Household Deep Clean Checklist
Cabinet Cleanse. Buy, or make, a cleaning solution to help rid your cabinet doors and drawers of grease stains. A simple mixture of liquid dish soap (two tablespoons) and warm water (two cups) will do the trick for minor build-up. If you need something more powerful, add a cup of white vinegar to your solution. Use a cloth to clean, a water-soaked soft sponge to rinse, and a final cloth to dry.
Dirt-Free Dishwasher. Give your dishwasher some love with a thorough cleanse. Start by removing the bottom rack and clearing out any food particles caught in the drain. Then, pour a cup of vinegar into a dishwasher safe container and place it on the top rack. Set your dishwasher to a hot-cleanse cycle to remove grime. The final step is to run a short hot-water cycle with a cup of baking soda sprinkled on the bottom for a fresh-smelling and stain-free interior.
Washed Washer. Like your dishwasher, your washing machine requires some TLC from time to time. Whip up a solution of ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup water and pour it into the detergent container of your washing machine. Then pour two cups of vinegar into the drum, close the door and run your washer on the hottest cycle. After, use a scrub sponge to remove any residual build-up.
Clean Carpets. Although we vacuum all of the time, many of us forget about deep cleaning our carpets. High-traffic areas should be cleaned once to twice a year, while bedrooms and offices will last around 18 to 24 months between cleans. Bring in a professional, or tackle the dirt yourself by using Apartment Therapy’s step-by-step green clean guide.
Spotless Sleep. As we use our mattresses nightly, it’s important to maintain them with regular cleanings. Remove the sheets and run the upholstery brush of your vacuum over the top and sides of your mattress to remove dust and hair particles. If you want to deodorize, simply sprinkle baking soda on the top and leave for 30-minutes before vacuuming. Be sure to use a cover to help extend the life of your mattress.
-by Mhairri Woodhall