HOME CLEANING WEEK
Routine Home Cleaning: Regular Cleaning IS Home Maintenance
As a home inspector, I’ve observed that regular house cleaning plays a crucial role in the overall maintenance of a property. Keeping your home clean and well-maintained helps preserve its condition and longevity. A clean home indicates that the homeowners have taken proper care, addressing potential issues promptly. It’s not just about appearances; a clean home is often an indication of a well-maintained property, potentially reducing the likelihood of hidden problems. So, remember, maintaining cleanliness goes hand in hand with maintaining your home’s value and ensuring a smoother inspection process when it’s time to sell.
Keeping up with your household cleaning will help you make a routine and make cleaning your home a less daunting task. Whether you prefer to tackle it all at once every week or two, or do a little bit here and there, there are several things that you should clean to maintain a clean and healthy living environment. Here’s a checklist of some areas to clean during a routine home cleaning:
- Dust all surfaces: Dust accumulates on surfaces such as furniture, shelves, and electronics, so it’s important to dust them regularly. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove dust from surfaces. Make sure to address ceiling fans and cobwebs. Do you feel like you don’t have the time or energy to both de-clutter and dust? Just move stuff around!
- Vacuum or sweep floors: Vacuum or sweep floors to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as entryways and hallways. Make sure your vacuum has been maintained and is actually picking up enough dirt, not just kicking it around the home.
- Mop floors: For hard floors, mopping is essential. Cleaning methods and supplies vary widely by flooring material, but typically “less is more” when it comes to home cleaning products. Get a mop that allows you to leave the surface relatively dry. It’s never good to let water pool or sit on floors.
- Clean bathrooms: Clean toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs with a multipurpose cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria. Clean mirrors just because it makes your home look so much nicer! Pro-tip: after dusting, use the dirty duster wand to dust the curves on the sides/back of the toilets before throwing it away. Scrub out toilet bowls, being sure to address under the rim.
- Clean kitchen: Clean countertops, stove, and sink with a multipurpose cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria. Use abrasive cleansers with care. If your home has one, run the disposal, preferably with a cut-up lemon that’s past its prime. Remove garbage disposal flanges and wash thoroughly. Wipe down appliances, cabinets, and drawers. If desired, polish stainless steel with an appropriate cleaner. Don’t forget about the eating areas. The under-side of bar counters and kitchen tables are often touched but not seen!
- Wash bedding and linens: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and towels regularly to remove dirt, bacteria, and dust mites. Typically, once a week or once every other week is sufficient. Remember your couch blankets as well.
Whew, it’s tough adulting, but you’ll be happy that you’ve established routines around cleaning your home once you’ve done so! Prefer not to do some of this stuff? Consider hiring professionals to help out, but don’t expect them to do everything.
Are you neurodivergent and have difficulty accomplishing these tasks? That’s okay! It’s a surmountable challenge. Consider Junebug style cleaning or KC Davis “5-Things Method.”
Are you struggling with home cleaning due to physical limitations? Consider these tips: www.bathingsolutions.co.uk/blog/inspiration/cleaning-hacks/
Get more information about chemical safety at: https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/understanding-products/about-cleaning-product-ingredients
www.bakerpropertyinspections.com
Mattawan Kalamazoo St. Joseph Allegan Holland
#friendlyexperiencedthorough #homeinspection #homemaintentance