How Often Should I Wash…?

Maintaining a Clean and Hygienic Home: A Handy Guide for Cleaning Commonly Used Items

Keeping track of when to clean commonly used items in your house may seem overwhelming, but fret not! We have put together an easy-to-follow list with tips and tricks to help you stay on top of your cleaning game.

1. Sheets: Depending on how much you sweat, washing your bedsheets once a week or every other week should suffice. This regular cleaning routine will keep away oil, germs, crumbs, and other unsavory things that accumulate in bedsheets. Use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide to remove bloodstains or other body fluids. Ensure that your laundry detergent includes a sanitizing ingredient to keep your sheets fresh and hygienic.

2. Pillow Cases: Your pillowcases should be washed every week, especially if you have oily skin, hair, or acne. Oils, bacteria, and germs can build up on the pillowcase, affecting your skin and hair health. Consider using silk pillowcases to reduce oil and bacteria transfer, and you'll also wake up with less bedhead.

3. Rugs: The frequency of rug cleaning depends on foot traffic. For kitchen mats that experience more foot traffic, wash them once a week, particularly if your bare feet touch them. Decorative living room rugs can be cleaned once a month to eliminate dust, germs, and crumbs while restoring their original texture and color. Always check if your rugs are machine washable before washing them in the machine.

4. Cell Phone: Considering the number of times we touch our phones daily, it's crucial to sanitize them regularly, especially if you use your phone as much as your kids do. Hand sanitizer can kill germs on your hands, but it won't prevent them from accumulating on your cell phone. Surprisingly, cell phones harbor more germs than toilets, so daily sanitizing is essential.

5. Throw Pillows: If your throw pillow covers are removable, wash them once a month to remove dust, germs, and crumbs trapped in the fibers. For non-removable covers, washing every few months is suitable. Ensure the covers are machine washable or won't lose decorative elements during the wash.

6. Oven: After each use, wipe down the inside of the oven once it has cooled down. If your oven is self-cleaning, run it every three months (more frequently for heavy usage). For non-self-cleaning ovens, use an oven spray every 1-2 months, available at most grocery stores.

7. Towels: Contrary to what Nick Miller believes, towels do need regular cleaning! Wash bath towels and hand towels every week and change them frequently. Decorative kitchen towels used less frequently can be cleaned once a month.

8. Dishwasher: Like towels, dishwashers also need cleaning. To prevent mold, mildew, bacteria, and food scraps from building up, place a cup with a mixture of half water and half white vinegar in the dishwasher and run a normal cycle. The vinegar will kill any odors and ensure a hygienic dishwasher.

By following these simple tips and tricks, you can maintain a clean and hygienic home without feeling overwhelmed. Consistent cleaning of commonly used items ensures a healthier living environment for you and your family. So, go ahead and incorporate these practices into your cleaning routine for a happier and healthier home!

Alenas Cleaning Care!