​Most of us grew up with spring cleaning…. that time of      the year in which you spent a whole weekend cleaning   walls, cabinets, drawers, etc. A weekend you’d have   much rather spent doing anything else. Now, with     Spring approaching, you may already be preparing your   summer toys for usage. Washing and waxing boats, RV’s   and Jet Skis will help protect and keep them in good   condition. Be sure and change the oil, plugs and any   filters too. This is important for pulling them out of storage and before putting them away for the winter.

If cleanliness is next to godliness, how often should you clean various household and outdoor items?

Many of us have a weekly or monthly routine where the most used and/or high traffic areas of our homes get cleaned on a regular basis. But what about those deep-cleaning things like cabinets, walls, mattresses, etc.?

Let’s take a look at the different items and levels of clean.

Some folks say jeans can be washed every other month or less by putting them in the freezer to kill germs, unless of course, something is spilled or splashed on them. Hmmmm, I don’t know so much about this one.

Towels, washcloths, dish rags…those get washed after one or two uses.

Shoes, boots, and other footwear need regular cleansing and/or polishing to maintain their look and performance.

Bedding is another story altogether. Some say weekly for sheets and quarterly for comforters and pillows. I say as often as you feel the need. Most of us go to bed clean so sheets can wait a couple of weeks. Once or twice a year is good for pillows and other bedding items –vacuum & refresh your mattress too–unless you or someone you sleep with has been ill then it’s always a good thing to wash and disinfect right away.

Computers, I-pads, phones, and other electronics should also be cleansed often, daily, or weekly at best.

Cabinets, walls, drawers, carpets, furniture, and closets deserve a deep clean at minimum once each year, but twice is better and remember, decluttering helps you stay calm and focused, especially if you incorporate Feng Shui into the process.

Oven, dishwasher, microwave, and vehicles can be on your monthly list or at the very least, quarterly.

These are standard household/personal items. But what about things you don’t see or even think about daily?

Dryer hose and vents, AC unit and vent covers, shower heads, stove vents & filters, windows, curtains and blinds, ceiling fans, light fixtures and lamp shades, baseboards, molding and woodwork, toasters, and other small appliances? How about on top of or behind your refrigerator and/or stove? Items such as these can be part of your annual or semi-annual cleaning sprees. Waxing your AC vents will help keep the dust from collecting on/in them between cleanings.

Cleansing and repairing your window screens on a regular basis will help keep the sun shining in all the time. While you’re at it, does that house and/or patio (furniture?) need a good pressure wash? What about that shop or garage?

For tips, tricks and checklists check out Pinterest.

Until next time, take care and remember preventative maintenance goes a long way in your vehicles or toys maintaining their value.

Oh and, while we’re talking about keeping things clean and routine maintenance, any time is a good time to review your insurance policies and be sure your recreational vehicles (boats, jet skis, camper/rv, etc.) are properly covered!
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Tommy Curtis & Staff
 
 ©2016 Pamela S Thibodeaux
*previous printing Thrive Magazine 2016; Used with Permission