Let’s be real. Cleaning isn’t exactly everyone’s favourite pastime. But a clean home does wonders for our mental well-being, reduces allergens, and even makes us feel more productive. The problem? Figuring out exactly how often to clean everything can be a head-scratcher.
This is why we’ve created a quick guide that will break down the cleaning frequency for different areas of your home, along with some essential tips to make the whole process a breeze. We’ll also address your concerns and answer those nagging questions you might have, like “Do I really need to clean my oven every week?!” (Spoiler alert: probably not).
How Often Should You Clean?
Now, onto the burning question: how often should you clean your house? The answer is…it depends! However, here’s a general guide to help you stay on top of things:
- Number of occupants: Generally, more people mean more mess! Therefore, it is a good idea to adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly.
- Pets: Furry (or feathered) friends can be adorable, but they also shed and track in dirt. If that’s the case, you might need to vacuum more often.
- Lifestyle: If you cook a lot or have messy hobbies, your kitchen might require more frequent cleaning than someone who orders takeout most nights. Pretty straightforward. Right?
- Allergies: If you suffer from any kind of allergies, you might need to dust and vacuum more often to minimise dust mites and other allergens.
Daily Cleaning Chores
Although they may seem small and inconsequential, these tasks actually go a long way when it comes to maintaining a clean and organised home:
- Make your bed: Starting your day with a made bed instantly transforms your room’s appearance. It puts you at ease, and you feel prepared to take on the day. Not to forget that it creates a sense of order and can even boost your mood. So remember to fluff those pillows, straighten those sheets, and add a cosy throw for the finishing touch before you leave the bed.
- Wash dishes: There’s nothing more annoying than coming to the kitchen and finding those dishes from the day undone. Forget the discomfort – piled-up dishes become a breeding ground for bacteria all too soon. So, forget your laziness and make it a point to tackle the dishes immediately after meals. Load them in the dishwasher or hand wash them according to your circumstances and preference. This will save you from a big cleanup later.
- Make sure to wipe down the counters: It’s important to clean surfaces to keep germs and dirt at bay. Use an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant wipes to keep your kitchen and bathroom looking fresh.
- Keep things organised: Avoid clutter by putting items in their proper places immediately after use. This avoids things piling up and being lost and helps maintain a sense of peace in your living space. Remember, a neat environment is easier to manage.
- Sweep frequently used areas: Keep your floors clean by sweeping up crumbs, dirt and pet hair. This prevents debris from spreading and causing damage to your floors.
- Take out the trash: To prevent smells and overflowing bins, make it a habit to empty the trash regularly. This simple task contributes to a hygienic atmosphere at home. Make sure you have bags on hand for easy waste disposal.
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Weekly Cleaning Chores
The tasks below will keep your home looking fresh and prevent dirt build-up:
- Vacuum carpets and rugs: Regular vacuuming is essential for removing dust, dirt, and allergens. Target more frequented areas such as living rooms and bedrooms more frequently, while less used spaces can be vacuumed every other week or so.
- Mop hard floors: Keep your hard floors shining by mopping them regularly. The frequency depends on the number of people in your household and the type of flooring. Weekly mopping might be necessary for high-traffic areas, while less frequented spaces can be mopped every two weeks.
- Dust furniture and surfaces: Dusting prevents the accumulation of allergens and keeps your home looking its best. Pay attention to surfaces like shelves, tables, electronics, and decorative items. Regular dusting will also help to reduce the number of times you need to vacuum.
- Clean bathrooms: A clean bathroom is essential for hygiene. Disinfect toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs to prevent the spread of germs. Don’t forget to wipe surfaces, mirrors, and floors to maintain a fresh and inviting space.
- Wipe down appliances: Keep your kitchen looking its best by wiping down the exterior of appliances like stoves, refrigerators, and microwaves. This removes fingerprints, smudges, and spills, giving your kitchen a polished appearance.
- Do laundry: Regular laundry prevents clothes from piling up and becoming musty. Sort your laundry by colour and fabric type so that it gets proper care. A clean laundry room is also essential for maintaining a tidy home.
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Monthly Cleaning Chores
Each of these deeper cleaning tasks will allow you to remove stubborn dirt and grime, leaving your home feeling really refreshed:
- Clean out the fridge: A cluttered fridge can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Toss out expired food, remove spills, and give shelves and drawers a good scrub. This will help prevent odours and keep your fridge fresh.
- Clean the oven: Ovens can become greasy and grimy over time. Deep cleaning your oven every few months will remove baked-on food and restore its efficiency. There are various cleaning products available to help tackle this task.
- Clean the microwave: Food splatters and spills can build up in your microwave, leading to unpleasant odours. Wipe down the interior and exterior to remove residue and keep your microwave looking and smelling fresh.
- Clean windows and mirrors: Restore your home’s brightness by cleaning windows and mirrors. This will let in more natural light and create a sparkling, inviting atmosphere. Use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth for streak-free results.
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures: Dust accumulates in often-overlooked areas like ceiling fans and light fixtures. Use a duster or vacuum attachment to remove dust and improve your home’s air quality.
Clean baseboards and door frames: Baseboards and door frames collect dust and grime over time. Wipe them down regularly to maintain a clean and polished look throughout your home.
Yearly Cleaning Chores
These tasks don’t need to be done as often, but they’re equally important for maintaining your home’s overall cleanliness:
- Deep clean carpets and rugs: Professionally clean carpets and rugs every 12-18 months to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens.
- Clean upholstery: Professionally clean furniture upholstery every 1-2 years to remove dust mites and allergens.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Clear out leaves and debris to prevent clogs and water damage.
- Inspect smoke detectors and change batteries: Guarantee your home is safe by testing smoke detectors and replacing batteries.
- Deep clean carpets and rugs: Professionally clean carpets and rugs every 12-18 months to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens.
- Clean upholstery: Professionally clean furniture upholstery every 1-2 years to remove dust mites and allergens.
- Clean out closets and storage areas: Declutter and organise your belongings to create a more spacious and efficient living environment.
Tips for Making Cleaning Easier and More Enjoyable
Now that you have a general idea of how often to clean, let’s talk about some essential house-cleaning tips to make your life easier:
- Declutter regularly: The less stuff you have, the less you have to clean! Make a habit of regularly decluttering and donating items you no longer need or use.
- Use the right tools: Invest in high-quality cleaning tools like microfiber cloths, a good vacuum cleaner, and a sturdy mop. Having the right tools can make cleaning faster and more efficient.
- Work from top to bottom: When cleaning a room, start at the top (dusting ceiling fans and high shelves) and work your way down to the floor. This way, any dust or debris that falls will be cleaned up as you go.
- Don’t forget the details: It’s easy to overlook small details like light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls, but these areas can harbour a ton of germs. Make sure to give them a quick wipe-down during your regular cleaning routine.
- Create a cleaning caddy: Keep all of your essential cleaning supplies in a portable caddy that you can easily carry from room to room. This saves time and makes sure you always have what you need on hand.
- Clean as you go: Instead of letting messes pile up, try to clean as you go. Wipe down the stovetop after cooking, put away clutter as soon as you’re done using it, and give the bathroom a quick once-over before bed.
- Make it a family affair: Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo task! Get the whole family involved by assigning age-appropriate chores and making it a fun bonding activity.
Overcoming Common Cleaning Challenges
- Lack of time: Lack of time can be a genuine concern among busy professionals. But here’s the thing—even the busiest individuals with jam-packed schedules can carve out a few minutes for tidying up. All you have to do is divide the chores into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can also consult a professional cleaning service for that occasional deep cleaning now and then.
- Motivation: Lack of motivation can often be another deterrent to a tidy and clean house. To combat this, develop and set aside a cleaning routine. This way, it becomes habitual. Remember to set reminders or curate a dedicated playlist dedicated to tidying. You can also consider treating yourself once a task is successfully checked off the list.
- Allergies: This can be a real curveball, but there are always steps you can take to minimise the risks. One approach could be opting for hypoallergenic cleaning supplies or investing in a good-quality air purifier.
- Pet owners: Regularly vacuum, make sure to only use pet-safe cleaning products and groom your furry companions to reduce shedding.
When to Call in the Pros
While DIY cleaning can be rewarding, there are times when it’s best to call in the professionals. Consider hiring a cleaning service if:
- You have a busy schedule and struggle to squeeze some time for cleaning.
- You’re moving in or out of a home and need a deep clean.
- You’re hosting a special event and want your home to sparkle.
- You have allergies or sensitivities and need a professional cleaning to remove allergens.
Looking for House Cleaners in Melbourne?
We know how tough it can be to keep your home clean while juggling work, family, and everything else life throws your way. That’s why 365 Cleaners is here to lend a helping hand. We’re a team of experienced, friendly, and reliable house cleaners who are passionate about making your home sparkle.
Our team of skilled and trained cleaning professionals will work with you to create a customised cleaning plan that fits your unique needs and budget. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
Our team is background-checked, fully insured, and always arrives with a smile. We use eco-friendly, high-quality cleaning products and state-of-the-art equipment to make sure your home is not only clean but also safe and healthy for you and your family.
The best part? We pay attention to the little details that make a big difference, like wiping down light switches and doorknobs, vacuuming under the couch cushions, and making sure your bathroom is sparkling from top to bottom. And if you’re ever not satisfied with our work, just let us know, and we’ll make it right.
Contact us today to schedule your first cleaning and see the difference for yourself!