. To keep them germ-free, wash them in hot water that is over 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and do this after using the towel 4 times.
Make-up brushes: Weekly
If you apply makeup, the chances are that you’re using make-up brushes to perfect your appearance. Therefore, you want to eliminate any chances of contracting any damaging bacteria that may cause a breakout to your skin. You should wash your make-up brushes weekly in soapy water to minimise this risk and also ensure for a smoother application.
Remote controls: Weekly
Another overlooked, frequently used item in all our houses is the remote control. Dirt and germs can easily camp here, and therefore the item needs a thorough clean once a week. Simply remove the batteries before you scrub the buttons and the in-between spaces with a mildly soapy solution.
The kitchen floor: Weekly
Wherever there is food, there is dirt – it’s inevitable! As a result, your kitchen floor will become extremely greasy in just a couple of days. To avoid this, keep all floor-cleaning products handy and mop the floors at least once a week. There is nothing more than a dirty preparation area for your food!
Rugs and Carpets: Weekly
Rugs and carpets tend to harbour dead skin cells and pet hairs so cleaning weekly is an effective way to avoid the breeding of germs. Not only this, but once you vacuum your carpets, your floor will instantly become much more inviting and comfortable to step on. If you don’t follow this rule, it may become a disaster zone!
Computer keyboards
After many people have been left working from home as one of the effects of lockdown and Covid-19, and the rising popularity of technology, it’s likely we spend several hours pounding a computer keyboard. These items are great at trapping dirt and dust, and therefore need to be sanitized as part of your weekly cleaning schedule.
Couch: every two weeks
A couch is one of the most intensively used pieces of furniture in the home. As such, it needs regular cleaning. Vacuum upholstered couches every fortnight and spot clean more frequently, as needed. In addition, it’s a good idea to book a professional deep-clean on an annual basis.
Blinds: monthly
Blinds – and windows, too, of course – are magnets for dust and dirt. Sunlight accentuates this, making it extra important to keep yours clean. Wipe down or dust wood or plastic blinds at least once a month. Fabric blinds are trickier to clean but a damp cloth and the upholstery attachment on your vacuum usually does the job. Again, clean them monthly.
Baseboards: monthly
Baseboards are easy to overlook. However, they’re there to protect the bottom of the wall from dirt and damage. As a result, they need frequent cleaning. If you have small children or pets, you may need to clean them weekly. Otherwise, monthly usually suffices. Use a damp sponge and the brush attachment on your vacuum.
Cat litter tray: daily spot cleaning and weekly full clean
Cats are fastidious creatures. As a result, you may find they’re reluctant to use a dirty litter box. To avoid this, spot clean your cat’s litter box on a daily basis. In addition, change all the litter and clean the box at least once a week.
Ceiling fans: monthly
Like blinds, dust seems to have a magnetic attraction to ceiling fans. Keep yours dust-free with a monthly clean. Try using an old pillow case to stop the dust spreading around the room: simply slide each blade into the case and use the fabric as a giant duster. If necessary, then use a slightly damp cloth to finish the job.
Windows: fortnightly
Exterior and interior windows need regular cleaning. Fortnightly is best. Although you can use store-bought cleaners, you can also make your own. Mix up one cup of rubbing alcohol with one cup of distilled water and a tablespoon of vinegar. Squirt onto the glass, rub with a clean cloth and then buff dry with another cloth or some scrunched-up newspaper.
Fish tank: weekly partial clean, monthly full clean
It’s essential to keep fish tanks and aquariums clean to keep their occupants healthy. Additionally, dirty fish tanks can start to smell. Even if your aquarium has a pump and filter, it needs a partial clean (which also means changing around one-third of the water) every week. Give it a full clean, and total water change, once per month.
Bed linen: weekly
Bed linen quickly accumulates skin oils and cells, and hair. To keep your sheets and pillow cases smelling, looking and feeling fresh, change them at least once per week. In between changes, fold the sheets back every morning and allow your bed to air for around an hour,
Duvet cover: fortnightly
Particularly in the cooler months, you can usually get away with changing your duvet cover less frequently than your sheets and pillow cases. However, it’s best to wash it at least fortnightly and to turn the duvet over so the same side isn’t against your body every night.
Doorknobs: weekly
Doorknobs are a natural repository for all kinds of viruses, bacteria, fungi and dirt. Get into the habit of wiping yours at least weekly – although you may want to clean door handles in high traffic areas more frequently. You may also want to use a mild disinfectant, especially if anyone in the house is unwell.
Pillows: every three months
Like the cases that cover them, pillows end up playing host to skin cells, sebum and – yuck! – dust mites. To keep them clean and stop them turning yellow, it’s best to wash your pillows every three months. Pillows with synthetic fillings can usually go in the washing machine but feather-filled pillows need dry cleaning.
Mattress: every three months
Mattresses quickly accumulate dirt, sweat and dust mites. A washable mattress cover can help but seasonal vacuuming – every three months or so – is recommended. Pay particular attention to seams and tufts, and, if it isn’t a divan, don’t forget to wipe down the bed frame too.
Closets: twice a year
It’s a good idea to clean out your closet at least twice a year. This helps you keep track of what you have, what you no longer wear or what no longer fits, and what needs washing or mending. It also helps deter moths and other pests.
Door frames: monthly
The grooves and ledges of door frames are natural dust traps. Plus, greasy or sticky hands may catch the edge of a door frame, especially near the handle. Dusting and, where necessary, wiping on a monthly basis will keep your door frames looking presentable and make it easier to see when they need repainting.
High shelves: at least monthly
What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve….. Whether you believe that or not – and whether you inspect the state of your high shelves or not – it’s a fact that any shelf gathers dust. Give yours a good going-over with a duster at least once per month, and more frequently if anyone in the house has dust-related allergies.
Microwave: at least once a week
Dirty microwaves are a hygiene hazard. They’re also a potential fire risk. For these reasons – and to stop them becoming caked on – clean up any significant food splatters straightaway. In addition to this, if your microwave is in regular use, give it a more general clean once a week.
Lightbulbs: twice yearly
Most LED lightbulbs last considerably longer than the older-style incandescent bulbs. And, while incandescent bulbs often burned out before they became noticeably dirty, the same isn’t true of LED bulbs. Give yours a once-over with a duster and a wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Make sure the light is switched off and cold before you begin, and never use solvent or liquid cleaner.
Drapes: general weekly clean and six-monthly deep clean
Drapes easily gather dust, hair and dead flies. This is unsightly and can also be problematic for people with allergies. Of course, drapes and curtains can’t simply be tossed in the washing machine. However, it’s usually possible to vacuum them with an appropriate vacuum attachment. Then, every six months or so, take the drapes to a dry cleaners for a thorough deep clean.
Shower grout: weekly
There’s little that makes a bathroom look less inviting than dirty grout. Clean yours as often as is needed but weekly is a good starting point. Try to avoid using bleach and harsh solvents, and instead make use of a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water. An old toothbrush makes a great scrubbing tool.
Bath mats: weekly
As you’d expect from something that spends a lot of time on the floor, bath mats get dirty quickly. As a result, you’ll want to wash yours at least weekly. However, in between washes, make sure it’s hung up to dry properly as a damp bath mat can quickly start to smell.
Kitchen sponge: every other day
Tests show that the typical kitchen sponge is one of the dirtiest items in the home. If you don’t keep yours properly clean, you’re rubbing all its dirt and germs onto whatever it is that you’re cleaning. Make sure your sponge is wrung out after each use. Additionally, replace your sponge at least once a fortnight – and sooner if it starts to smell or is visibly dirty.
Oven: every three months
In many households, the oven is one of the hardest working appliances. It’s also prone to build-ups of grease and burnt-on food splatters. Self-cleaning ovens may be able to look after themselves but other ovens are likely to need deep cleaning at least every three months. And, if you use your oven on a daily basis, you may need to clean it more frequently than that.
Dishwasher: daily wipe-down, weekly filter clean, monthly deep-clean
Another hard-working appliance, dishwashers easily become soiled with food residue, detergent build-up and limescale. Not cleaning your dishwasher will affect its performance, and potentially damage the filter and pump. For a dishwasher that’s used daily, it’s a good idea to run its cleaning cycle once a month. However, make sure you remove visible food debris after every use, and clean the filter once a week.
Refrigerator: every three months
A dirty refrigerator is unpleasant. However, it’s also all too easy to achieve. Keeping an eye on what’s in there and wiping up any spillages can help. However, it’s a good idea to deep clean your refrigerator every three months. This means taking everything out and wiping down all the surfaces with hot, soapy water and then drying them before putting everything back.
Wood burning stove: as necessary
Your wood burning stove needs cleaning out – which means removing the ash and any unburned fuel – before laying a new fire. Clean the glass as and when necessary (but only when cool). In addition, make sure the flue is inspected and cleaned regularly. It’s usually best to use a professional chimney sweep for this task. As a minimum, flues need sweeping on an annual basis.
Barbecue: after each use; and six-monthly deep clean
Exactly how you clean your barbecue depends on the type. However, whether it’s a charcoal grill or gas-powered, you should ensure the grill is left clean after each use. Most barbecues, especially if used frequently, also benefit from a more thorough deep-clean every six months or so. You may want to time this for the end of a grilling season.
Dining chairs: as needed
Some dining chairs will need considerably more cleaning than others – especially if you have young children. Where necessary, wipe down chairs after a meal and ensure they’re left clean. Other than this, you can incorporate cleaning your chairs into your regular housework, which may mean wiping them down and vacuuming any upholstered seats every week or two.
Mops: after every use
To maximise the life and efficiency of your mop head, and to reduce the risk of it transferring germs and dirt around your home, clean it after each use. How you clean it will depend on the type of mop. Removable mop heads can go into the washing machine. Non-removable ones can be soaked in a bucket of dish detergent.
Light switches: fortnightly
Dirt and grease from fingers is easily transferred to light switches. As a result, clean the switches in your home at least fortnightly. Use a paper towel or cloth to remove visible grease or dirt, and follow up with a microfiber cloth that you’ve dampened with water or a liquid cleaner.
Toothbrushes: weekly
Unsurprisingly, toothbrushes are one of the germiest items in the average home. Rinse yours after each use to remove loose debris, and then dry the handle. In addition, disinfect it on a weekly basis, using a suitable proprietary disinfectant. Alternatively, antibacterial mouthwash, white vinegar, or two teaspoons of baking soda mixed with one cup of water all work as a disinfectant.