Gearing up for a summer cleaning marathon? Before you bring out your cleaning tools, read our list of possible things and spaces that are long due a scrub down.
Don’t forget to clean your gym bag out
…or your luggage after every out-of-town trip, for that matter. Cleaning it is just as important as washing your clothes. If it can fit in the washer, go ahead and toss it in. Otherwise, use a damp cloth to wipe it or let it bask under the sun for a few minutes. To get rid of the odor, place an open bottle of baking soda inside it for a whole day.
Small pieces of clothing should be washed, too.
You all know that a pair of used socks should be put in the laundry basket after every use, but did you know that beanies, scarves, and even caps need to be placed in the washer as well? Most outwears can pick up dirt and dead skin, and small items are not an exception!
Disinfect or replace your sponge regularly.
Sponges are considered cleaning tools, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria (Yikes!). To avoid spreading germs to your kitchen utensils, microwave your sponges on high power for two minutes, put them through a hot wash and heated dry dishwasher cycle, or soak them for three minutes in a 1:10 solution of household bleach (one part bleach for nine parts water). If the sponges still smell different or are falling apart, that's your cue to replace them.
Remember to clean the space in between appliances.
It may seem like it’s just a few inches of space between your sink and oven but that measly gap can still trap dirt and, when left unnoticed, can build up unwanted germs and bacteria. If you want to keep those crevices spick-and-span, use a long duster or a vaccum with a thin nozzle.
Clean your fan.
Ever wonder why you always have a cold? It’s probably because you’re not cleaning your electric fans regularly! For your standing electric fan, dismantle the blades, hub, and guard from the body and clean them with soap and water. For those ceiling fans, use a long feather duster.
Dust off the top of furniture, appliances, and hard-to-reach areas.
Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they're not there. If you don’t dust or wipe off top shelves and other tall appliances at home, soot and other germs can accumulate on top. Try using a long duster or wipe it off with a wet and dry rug.
Wash your refrigerator bins and door shelves.
Always make sure to regularly pop out the door shelves and bins, and wash them in warm, soapy water to get rid of food bacteria and spillage. If you notice a foul smell coming from your fridge, place a cup of baking soda inside and wait for it to absorb the stench.
PHOTO: Pixabay
