These quick actions will help keep your home fresh and avoid nasty buildup!

✔ Kitchen Counters

Wipe with a soft cloth and a gentle all-purpose cleaner to avoid buildup from spills and crumbs, which can attract pests.

✔ Dishes

Hand wash dishes, or load and run the dishwasher to prevent unpleasant smells.

✔ Trash

Empty small bins, especially if they contain food scraps, to reduce odors and avoid pests.

*Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach unless absolutely necessary. Opt for mild cleaners labeled as safe for surfaces like granite or laminate.

These tasks focus on high-use areas and help prevent long-term issues!

✔ Floors

• Vacuum rooms with carpeted floors.
• Sweep, then mop, rooms with hard floors such as wood, tile, and laminate. 
• When mopping, use a small amount of a floor-safe cleaner and wring out the mop well.

✔ Bathrooms

• Spray and scrub the tub, shower walls, and sink with a bathroom-safe cleaner to remove soap scum.
• Clean the toilet bowl with a toilet cleaner and brush to prevent stains and odors.
• Use a glass cleaner (like Windex) or vinegar solution for mirrors to remove streaks.

✔ Dusting

• Use a microfiber cloth or duster to clean furniture, shelves, and electronics to prevent allergens and buildup. Avoid sprays that can damage finishes.

✔ Mold & Mildew Control

• Take a quick look at corners, grout, and caulking in areas where moisture collects - bathrooms, kitchen, windows, etc. 
• Clean any visible spots with a diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio with water) or mold-specific cleaner.

*Tip: Be sure to open windows or use a fan in the bathroom to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

These tasks are a bit more time consuming, but don't need to be done as frequently.

✔ Refrigerator

Remove old/expired food, wipe down shelves, and check for spills to avoid odors and bacterial growth.

✔ Windows and Tracks

Wipe glass with a streak-free cleaner and clean tracks with a toothbrush and mild soap to prevent dirt and debris buildup.

✔ Baseboards and Corners

Dust with a damp cloth to keep these often-overlooked areas looking fresh.

Tip: Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool, which can damage delicate surfaces like glass or painted walls.

Add one or two of these bigger tasks to your monthly cleaning routine, and rotate through them to keep your home in tip-top shape!

✔ Oven and Stove

Deep clean the oven to remove grease and baked-on food, which can cause smoke or odors when cooking. Use a non-toxic oven cleaner or make a paste with baking soda and water.

✔ Appliance Filters

Dishwasher - Remove and rinse the filter (usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher) under warm water to prevent clogs and bad smells.

Washing Machine - Check and clean the filter (if your machine has one) to avoid lint and debris buildup that could affect performance.

✔ Declutter Closets and Cabinets

Donate items you no longer need and wipe down shelves to prevent clutter and dust.

✔ Change Batteries

Swap out the batteries in all your smoke and CO2 detectors, and test to ensure they are functioning properly.

✔ Dust Fan Blades

If you have any ceiling fans in your home, use a step ladder and soft cloth, or an extending duster, to remove dust from the top of the fan blades. Do this while the fan is turned off, of course.

✔ Wash Walls and Light Fixtures

Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, smudges, and cobwebs.

Tip: For tough stains on walls, use a cleaner labeled "safe for painted surfaces" and test it in an inconspicuous area first.