Having trouble maintaining a clean and organized home consistently? You’re in good company! This article will teach you easy cleaning activities to carry out every month to keep your space clean, sanitary, and in excellent shape. Excited to begin? Let’s explore these essential cleaning tasks for each month!
P.S. Need help cleaning your house? We have a team of professional cleaners to assist you with your cleaning needs. Contact us to get a quote.
Table of Contents
Vacuum and Mop Floors
In order to keep floors looking good, it’s important to vacuum and mop them at least once a month. Vacuuming is important for removing dirt and debris from carpets, rugs, or hard surfaces as well as removing dust mites and pet dander that can contribute to allergies. Moping is necessary to help remove any stuck-on dirt or stains. The process of vacuuming and mopping should be done in tandem in order to achieve the best results.
When vacuuming, be sure to go over your carpet with the vacuum cleaner multiple times using different angles in order to deep clean it. The same should be done for hard surface floors, moving the vacuum cleaner multiple times across each area. If you have furniture on top of your floors, make sure you are not just going around it but actually going underneath it as well.
When mopping, create a solution of warm water and either vinegar or an approved cleaning solution that is gentle but effective enough to help remove dirt and stains. Be sure not to use too much cleaner – all you want is a light coating on the floor so that you don’t end up creating a slippery surface. Use a gentle sweeping motion when mopping in order to get the maximum amount of dirt off the floor before wiping it down with a damp cloth or sponge afterwards with clean water in order to remove any cleaning residue left by the solution used earlier.
Dust Furniture and Electronics
Keeping your home dust free requires taking the time to regularly dust furniture and electronics around your house. Monthly dusting of furniture like bookshelves, coffee tables, and other surfaces should be on your monthly cleaning list. You also need to take the time every month to dust off any electronic items like TVs, computer monitors, and speakers with a soft cloth or an electronic duster specifically designed for dusting equipment.
Dust can cause build up in the inner workings of electronics that can eventually cause them to overheat or malfunction. Taking the time once a month for a thorough dusting will reduce your risk of damage from dirt and debris buildup.
Clean Windows and Mirrors
Clean windows and mirrors can make any room appear brighter and more inviting. Most glass surfaces should be cleaned at least once a month to remove dirt, smudges, and fingerprints. Ideally, cleaning windows and mirrors should be done when the sun is not shining directly on the surfaces as direct sunlight can make the cleaning process more difficult.
The most effective way to restore the shine to glass surfaces is with a solution of white vinegar mixed with warm water. Apply this solution using a soft cloth or microfiber towel; for tougher stains, add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar mixture. Allow the vinegar solution to sit for several minutes on heavily soiled areas before wiping away with a squeegee or towel.
Cleaning windows and mirrors may seem like an arduous task, but it doesn’t have to be if done regularly; you’ll find that just wiping down surfaces regularly eliminates build up and saves time in your monthly cleaning routine!
Wipe Down Appliances
Keeping all of your appliances clean is a necessary part of proper home maintenance. Appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers should be wiped down every month to prevent bacteria and germs from spreading.
Start by removing everything from the appliance and wiping down shelves with a solution of mild soap and warm water. For more tough messes, try using a sponge or cleaning cloth that has been dampened with baking soda or undiluted white vinegar. After wiping down the inside, use a mild cleaner to effectively remove fingerprints and smudges from the exterior as well as handles, knobs, and trim pieces. Finish off by polishing any stainless steel surfaces if necessary.
By taking just a few minutes each month to wipe down your kitchen appliances you can help extend their lifespan while keeping your family safe from any unpleasant germs or bacteria.
Scrub the Bathtub and Shower
When it comes to bathroom cleaning, there are several tasks that should be done on a monthly basis for the most effective removal of dirt and soap scum. The shower and tub should be given special attention and scrubbed thoroughly.
- Start by removing any accessories from around the shower and tub. If the tub or shower have removable grates over the drain, take these out to make cleaning easier.
- The surfaces should then be wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water. Regular household cleaner can be used for a thorough scrubbing; for tougher spots use one with an abrasive, such as baking soda or scouring powder.
- Use an old toothbrush to get into ridges, corners and other hard to reach areas – this step is especially important if you want to prevent mold growth.
- Once all surfaces are spotless and shiny rinse everything off with clean warm water.
- Polish up any stainless steel fixtures with a cloth and vinegar solution once everything has dried – this will keep your hardware gleaming all month long!
Clean the Toilet and Sink
Cleaning the bathroom is essential for hygiene, so don’t forget to regularly oversee this task! Start with the toilet and sink. Give them a good scrubbing with an all-purpose cleaner and an abrasive sponge. Remove any built-up stains and residue, paying close attention to the rings around the toilet bowl. You may want to use a pumice stone to clean hard water stains in your sink and toilet bowl.
Make sure to flush and wipe down the seat of the toilet, as well as all surfaces of the bathroom sink to prevent germs from multiplying.
Sanitize Kitchen Surfaces
When cleaning your kitchen after monthly use, it is important to not just wipe down surfaces but to also sanitize them. Regular household cleaning products do not usually kill bacteria, they just remove it – and since you cannot see all of the nasty things it is best to clean with a sanitizing solution. Here are a few steps to take:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 gallon of water (or 3 teaspoons in 3 quarts of water). Make sure you have plenty of ventilation if you are using bleach.
- Use the proper cleaning cloths – those labelled as “antibacterial“. These cloths don’t require the use of additional cleaners; they already contain built-in antifungal and antiviral ingredients.
- Be sure to wash sponges and dishcloths regularly as these are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria.
- Wash cutting boards with hot soapy water or a bleach solution – or, better yet, replace them periodically.
- Clean countertops, sinks and other surfaces with the sanitizing solution before rinsing with clean warm water–be sure that all food residues are removed before applying the sanitizer.
- Remove any rust or hard deposits on kitchen appliances such as stoves, ovens and microwaves by scrubbing gently with steel wool soap pads (not powder cleansers). Stick with water for this job; there’s no need for detergent here either.
Wash All Bedding and Towels
It is important to wash all bedding and towels in your home at least once a month to help prevent the build-up of allergens and germs. While you should be washing all linens frequently, it is especially important to change any and all moisture-holding items each month. This includes sheets, pillow cases, mattresses pads and any other bedding that is normally found in or on a bed or futon.
Wash any towels used for personal care like bath, hand, face or beach towels. Make sure to wash bath mats as well. This will help keep your home free of any unwanted germs or irritants that can be picked up from outerwear or shoes worn outside the home. Soaps and cleaners can also contain unwanted ingredients that are more likely to remain on sources of wet moisture, like towels.
Making sure all of your linens are washed once a month not only helps reduce the presence of dirt and moisturizing agents, but might even extend their life as regular washing will help them retain their color and brightness better than sporadic launderings throughout the year would be able to do.
Clean Out the Refrigerator
The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home and should be given special attention. Keeping it clean, organized and free of clutter is essential to having a well-functioning kitchen. Every month, set aside some time to make sure the fridge stays in top shape.
Begin by taking out all food items that are expired or no longer fresh. Throw away anything that looks questionable or has started to spoil and take stock of what you have left. Move things around so everything can fit properly, remove shelves and drawers for cleaning, and tidy up items that have been pushed back behind the milk jug or left forgotten on the top shelf. You may also want to wipe down door handles if they’ve become greasy or grimy over time.
Next, take some time to assess how much food you actually have in your fridge as you probably don’t need all of it at once. Consolidate serving sizes into smaller portions so they can be used quickly and promote an overall tidier look inside the refrigerator. You should also check expiration dates on things like condiments, sauces or other non-perishable items, as these can start to taste off after staying in the fridge for too long.
Finally, give your freezer a look over since this area has a tendency to accumulate frost and tidying it up is often neglected as part of regular maintenance routines. Make sure everything is clearly labeled with correct date information including when it was cooked/prepared before being put away for storage – this will be especially helpful when trying to keep up with meal rotation! This same approach should be taken with non-food items such as ice trays (which should always be kept clean).
A monthly cleaning routine may seem daunting at first but it’s worth the effort! Keeping your refrigerator in good condition will help you save money by avoiding unnecessary waste on spoiled food items – plus having an organized space helps make meal prep easier too!
Wipe Down Walls and Baseboards
Over the course of a month, dust and dirt can build up on walls and baseboards throughout your home. Walls and baseboards should be wiped down with a damp rag, preferably with a mild cleaner made of all-natural ingredients such as vinegar and lemon juice. Pay special attention to edges, corners, and high traffic areas like doorways, since these are likely to collect more dirt than other areas. This simple cleaning task will leave your walls looking spotless and will help keep away dust that contributes to allergies.
Conclusion
Cleaning your home on a regular basis is important for staying organized, germ-free and healthy. Taking the time to do simple monthly chores can help to ensure that dirt and debris don’t accumulate, odors aren’t long-term fixtures in your home, and all major appliances are running smoothly.
For every month of the year, it’s wise to dedicate some time to complete cleansing activities such as vacuuming and dusting furniture. You should also take notes of any minor repair or maintenance issues that need attention within the home. The key is to get into the habit of keeping up with your cleaning responsibilities, so that your residence remain in a safe and spick-and-span condition at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cleaning tasks should I do every month?
The cleaning tasks you should do every month include vacuuming carpets and rugs, cleaning the bathroom, dusting surfaces and furniture, washing windows, and scrubbing the kitchen sink and counters.
How often should I clean my oven?
It is recommended to clean your oven once every three months to prevent grease and food from building up. This will also help prevent smoke and odors from lingering in your kitchen.
What is the best way to clean my refrigerator?
The best way to clean your refrigerator is to first remove all the food and shelves, then use a mild dishwashing soap and warm water to wipe down all the surfaces. After cleaning, make sure to dry the surfaces before putting the food and shelves back in.
