Take Care of Your Space
Tips for knowing what to clean, replace, and treat—and when!
Little projects and chores around your home can feel overwhelming but creating a schedule can help you tackle one line item at a time. The first step to success is knowing how often each action needs to be taken, from cleaning out your dishwasher (what!) to making sure your smoke detectors are operating correctly. Here is a list of steps you can take in time around your home.
Wash Sheets + Bedding
To get rid of germs, dust mites, and crumbs (no judgement), make sure to wash your sheets weekly. Larger bedding like comforters should be washed every 2-3 months, depending on use. We suggest having extras of each on hand so that you don’t need to worry about washing your linens immediately—instead, keep a stock of at least three sets of sheets.
Sheets and bedding starting at $7.99
Service Your Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Don’t wait until that annoying, endless chirping reminder starts: Plan to change the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year. To make it easier to remember, pick two times of year that will trigger the thought, such as the start and end of Daylight Savings Time. Remember to check your alarms at least once a month.
Batteries starting at $1.99
Wash Your Shower Curtain
You’re in the shower getting clean, while your shower curtain soaks up mildew and dirt—not cool. You can wash both plastic and fabric curtains in your washing machine, so do it about once a month (or more if it’s dirtier). Our tip: Have several shower curtains on hand so that you can always swap them out when necessary.
Bathroom accessories starting at $1.99
Freshen Your Garbage Disposal
Your trusty garbage disposal works hard—and it can start to smell like it. To keep it fresh, grind a handful of ice cubes sprinkled with baking soda into the disposal every 3 weeks. For added freshness, add a lemon rind.
Kitchen cleaners starting at $.99
Clean Your Oven
If you’re an avid baker or use your oven often, you’ll notice a burning smell as spilled debris cooks up with your latest creation. To keep your oven functioning at its best, clean it every three months. If you use it less often, cleaning it twice a year should suffice.
Sponges and cloths starting at $.99
Wash Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine is cleaning your clothes, but what’s cleaning it? Once a month, drop a cup of distilled white vinegar into your machine while running a hot water wash. It will clean and disinfect your washer and keep it working at its best.
Do Your Dishwasher
Your plates are saucy, messy, and covered in goo—so where does all that go when they’re in the dishwasher? You may not realize that your machine has a trap that you should clean out monthly. Consult your owner’s manual to find it. Then, place a mug of white vinegar standing upright in the top rack and run the washer as usual. You’ll disinfect it and keep it running smoothly.
Mugs and dishes starting at $3.99
Replace Toothbrushes
When did you last get a new toothbrush? If you can’t remember, it’s been too long. Dentists recommend replacing your brush every 3 months to keep out bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
Toothbrushes starting at $.99
Clear Windows + Screens
To reduce allergens in your home and keep you seeing the outside more clearly, plan to wash your storm windows and screens once a year. We recommend cleaning the storms with hot, soapy water as you take them down each winter so they’re ready to go when the weather cools again. For screens, fill your tub with hot soapy water and let them soak for at least an hour before rinsing and standing to dry. Use a microfiber cloth and window cleaner for maintenance in between cleanings.
Cleaning supplies starting at $.99
Clean Gutters
Get the gloves on—it’s time to clean the gutters. Best done in spring, it’s important to clear out the dead leaves, wildlife, and other debris that can pile up over the winter. It’s a messy but important job that will ensure rainwater and melting snow can properly drain from your roof.
Work gloves starting at $.99
Wash Your Rugs
Rugs don’t always show it, but they are collectors: Dirt, dust, allergen, and pet hair are their favorite things to load up on. Vacuum your rugs weekly and clean them with a carpet cleaning powder or machine once a year.
Rugs starting at $3.99
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Clearing trees and shrubs is about more than keeping your landscaping looking nice—you’ll be ensuring that weaker hanging branches don’t become dislodged with heavy winds or storms and end up through your window. Survey your property once a year to check on any branches that need attention.
Garden gear starting at $.99