I do not know anyone who likes cleaning at home. People prefer to spend their time on something enjoyable, like watching their favorite movies or gambling at NonGamStopBookies. Yet, if you are not rich and do not have a housekeeper, you do spend your time cleaning.
We often determine the need for cleaning by eye. Most recommendations for keeping a tidy home are based more on the experiences of past generations than on scientific evidence.
We clean not only for the sake of beauty but also to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms. But how often should you actually wash things at home? You will find answers in this article.
Sinks
They need to be washed and disinfected every day. Even if they look clean, microorganisms, including pathogens, actively multiply in them. Moisture, leftover food, and dirt that we wash off our hands after being outside or visiting the toilet—all this creates excellent conditions for the growth of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. So, at least once a day, you should wash your kitchen and bathroom sinks with a cleaner and treat them with a suitable household disinfectant.
Kitchen Sponges
Experts advise boiling them on the stove or in the microwave for two minutes every two days. And replace them with new ones at least twice a month. It is important to understand that washing or rinsing a sponge with soap and water does not help get rid of the microorganisms that accumulate in it. Therefore, sterilization or replacement is necessary.
Bed Sheets
Sweat, saliva, and other secretions of the human body remain on sheets and pillowcases and create an excellent environment in which bacteria, dust mites, and other organisms quickly multiply. Therefore, bed linen must be changed once a week, or at least once every two weeks. It is better to wash sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases at high temperatures – from 60°C and above, unless otherwise indicated on the labels.
Carpets and Floors
Carpets should be vacuumed or brushed once a week, or more often if there are pets in the house. This will help keep dirt and dust under control and prevent it from spreading throughout your home. Floors should be washed at least once every two weeks, and better yet, more often, especially in the kitchen, where crumbs, drops of fat, and other food fragments end up on the floor.
Floor Under the Carpet
Even with regular cleaning of the carpet, dust accumulates underneath it. Once every one to two weeks, vacuum the top side of the carpet, roll it up, and then vacuum the floor beneath it. After vacuuming, wash the surface with a damp cloth. If the carpet is pressed down by furniture and removing it completely is problematic, fold back at least one side of the carpet and clean the exposed area as thoroughly as possible.
Towels
Bath towels collect many microorganisms, including staphylococcus, various fungi, and E. coli. Therefore, experts recommend changing them daily. Kitchen towels should be washed at least once a week. If you handled raw meat and then dried your hands on a towel, you should put it in the washing machine immediately.
Door Handles
They should be wiped at least once a week, especially if we are talking about doors to the bathroom or kitchen—they accumulate the most dirt.
Do Not Forget About Hidden Places
Think about the last time you cleaned your clothes dryer or kitchen hood. These areas accumulate moisture, dirt, odors, and grease every time you use them. To ensure you don’t overlook them, place a reminder sticker on your refrigerator or add a task to your phone’s calendar. This will help you remember to regularly pay attention to these often-neglected areas.
Radiators
A lot of dust, dirt, dead insects, and other debris accumulate on the surface and inside of radiators, especially if the radiators are located under windows. Therefore, it’s advisable to wipe the outside of radiators weekly with a damp cloth.
At least once every two to three months, try to clean the radiators more thoroughly. For example, vacuum old cast-iron or non-removable models from the inside using a crevice nozzle. Then, wash them with a brush and soapy water, and wipe dry.
Removing dirt from narrow aluminum radiators is usually more difficult. A steam generator can help you cope with the task. In addition, you can blow dust out of thin crevices with a hairdryer (don’t forget to place damp rags on the floor so that the debris does not fly away but settles on them). Another option is to wear damp cotton gloves and try to remove as much dirt as possible.
Checklist for Cleaning
Here’s a general guideline to help you maintain cleanliness throughout your flat:
Daily
- Wash dishes or load the dishwasher after every meal.
- Wipe down countertops and kitchen surfaces after use to prevent bacteria growth and remove crumbs or spills.
- Sweepi high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room.
Weekly
- Carpeted floors should be vacuumed weekly, and more often if you have pets.
- Dust surfaces such as furniture, shelves, and electronics.
- Mop floors in your kitchen and bathroom.
- Clean the toilet, shower, tub, and sink.
- Wash clothes, towels, and bed linens.
Monthly
- Clean microwave and oven to remove food splatters and built-up grease.
- Refrigerator cleaning: Discard expired items and wipe the interior.
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
Quarterly
- Using a carpet cleaner to remove deep-seated dirt and stains from carpets.
- Clean the inside (and outside where possible) of windows to let in more light and improve visibility.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and consider professional cleaning for heavily soiled items.
Semi-annually
- Deep clean your entire flat, organize closets, and declutter.
- Clean under and behind big appliances like the fridge and oven.
Annually
- Wash or dry-clean curtains and drapes.
- Depending on the type of flooring, give it a deep clean or a new coat of polish.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and your cleaning schedule may vary based on your lifestyle, whether you have pets, and how many people live in your flat.