Springtime is upon us. Our friends to the north are probably ready to open the doors and windows, let the fresh air in, and get a nice Spring cleaning done before the heat of Summer hits. Here in Florida, the heat is already upon us, so there probably won’t be much window opening, but we can take special care to clean some spots in the home that we have a tendency to neglect.
If you’re wiping the counters, dusting shelves, and vacuuming and mopping, then you’re getting your everyday cleaning done. There’s probably a weekly kitchen and bathroom cleaning tossed in there, too. But there are spaces in the home that we don’t even consider cleaning unless it needs to be replaced, or until it simply gets so dirty that it becomes noticeable and you don’t want other people to see.
You sleep in your bed every night, and every night you sweat and shed skin. It’s not anything to be embarrassed about; we all do it. But, if you’re not washing your pillowcases and sheets around once a week, then you’re sleeping in a literal bed of germs every night. Keep a second set of each on hand for a weekly cleaning. You’ll sleep better, and you’ll feel accomplished.
The refrigerator and freezer are rife with bacteria from meats, cheeses, veggies, and beverages. Unknown to you – even though you got that bag of spinach out and cleaned the veggie drawer – E. coli could be growing in your fridge. You should be cleaning your fridge and freezer with hot, soapy water at least every 3 to 4 months.
Ceiling fans and lights are out of reach and easy to forget. They’re in use every day, and until they break or need to be replaced, they’re just tools we take advantage of. But did you know they’re breeding grounds for dust mites and cobwebs? Once every month or two, you should turn off all the fans and either dust or vacuum them, and then move to all the light fixtures. Make sure they’re off before touching – LED lights won’t burn you, but they’re electronic and can be dangerous, especially if something breaks.
Another bunch of electronic items we all forget about – at the office and at home – are our personal electronic devices. Whether it’s your smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, these items collect dust, food crumbs, and germs because they are covered with grooves and surfaces that can be easy to get dirty, and easy to forget to clean. Keep electronic cleaning wipes on hand, and try to save a few minutes each week for cleaning your electronics. You’ll save time by avoiding a deep cleaning, and you’ll start every day feeling clean and ready to work.
Cleaning can be a hassle, but if you do it in stages it is simpler and not as time consuming. It is also important for both your physical and mental health. Make sure to plan your month out ahead of time, and set aside small blocks of time you can use to make your house healthier and cleaner.
