We’re spending a lot of time in our homes this early spring season and you may be getting restless. To kill some time and feel productive in the making here are ten household chores we all often forget to do. Pick a few or try the whole list!
Clean out the inventory
- Refrigerators
Something that is easy put at the bottom of the to-do list. Check the fridge for any old leftovers, expired condiments, or anything moldy that may have fallen in the back. Wipe down the shelves and doors.
*If you’re on a roll, you can sweep behind the fridge, wipe down the coils, and get that grim underneath. Gold star for you!
- Pantry
Another place where expired things tend to go unnoticed. Check the dates on cans, sauces, or anything else that may need replacing. Since you’re in there, wipe the shelves down and try organizing when putting items back (you’ll thank yourself later.)
- The Medicine Cabinet
De-clutter your medicine cabinets is a quick task that let’s be honest, most of us don’t really bother to do. Gather up all those loose cough drops, old prescriptions, and empty tubes of Neosporin and give your cabinets some extra space.
Clean Appliances (with White Vinegar and Baking Soda)
- Washer
Professionals suggest cleaning your washer every six months. If you noticed a moldy smell to your clothes after you wash them, it may be time to give your washer a good rinse. Over time detergent and hard-water minerals build up and cause that mildew to grow. The good news is, you can use some white vinegar and baking soda to clear that right up. Check this video for details!
- Dishwasher
Just like the washer, the dishwasher collects grime over time that can affect the overall efficiency. Using the same mix of white vinegar and baking soda, you’ll get that dishwasher running like new. Before you start the empty cycle, take out the bottom rack and make sure to wipe out any extra gunk, food, or soap build up you see. Then run a hot-water cycle with a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher safe cup placed on the upper rack. Run a hot-water cycle once more, but this time instead of the vinegar sprinkle baking soda all around the bottom of the inside.
- Oven
Keep that baking soda and white vinegar handy. Cleaning the over can seem daunting and a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. Take ½ cup of baking soda and mix in 3 tablespoons of water to create a paste. Spread the paste on the inside of the oven door and around the walls. Let it sit over night. The next day wipe the paste off, use some white vinegar in a spray bottle to get the corners and just like that the stinky burnt smell and black grime is gone!
Drains
- Sink drains and Garbage disposals
An easy preventive maintenance for any kitchen and bathroom sink drain is using a product like drain defense. All you have to do is run warm water for a second, take a scoop of the cleaner and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for about six hours and the gunk (and smell) is gone.
*For garbage disposals, try a disposer drain cleaner for a similar effect.
Filters and Vents
- Furnace filters
Even though the furnace filter may help with the quality of air, its main job is to protect the furnace blower from any dust, pet hair, etc. that’s brought in. To avoid damaging the whole unit with build-up, change that filter out. See more info on how to change a filter here.
- Air return vents
It’s easy to overlook the dust piling up on air vents around the house, but it makes all the difference if you take a minute to wipe them down. You can use a vacuum hose, cloth, or duster to clean off in and around the vents.
Going the Extra Mile
- Sofa creases
Cleaning out the sofa is not the most glamorous of jobs and it’s a chore most of us forget to do. Take the cushions off your couch, pick up that loose change and other miscellaneous items, then take a vacuum hose and suck up what’s left of someone’s dinner. You’ll feel a lot more satisfied after this one, and who knows maybe you’ll find something you’ve been looking for!
What are some spring-cleaning tasks you make sure to do each year? Let us know on Facebook!
Tune into the Home and Garden Show every Saturday, 9a-1pm, right here on WIBC
