Wash With Care: 40 Tips For A More Efficient Cleaning Day

There’s a considerable debate on whether or not we’re truly cleaning our homes to the best of our abilities. Are we washing our clothes too often? Not often enough? Are we cleaning everything to the point that no more harmful germs linger? The only aspect of cleaning that is certain is if something is visibly dirty, it probably needs to be cleaned. It’s easy to go overboard with cleaning, but there are some basic rules you can follow to keep your home clean without going crazy. 

We’re all pretty conscientious about keeping our homes clean. In some cases, we might be overdoing or underdoing it. Keeping this in mind, we have compiled a few rules and daily cleaning tasks you can follow to keep your home shiny without breaking your back.

Deep clean the sink

It’s important to deep clean the sink after doing dishes because not only can the germs and bacteria linger on the sink, but they can also spread to other surfaces in your kitchen if you’re not diligent about cleaning it up. The best way is to use a cleaning mixture.

First, pour a cup of vinegar into the sink, then add half a cup of baking soda. Let this mixture foam and fizz for a few minutes, then use a brush or scouring pad to scrub away any dirt or grime. Finally, rinse the sink clean with hot water.

A vacuum ensures a clean home

There are a few reasons you should make vacuuming a daily habit, especially if you have carpets or rugs in your home. For one, vacuuming helps to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can accumulate over time, which may lead to wear and tear.

Vacuuming can also help prevent allergies by reducing dust in the air. Vacuuming is good for the overall maintenance of your living space—it keeps it clean and tidy, and it’s simple! So grab the vacuum, and go over your floor with it every day.

Keep your denim safe

It’s important to remember that denim is a sturdy fabric and can withstand a washing machine more than other materials. If you’re speculating whether or not you should wash your jeans after every wear, the answer is no. You may get away with wearing them multiple times before washing them.

An excellent general guideline is to wash after every 7-10 wearings. Of course, this may vary depending on how often you wear them and how dirty they get ( if you spill something on them). If you notice they’re starting to smell or look drab, it’s probably time for a wash.

Be more sustainable with your towels

If you’re looking for a sustainable towel option, hanging them to dry after each use and washing them once a week is a great way to start. You’ll save money on your water bill and will be doing your part to help the environment. Some tricky challenges come with this approach, though.

Making sure your towels are always dry can be tricky, especially if you live in a humid climate. Besides, you might wash them more often if you have pets or kids. But overall, this is a great way to save money and simultaneously help the planet. 

Clean the bin 

A garbage bin is a perfect place for bacteria and fungus to grow. Not only does the nauseating smell make your home unpleasant, but it can also be harmful to your health. It may attract insects and rodents, which can spread disease.

Cleaning the garbage bin regularly will help reduce bacteria and fungus and help keep the smell under control. You can use a disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution to clean the inside of the bin. Be sure to rinse appropriately and let it dry completely before use.

Fluffy pillows for longer

Indeed, you should not wash your pillows often to keep their material soft. The less you wash them, the less chance they will wear down and become rough over time. Many people think they should wash their pillows every few weeks, but this is not necessary.

In fact, over-washing your pillows can do more harm than good. Pillow covers should be washed regularly, but the actual pillow can last up to a whole year without needing a wash as long as you’re not sweating or spilling drinks on it.

Disinfect the keyboard

Disinfecting your keyboard is a great way to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. However, you should also be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Start by unplugging your keyboard from its power source or turning off the laptop.

You may use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and debris from the keys and crevices. Dip a cotton swab or a lint-free cloth in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe down each key, as well as the sides and back of the keyboard. 

Seasonal window clean

Windows are one of those things that you don’t think about until they’re dirty. And then you can’t help but notice every streak and smudge. So this spring or winter, why not clean your windows? The idea is to clean your windows seasonally.

No need to overdo it – a few quick passes with a damp cloth should do the trick. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to let in some fresh air and brighten up your home! On other days, simply dust the window areas slightly to eliminate any buildup. 

No soap for cast iron

While most people think you need soap and water to clean a cast iron, that’s not the case. Using soap can damage your pan and strip it of its natural seasoning. So what is the best way to clean a cast iron pan? First, start by preheating the pan on the stovetop.

This will help loosen any stuck-on food debris. Then, use a stiff brush or scrubber to scrub away any remaining residue. Once your pan is clean, dry it thoroughly (a paper towel or dish towel will do the trick), and then rub it with a light layer of oil to add the seasoning back. 

Embrace the messy jerseys

If you’re like most athletes, you probably don’t wash your jersey after every game. But if you don’t often play or are there to support your team, then you probably don’t need to wash it that often. You can embrace the messiness!

Just let them dry and wear them again. Of course, if you’re a professional player and play with different team athletes, it’s best to wash your jersey before each game. Remember to make sure you air dry your jersey to extend its life.

Bath rubber duckies 

You’re probably wondering, do rubber duckies need to be washed? The answer is no – they get cleaned in the bath! Washing your rubber duckies too often can strip away the color and make the rubber appear rough. You may have to buy multiples if you wash them too often as they’ll wear out faster.

Instead of wasting water and soap, just give your rubber duckies a good soak in the bathtub while bathing to keep them clean. Besides, a quick rinse before popping them back in the tub will ensure another fun-filled clean bathtime! Follow the same for other bath toys. 

Kitchen towel etiquette 

There are many thoughts on kitchen towel etiquette, but the general consensus seems to be that you should wash them often and replace them every month. Some say you should never use the same kitchen towel two days a row.

On the other hand, many say that it’s okay as long as you bleach or sanitize them between uses. And then there are those who believe that it’s not necessary to replace your kitchen towels every month – as long as you wash them regularly, they’ll be just fine. 

Quick cleanup for the microwave 

Cleaning the microwave can be a pain, especially if you’ve let the splatters build up over time. But don’t despair – a little quick cleanup after each use will go a long way in keeping your microwave clean. First, make sure to remove any food debris from the surface of the microwave.

A quick, easy wipe with a damp paper towel should do the trick. Next, tackle the inside of the microwave. You can either use a store-bought cleaner specifically designed for microwaves or make your own by mixing equal ratios of vinegar and water in a bowl. Heat it on high for one minute and remove it before cleaning. 

Rinse and wring the sponge

Germs and bacteria can still breed in the sponge if it’s not completely dry, so give it a good squeeze before putting it away. If you keep cleaning with the same sponge, there’s a chance you’re transferring those germs on everything.

The best way to keep your sponge germ-free is to replace it regularly. Sponges should be replaced every week or two, primarily if they’re being used for cleaning raw meat. And don’t forget to sanitize them every now and then by microwaving them on high for a minute or two.

Skip washing comforters often

It’s a common misconception that you must wash your comforters frequently to keep them clean and lasting longer. The reality is that washing comforters too often can damage them, and it’s unnecessary to wash them as often as you might think. Instead, use top sheets and make sure you wash them frequently.

Not only do they collect dust, sweat, and skin cells, but they also rub against your comforter and transfer all of that dirt. So if you want to keep your comforter looking its best (and lasting longest), skip the wash and rely on top sheets to keep it clean.

Don’t touch the antiques 

Deep cleaning an antique upholstery can be a risky business. You might remove some of the delicate fabric or stuffing or even damage the frame. It’s always best to vacuum it clean instead. Make sure you take a soft-bristled brush attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Also, don’t forget to go over the arms, backs, and seats. Be especially careful around any fringe or tassels – you don’t want to pull them off! If there’s any serious dirt or dust buildup, use a small amount of gentle detergent mixed with water on a damp cloth to give it a light clean. 

Furball bath schedule 

The reason you should only give your dog a bath once a month is that over-bathing can strip their fur of natural oils that keep their coat healthy and looking shiny. Additionally, if you bathe your dog too often, it can dry out its skin, leading to itching and irritation.

So basically, you want to avoid over-bathing your pup in order to keep them comfortable and looking their best. There are other factors you must consider as well when deciding how often to bathe your dog—for example, their breed or if they are rolling in mud all day. 

Drying instead of washing

It’s a good idea to clean your gloves and hats by drying them in heat instead of washing them. By doing this, you’ll help to kill any bacteria or germs that may be living on the fabric, and you’ll also help to remove any dirt or dust that may have built up.

You can dry your gloves and hats in several ways, such as using a brush or a hair dryer or placing them on a radiator. Apart from this, you may put them in a dryer in the hottest setting possible. Alternatively, you can also hang them in direct sunlight. This will help to disinfect them.

Clean bed for better sleep

There’s nothing like getting into a soft, freshly made bed with clean sheets and pillowcases. But how often should you clean your sheets, and does it make a difference in terms of sleep quality? Most people should wash their sheets and pillow covers once a week.

Washing your sheets removes sweat, skin cells, dust mites, and other nasties that can build up over time. This helps to keep you healthy (sweat and skin cells can attract mold) and improves sleep quality. Changing your pillowcases often will also ensure your skin and hair are healthy.

Ideal shampoo schedule

While it’s true that shampooing too often can strip your hair of its natural oils, it’s also true that not shampooing often enough can lead to buildup and an oily scalp. So finding the right balance is key. For most, washing their hair twice a week is the sweet spot.

It keeps their hair clean without stripping away too much of its natural oils. Of course, everyone’s hair is different, so you may need to adjust your shampoo schedule depending on your specific needs. But as a general rule, twice a week should do the trick!

Washing the dishwasher 

If you’re like most people, you’d probably think that your dishwasher is self-cleaning. However, this isn’t the case – over time, dishwashers can become filled with dirt, grime, and other nastiness. Your best bet for keeping the dishwasher clean and effective is regularly washing it yourself.

Dirt and nasty grime may build up in your dishwasher, making it less effective at cleaning your dishes. By giving it a good scrubbing from time to time, you may keep it clean and free of gunk. You’ll keep your dishwasher in good working condition by regularly cleaning. Besides, it’s a hygienic practice in general. 

Just wipe the mirror

It’s true that using hard detergents can damage the mirror. The chemicals in the detergent can etch the surface of the mirror, making it cloudy and difficult to see through. Using a gentle cloth or paper towel to wipe down the mirror is best.

Be sure not to apply a lot of pressure, as this can also damage the surface of the mirror. In most cases, a light dusting is all that is needed to keep the mirror clean and in good condition. You may also use a gentle mirror cleaning spray with a microfiber cloth once a month.

Don’t ignore the door knobs

It’s a good idea to clean your doorknobs at least once a week. Germs and bacteria can build up on them over time, and if they’re not cleaned regularly, they can spread sickness and disease. A quick and effective way to clean door knobs is with a disinfectant spray or hot water and soap.

You may use vinegar mixed with water as a natural alternative to clean the knobs. Ensure to get into all the nooks and crannies around the knob and let the disinfectant or soap sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Tidy up after cooking 

It’s best practice to clean the gas stove after cooking and its knobs every time you use them. Not only will this ensure that your stove remains spick and span, but it will also minimize the risk of any harmful bacteria or residue buildup.

A quick way to clean your stove is by using a damp cloth with dish soap liquid. Be sure to cleanse all the surfaces, including the burners and knobs. If stubborn spots or residue don’t come off, you can use a mild cleaning agent or vinegar diluted in water. 

Skip washing jackets

You should skip washing your jackets as they may wear down the fabric and cause it to break down over time. This may make your jacket look old and worn sooner than if you had skipped washing it. Washing may cause the colors in your jacket to fade or bleed, resulting in an uneven appearance.

Skipping washing gives your jacket a chance to “rest” and retain its shape and form better than if it were constantly being washed and dried. By skipping a few washes here and there, you’ll be able to prolong the lifespan of your jacket and keep it looking its best for longer.

Magic behind the curtains

Curtains should be washed every few months, as they don’t get too dirty. While curtains may not get extremely dirty, it’s important to keep them clean to prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and other allergens. Washing them every 3-6 months is typically sufficient.

You may also have to wash them more or less often, depending on your specific situation. If you’re relocating to a new place, then washing them is a must before settling in. Besides, if you see they are visibly dirty or you have pets, schedule a regular wash. 

Wipe down your phone

It’s generally accepted that you should wipe down your phone at least once daily to eliminate germs. But what if you’re someone who is constantly on their phone? Should you wipe it down more often? The truth is, it depends on how often you clean your hands.

If you’re constantly handling your phone and taking it places like the toilet, then you should probably wipe it down more often. On the other hand, if you’re very careful about where you put your hands when using your phone, then once a day may be enough. 

Pajama party for days

You can wear the same pair of pajamas for four to six days without washing them. Of course, everybody is different, and some people may be more sensitive to sleeping in the same clothes every day. Besides, it may also depend on the climate and how much you sweat.

There may be a few essentials you may do to extend the time between washes even further. First of all, make sure you’re wearing clean underwear every day. This will help keep your pajamas fresh for longer periods. Secondly, Hang your pajamas to air dry while showering.

Get up there regularly 

You should clean the fan blades often as they accumulate a lot of dust. This is especially important if you have pets or live in an area with a lot of dust in the air. Fan blades can be cleaned with a damp cloth or a vacuum attachment.

If your fan is particularly dirty, you may need to disassemble it to clean the blades and other parts. Dust may build up on coils and other components in your fan, causing it to work harder and use more energy. Cleaning your fan regularly will ensure better air quality flow in your home. 

Bi-weekly fridge cleaning

Most people think they should only clean their fridge when it’s dirty, but that’s not the case. Bi-weekly fridge cleaning is the way to go! Not only will it help keep your fridge clean and organized, but it will also help reduce the risk of food spoilage.

Clean the shelves and interior walls with warm water and mild dish soap. Be sure to rinse well and dry completely before putting anything back. Throw away any expired packets or items that have been sitting in the fridge for too long. Organize your food items so that they’re easy to find and accessible.

No more nasty toilet

Regularly cleaning your toilet may seem like a daunting task. But if you don’t do it regularly, you’re probably making things harder on yourself in the long run. A gross buildup of dirt and grime can make it difficult to clean your toilet properly, and it can also lead to bad odors.

By routinely cleaning your toilet, you’ll avoid the buildup of dirt and grime that can be a pain to scrub away. Use a powerful cleaner to help break down any tough stains or nastiness that has built up over time. Be sure to follow the right instructions on the cleaner to avoid damaging your toilet.

Empty cycle for the machine

Most people probably don’t think much about cleaning the washing machine. But the truth is, even a simple appliance like this needs some regular maintenance in order to keep it running smoothly. Among the easiest options you may choose to keep your machine effective is to run an empty cycle every so often.

This helps to remove any detergent buildup or residue that may have accrued over time. Just be sure to use hot water and a cup of white vinegar (or two, depending on the size of your machine) in place of laundry detergent. Run the normal cycle and let your washing machine do its thing! 

Get the steamer ready

It’s no secret that mattresses can be a hotbed for bacteria and dust mites. In fact, studies have shown that the average mattress is home to over 2 million dust mites! That’s why keeping your mattress clean and free of allergens is so important.

One of the best ways to do this is to regularly use a steamer and vacuum on your mattress. A steamer will kill dust mites or bacteria, while a vacuum will help remove debris or dust mite droppings. Together, these two cleaners will help you keep your mattress feeling new for years to come.

Beware of the lint 

Lint is dangerous! It is a fire hazard and can also clog up your washer and dryer and make them less efficient. That’s why it’s crucial to clean the lint trap after each cycle. To do this, simply open up the trap doors on your washer and dryer and remove the lint.

Make sure to dispose of it properly – you can either vacuum it up or throw it away in the trash. Then, give the traps a good rinse with warm water to remove any residue. By following these simple steps, you’ll be keeping your home safe and your appliances running smoothly.

Small but mighty desk fans

Desk fans help circulate fresh air around the room, which is important for preventing allergies. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can build up over time and cause problems for people with allergies. Cleaning the fan regularly will help remove these allergens from the air and reduce your risk of developing allergies.

Cleaning the fan also helps improve the circulation of air in the room. This is important for preventing stagnant air, which can lead to respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. By cleaning the fan regularly, you’re helping to keep the air in your room healthy and free from harmful pollutants.

Microfiber or a clear picture 

Your TV screen does not get touched much so that it won’t be that dirty. However, the static energy does attract dust and may form a layer over the screen. This may affect the picture quality and impact the viewing experience as the dust builds up.

It’s a good idea to clean your TV screen every few weeks with a microfiber cloth to eliminate dust that may have accumulated. This will help to keep the picture clear and sharp. Ensure to use a gentle circular motion, and avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents which could damage the screen.

Keep your bike in good shape

Ordinary biking in wet weather can leave your chain caked in rust-inducing grime, so it’s a good idea to clean and grease it regularly. You can use a commercial degreaser or simply scrub the chain with an old toothbrush and rinse with water.

Once the bike chain is dry, apply a generous amount of bicycle-specific lubricant to each link, working it in with your fingers. Wipe off any excess lube; you don’t want it getting all over your tires. Keep your bike in good shape by giving it a thorough cleaning and oiling every few months.

Save the winter coats 

It’s important to keep your winter coats in good condition by not washing them often so that their inner lining stays safe and warm. By washing them too often, you can damage the coat’s fabric and decrease its ability to keep you warm.

It’s a good idea to hang your coat up in a dry place when you’re not wearing it so that it doesn’t get dirty and there’s no need to wash it as often. You may also try wiping it down with a damp cloth if it gets dirty instead of washing it. 

Bath mats on rotation

Bath mats are one of those things that you don’t think about until they start to smell bad. And by then, it’s often too late because the bacteria and mold have already spread. Not only do bath mats help keep your bathroom floor clean, but they also provide a bit of cushioning for your feet.

So it’s crucial to keep them fresh and clean. Ideally, you should have a few bath mats on rotation and wash them often. This will prevent the buildup of germs, bacteria, and mold, which may cause nasty smells. You can either wash them in the washing machine or hand-wash them with hot water and soap.

Total car cleanup

Spring cleaning isn’t good just for your home – your car needs a spring clean too! Ideally, you should give it a thorough clean every two weeks. However, life knows that sometimes we get busy, and things can fall by the wayside. You can still ensure your car stays spick and span between intensive cleans.

Giving your car a good vacuum will help get rid of all the crumbs, dirt, and debris that have been building up over time. Don’t forget to hit those nooks and crannies, like in between the seats and under the mats. Once you’ve vacuumed everything out, move on to wiping the doors.