Homeowner Hacks: 10 Things to Clean Once-A-Month

March 26, 2021

They’re simple. But often overlooked. Yet completing this checklist of monthly cleaning items can help you avoid major issues — and expensive repairs in the future.

What are we talking about?

Whether you’re a new homeowner who just moved in, or you’re considering moving sometime in the next 6-12 months, getting into the habit of tackling this cleaning list will certainly make a positive difference in your home!

1. Washing Machine. (Some experts even suggest doing this weekly, depending on how often you do laundry.) Try washing your machine, without any clothes in it, with hot water and bleach to kill off any extra bacteria in the machine. If your washing machine has a cleaning cycle, try using that as well.
2. Baseboards and Blinds. Cleaning them regularly helps you stay ahead of the curve — if you don’t, they can become nearly impossible to clean. Although you can purchase a special “blind-cleaning” tool, another option is to use rubber bands to hold a rag (torn into small pieces) on a pair of barbecue or kitchen tongs, in order to clean both the tops and bottoms of the window blinds.
3. HVAC Filters. Changing the filters monthly (as opposed to quarterly) can help keep healthy air in the house, while also clearing out dust and debris.
4. Upholstered furniture. Try sprinkling a generous amount of regular baking soda onto the fabric, and let it sit there for a minimum of 20 minutes. Then you can vacuum it to help release odors and break up any light stains.
5. Grout and caulk. Similar to window blinds, staying ahead of the grout cleaning can save you major time and headaches later. Grout-cleaning can be somewhat tedious, so consider getting a grout pen to avoid having to do the process all over again soon. For removing mold from bathroom caulk, grab an old toothbrush, a disposable cup, Baking Soda, and Bleach. Mix about ½ cup of bleach with a cup of baking soda. Then scrub the caulk and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and repeat as needed.
6. Air Vent Covers. When dusted regularly, this can help prevent dust from blowing into your rooms. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the nearby wall to remove any unwanted dust bunnies.
7. Windows. This includes both the glass and the windowsills. By waiting for an overcast day, you can also reduce the chance of leaving streaks on the glass. For a simple clean on the ground of a sliding glass door, sprinkle some baking soda, then add hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then wipe up the residue using paper towels.
8. Natural Cleaner. One easy-to-use natural cleaner is a simple combination of baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar. Another option is to take one cup of water, then add lemon, lime, or orange slices. Microwave it on high for several minutes; then, allow it to cool for 5 minutes, and let the steam go to work. Next, open it to remove the bowl and use a soft cloth to wipe the interior clean. For removable parts (like the turntable plate), wash it in warm, soapy water, before returning.
9. Ceiling Fans. Cleaning and dusting these monthly helps prevent heavy buildup. For dirtier fans, use a combo of 50/50 water and vinegar to wipe down the dirt and dust.
10. Check Lint Trap. (This is the step above emptying the dryer’s lint trap before each load.) Look for any lint buildup around the lint trap area that could potentially become lodged and cause a fire. The FamilyHandyman suggests wrapping a clean rag around one end of a paint stir-stick, then dampen the rag with water to help the lint stick to the rag.

For more ideas on what should be on your monthly cleaning list, visit familyhandyman.com.

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