10 items you need to clean every week
Don’t let these household chores be bumped to the bottom of your to-do list. These are the items that need to be cleaned every seven days.
1. Laundry
To prevent a huge pile of dirty clothes piling up, it is best to tackle the load weekly.
2. Bathroom surfaces
Although your counter and mirror may look clean, it is important to clean with a disinfectant wipe once a week to remove bacteria and germs that build up from everyday use.
3. Carpets and rugs
Carolyn Forte, the director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, said, “If you don't vacuum, heavy dirt gets ground in and light dust sits on top.” It is especially important to vacuum the areas around the front and back doors where dirt is carried in.
4. Dusty furniture
Not only does dust look bad but it can be bad for your health and your furniture. Carolyn said, “Dust can be abrasive and can put fine scratches in the finish if something rubs against it.” Use a microfibre cloth to clean so you grab particles rather than spread them around.
5. Sheets
If you have the time to wash them every week, it is important to do so as germs, sweat, and body oils build up quickly.
6. Kitchen appliances
Clean your kitchen appliances with a disinfectant wipe each week to prevent a build-up of germs. "Kitchen appliances need to be cleaned of fingerprints and food bits,” Carolyn said.
7. Bathtub and shower
These places collect mildew and scum. It is important to remove this material with a bath scrubber every week.
8. Toilet
It is important to deep clean your toilet bowl every week. Carolyn recommends pouring a cup of bleach into the bowl and brushing it around the sides and under the rim. "Let it sit for five minutes as you move on to the next task.”
9. Kitchen floors
Kitchen floors can collect liquids and food crumbs without anyone even noticing. To prevent this, clean your kitchen floors weekly.
10. Mirrors
Clean mirrors will not only make your home look fresh but it will also make it easier to put makeup on.
Images: Getty