A Deep-Cleaning Guide for a Happy, Healthy Home
A clean home doesn’t just feel good. Deep-cleaning keeps your family healthy and your home happy. Use your time around the house wisely by taking your usual cleaning routine to the next level with this room-by-room deep-cleaning guide. Before you get started, take some time to mix up your own batch of DIY cleaning products.
Kitchen
- Drawers and cabinets. Use a handheld vacuum to suck up any hard-to-reach debris. Then, wipe down surfaces and dig into forgotten crevices. Place liners or drawer dividers for a long-lasting, clean, and organized presentation.
- Appliances. Run vinegar and baking soda through an empty dishwasher to eliminate lingering smells and food particles. Also use this opportunity to clean devices such as the forgotten bread maker or pasta maker.
- Garbage disposal. Baking soda and warm water will effortlessly clean the appliance that arguably has the dirtiest job in the kitchen. Add lemon or orange peels for a fresh scent.
Bathroom
- Grout. Thanks to its porous texture, grout can foster bacteria growth. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Slather on the mixture and scrub with a grout brush.
- Vent. This easily overlooked compartment helps eliminate mold and mildew, but airborne particles can stick around. Soak the vent cover in warm, soapy water and wipe down the fan blades and clear out any dust and debris.
Kids’ Rooms
- Toys. Soak plastic trinkets in mild bleach water, and wipe down other items. (Make sure to carefully dilute the mixture!) Wash stuffed animals in warm water and mild detergent.
- Declutter. This is your chance to sneak out a few broken pieces or loved-beyond-repair stuffed toys.
Common Areas
- Baseboards. Move furniture away from the wall and use a microfiber towel to wipe away dust before scrubbing the area with a towel soaked in warm, soapy water. Move furniture back in place once the area is completely dry.
- Fans. Remove dust and dirt from fan blades and light fixtures. Wipe down the area. Be careful not to bend the blades or get water in the motor area.
- Drapes, curtains, and blinds. While drapes and curtains are washing, remove the blinds and soak them in the bathtub in a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and dish soap. After about an hour, rinse the blinds with warm water and lay them flat to dry.
Laundry Room
- Dryer vents. This is one of the most important steps in any deep-cleaning guide, as 33% of in-home dryer fires are a result of not properly cleaning your dryer vents. Unplug the dryer, safely disconnect the duct, and vacuum out the vent. Brush out the vent to remove any lingering debris.
A clean home is a safe home. Take your cleaning efforts a step further by decluttering your space too. Learn how your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent can help keep your home hazard-free in other ways.
Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation. © 2020 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
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