Every year I like to take a week and seriously deep clean my house. Since we’re all spending a little extra time at home right now, I thought now would be the perfect time to get a jump start on my cleaning frenzy and share some of my deep cleaning spots that you might have overlooked.
Drain/Clean Out Your Washer
When’s the last time you cleared out your washer filter? On my washer (LG front load) there’s a little compartment at the bottom left of my washer. Open it up and unplug the little hose. Make sure to have a bowl to catch the run-off water! Unscrew the filter and clean it out. If you haven’t done this in a while (or ever) prepare for some serious gunk! After I’ve done this, I like to do a wash cycle with just bleach and baking soda to make sure my washer is extra clean!
Clean Your Dishwasher
It’s easy to forget about cleaning the machines that clean things, right?! Alot of grease and grime can build up in our dishwashers, so about every 3 months, I buy Finish Dishwasher Cleaner to tackle the nasty. It’s like $3 and is found right next to the regular dishwasher tabs. You can NOT have anything else in the dishwasher, just put this bad boy in there and use the “heavy/heat” cycle and your dishwasher will be squeaky clean in no time!
Wash The Dog Beds
I always make sure to buy dog beds that have a removable cover so I can wash the covers about every month. However, when I’m deep cleaning, I remove the cover and throw both the cover AND the actual bed in the washer. Helps to get rid of that “dog” smell that always seems to linger!
Clean Your Makeup Brushes/Sponges
We all know that makeup brushes and sponges can harbor all sorts of nasties. I don’t use anything fancy because I have sensitive skin, just warm water and a squirt of dawn dish soap does the trick!
Clean The Microwave
Ugh, my LEAST favorite task. To get rid of that baked on yuck, I actually just use vinegar and warm water. Put it in a large bowl uncovered and heat it up in the microwave to create steam, which helps loosen the grime and makes it easier to wipe off.
Clean Out & Organize The Pantry
On to my favorite task, It feels SO good to get rid of expired and old stuff! This is usually pretty time consuming, but it’s so worth it and it’s so nice to be able to actually SEE what we have and what I need next time I head to Walmart!
Wash Bedding AND Pillows
After regularly cleaning my bedding, I do wash my pillows with cleaning bleach in the washer as well! Even though we use pillowcases, it’s still good to get rid of those germs lurking underneath the pillow cases too!
Steam The Couch
To help keep my couch clean, I spray it down with lysol and let it sit for a minute. Then, I use my handheld steamer and steam the couch twice.
Clean Out & Wipe Down Your Purse/Backpack/Wristlet.
Definitely one that can be easily overlooked, make sure to wipe down your purse/wristlet with a disinfectant wipe. These things go everywhere with us and can sneak unwanted germs into our homes.
Clean Your Desk/Workspace
This is something I have to constantly remind myself to do! I use Clorox wipes and wipe down my keyboard, mouse and entire desk. For my computer monitor, I use electronic/lens wipes. I buy them in bulk and keep them right on my desk! It’s important to use these because they won’t scratch surfaces!
Wipe Down Your Phone & Watch
I use the same electronic wipes mentioned above! For my Apple Watch, I remove the silicone band and use a regular clorox wipe.
Disinfect The TV Remotes & Gaming Consoles
Ah, the haven for germs. Super important to wipes down every crevice on remotes AND gaming controllers/consoles, especially because they come in contact with lots and lots of hands!
Vacuum & Wipe Down Your Car
Another overlooked haven for nasty. Your car! Aside from vacuuming, make sure to wipe down your steering wheel, radio buttons, gear shifter, window/lock buttons and anything else your hands come in contact with.
Wipe Down Your Reusable Bags
Since the recent switch to reusable grocery bags, I’ve been trying to get into the habit of wiping down the outside of my bags, since they are usually sitting in the bottom of the shopping cart, that I would say, probably never gets wiped down.
If you’re anything like me, I love to clean. It’s satisfying and helps relieve some serious anxiety. With all the crazy happening right now, I’m choosing to focus on keeping myself and my little bubble of a home clean and happy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless in a time like this, and for me, it makes me feel better knowing that I’m spending this time inside being productive in the best way that I can.
Happy cleaning!
