Cleaning

Small Appliances

I regularly empty my toaster’s crumbs and check the elements to ensure they are intact. Also, check all your appliances’ cords to avoid fraying. I take my blender apart and ensure the blades are clean and move freely. Check your mixers to make sure the whips are not bent and that they are operating correctly. If you have older toaster ovens, ensure they are heating to the proper temperature. They may be heating too high; if they are, it is time for a new one.

Washing Machines And Clothes Dryers

Please do not overload your washing machine, as this will make it wear out much faster and may damage the agitator and the gasket. Clean your washing machine with a cleaner to remove all the gunk and grime that collects inside and outside the drum. If you start getting oil on your clothes, the seal and gasket have failed, and you might as well buy a new washing machine. You must remove the lint after each use with clothes dryers if you want them to operate efficiently. Never overload your clothes dryer as it will run too long and may overheat. Ensure the outside vent is clean, as many clothes dryer fires start because the lint catches on fire, and no air can circulate with a plugged vent. Clothes dryers tend to last a long time with maybe only a new belt around the drum or a new ignitor in gas dryers.

Refrigerators And Freezers

Do not overload your refrigerator or freezer, as air needs to circulate freely to keep everything cool. Do not place significant things next to the door, as they may fall, and you will come home to an open appliance door and lots of spoiled food. If your appliance needs R134a, you might as well buy a new one, as your bill will be at least $400.00 for the appliance coolant. Keep the air vents clear in the freezer section of your refrigerator so air can circulate freely and your refrigerator will last much longer. You may need a new seal on your appliance if the old one becomes dry and brittle.

Dehumidifiers

Clean out all the vents on your dehumidifiers, as they will run more efficiently and last much longer. Ensure you buy a dehumidifier large enough for your house; if you do not, it will run and run and probably overheat. If it runs out of coolant or needs a new fan motor, buy a new one, which will be cheaper in the long run.

Air Purifiers

When your air purifier’s filters need to be cleaned, do it immediately. This will make your air purifier work correctly and efficiently. I had to oil the cylinder in mine, and then it was quiet as a church mouse. Remember to replace the charcoal filters when necessary.

Portable ACs

Always clean the vents of your portable ACs and make sure the drain is clear. When storing them, ensure all the water is out so mold will not grow in them the next time you need them. Always plug them directly into your socket, and do not use an extension cord or a surge strip.

Fall Cleaning 101

Starting Fall Cleaning

Start cleaning the most problematic areas or the jobs you like the least. Getting the assignments, you do not want to do done first will give you more energy to continue cleaning later on. I look forward to finishing the little jobs and living in a lovely clean home from top to bottom.

I Clean My Upstairs Bedrooms First

I take things out of my bookcases, dust them off, and get rid of some things. I put new paper in my dresser drawer and dusted out the towels on top of my dresser. I reorganize my closets and remove clothing I no longer wear. I wash the curtains and clean the bedding. I dust everything, vacuum the rugs, and wash and wax the floors.

Living And Dining Room Cleaning

I vacuum off my drapes and my furniture. I vacuum under all of my furniture. I clean out cabinets thoroughly. I dust all of the items inside and out of the cabinets. I wipe off each whatnot and clean all the dishes in the corner cupboard. I put lemon oil on the wood furniture so it would shine and not dry out. I clean out the bookcase and weed out some of my books. I then shampoo my carpets. I clean all of the windows throughout my house.

Kitchen Cleaning

Remove everything from your cupboards, wash them off, and then put new paper in them. Please clean up your stove and refrigerator, and then polish them. Shine up your pots and pans with cleaners. Clean your microwave and shake the bread crumbs out of your toaster. Clean your washer and dryer. I put a cleaner in my washer that cleans up the washtub. I take a lint brush to my dryer vent to prevent a lint fire. I clean up my stainless steel sink with a special cleaner for stainless steel, and then my sink looks new again. I finish up by cleaning under my appliances.

Bathroom Cleaning

Clean out your medicine cabinet and get rid of expired or medicines you no longer use. I clean off the glass shelves with window cleaner. I clean out my storage cupboard and remove items I no longer need. Clean your bathtub and toilet thoroughly. I put a new battery in my bathroom scale in the fall.

Basement Cleaning

I clean out all of my cupboards and put new paper in them. I check the dates on all of my canned food. I defrost my freezer and reorganize everything, so I eat the oldest meat first. I clean off my basement shelves and the items that are stored on them. I sweep my basement floor, and then I wash it thoroughly. My cat litter boxes, food, w, and water bowls get an extra special cleaning.

Garage Cleaning And Tools

Clean the floors in your garage and set out mouse traps. Put an oil solvent or absorbent on any areas of your cement floor that may have gotten some oil. I was all my cars, garage doors, and air conditioner. Take everything out of your garage and get rid of those unused items. Clean up any dirty tools in your garage. Make sure your cars are serviced before winter. Have battery chargers in your garage and a good trouble light. Put jumper cables in your vehicles along with reflector safety signs. Pack an emergency kit for every car you own. Make sure your snowblowers are ready for winter. Put fresh oil and sparks plugs in all your snowblowers, and ensure the chains are tight and the drills are in good working order. If you have a generator, ensure it will start when you need it this winter.

Miscellaneous Necessities

I replace all my smoke alarm batteries, put a new filter in my furnace, replace light bulbs, and stock up on heavy items before winter. Clean up and sweep out all of your outdoor buildings. Ensure your vehicle’s anti-freeze is ready for winter, and have your furnace checked before winter. Replace all of the batteries in your flashlights. Have an emergency kit in your home.