Keeping your home’s fabrics clean is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment. Fabrics, like upholstery and rugs, can accumulate various allergens and contaminants such as pet hair, dust, pollen, bacteria, mold, and mildew. Allowing these substances to build up can lead to health issues like allergies, asthma, and eczema.
So, how often should you clean these items and how? Many household items can be laundered in a washing machine, typically needing attention every few months to ensure a healthy home environment.
Here’s a basic guideline for cleaning common household items:
Rugs
Vacuum once a week, and consider professional cleaning once a year. Vacuuming weekly helps remove dust and dirt, especially in high-traffic areas. Shaking the rug outdoors can also help dislodge debris, especially for shaggy rugs.
Different types of rugs may require different care methods, so always check the care instructions. Professional cleaning once a year, especially for pet owners, can help maintain freshness and cleanliness.
Pillows – Clean Every Three Months
Pillows can trap sweat, moisture, and allergens like mould, bacteria, and dust mites. Surprisingly, up to a third of a pillow’s weight can be these unwanted guests along with dead skin and their droppings.
To keep pillows clean, wash them every three months. Most synthetic-fiber pillows can go in the washing machine, but always check the care label first. If your pillow is made of natural materials, consider professional cleaning.
Curtains – Thorough Clean Once A Year
Curtains often get overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they can collect dust, mould, and odours. The fabric can also become discoloured over time.
To maintain clean curtains, vacuum them weekly using a soft brush attachment to remove dust. Once a year, it’s best to wash them either in your washing machine or have them professionally cleaned. Always check the care label and follow the cleaning instructions to keep them in good shape.
Filled Duvets – Every Six Months
Our bodies naturally shed skin cells and sweat about 200ml every night during sleep. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites in our duvets. Dust mites are tiny creatures that can worsen allergies and respiratory issues like asthma and eczema.
To keep your duvet clean and hygienic, wash it at 60 degrees every six months. This helps eliminate bacteria and control dust mites, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Throws – Every Three To Six Months
Throws and blankets can also harbor dust mites and dirt, which may surprise you when you’re cozying up on the sofa. Washing or dry cleaning them every three to six months will help keep them clean and free from allergens.
Sheets And Pillow Cases – Once A Week
Just like duvets and pillows, bed sheets absorb sweat and moisture. Washing them once a week helps kill bacteria and prevents them from becoming discolored and smelly. Additionally, airing out your bed daily by pulling back the sheets and duvet allows for better air circulation.
It’s also a good idea to vacuum your mattress every two weeks to reduce dust mites and keep your sleeping environment clean.
Pillow Covers – Once A Week
Pillow covers collect sweat, natural oils from your face and hair, and even makeup residue if not removed properly. These can lead to the growth of bacteria and other nasties where you rest your head each night.
To keep pillow covers clean, wash them weekly along with your bed linen. Machine wash them at a minimum of 40°C, but if the fabric allows, wash at 60°C to better kill harmful bacteria.
Towels – Every Three To Four Uses
Even though you use towels to dry clean parts of your body, they still collect dead skin cells every time you use them. This makes them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
To maintain fresh and clean towels, wash them every three to four uses. If you use a towel for workouts, wash it after each session to prevent bacteria growth.
Cleaning Cloths – At Least Weekly
Cleaning cloths can quickly collect dirt, grime, and bacteria. To keep them clean, wash them at least weekly in your washing machine or dishwasher. Consider replacing them every few months. Air drying your cloths after washing helps prevent them from developing a damp smell.
Tea Towels – Every Day
Believe it or not, experts recommend washing tea towels every day. They come into contact with various surfaces like hands, dishes, spills, and hot oven items.
Plus, they often get damp, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent bacterial buildup, replace your tea towel daily.
Countertops
Countertops, especially in the kitchen, are busy spots that should be wiped down daily and given a more thorough cleaning weekly. For granite, laminate, and quartz countertops, a mix of liquid laundry detergent and hot water works well. To disinfect or tackle stubborn stains, add a bit of bleach.
Butcher block countertops need a 50-50 mix of hot water and bleach, plus a specific oil to keep them from drying out. Marble countertops require a gentler approach with just dish soap and hot water.
Keep your countertops clutter-free by putting away items like mail, food packages, keys, and dishes that accumulate during the week. Also, wipe down small appliances, bottles, storage containers, and decorations weekly to remove dust and grease.
Floors
The frequency of floor cleaning depends on whether you have pets or children, or both. Vacuuming once a week is a good rule of thumb, but if you have large dogs, you might need to vacuum twice a day!
Mopping should be done at least every other week. A spin mop, like those from O-Cedar, can reach into corners effectively. A simple mix of a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent with a gallon of hot water is all you need to refresh your floors.
Garbage Can
Don’t forget about your garbage can—it needs attention at least weekly since it holds trash. Empty the trash and remove any crumbs inside. Wipe both the inside and outside of the can with a disinfecting wipe.
Cabinets
Cabinets can get grimy over time but can easily be refreshed with soap and water. Give them a deep clean every few months. Start by dusting the tops of the cabinets and then wipe down the fronts with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water. Pay attention to the cracks and details on the doors. Finish by wiping with a clean, dry cloth.
Tips for Maintaining a Good Cleaning Routine
Keeping a consistent cleaning routine helps you stay on top of dirt, dust, and wear in your home. Here are some tips to help you maintain a clean and organized living space:
– Schedule Cleaning Time: Set aside specific times in your week for cleaning. This can help you prioritize cleaning tasks amidst a busy schedule.
– Consistency is Key: Regular, shorter cleaning sessions are better than occasional deep cleans. Try to do a little cleaning each day to prevent tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
– Involve the Whole Family: Cleaning becomes easier and more fun when everyone pitches in. Play some music, make it a team effort, and assign tasks to family members.
– Consider Professional Help: If you find yourself too busy or overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional cleaner to assist with the workload. They can help maintain a cleaner home and give you more free time.
