Summer is almost over, but now you’ve noticed that you let some chores slip for too long, leaving a buildup of dust and dirt in your home. But before you start cleaning, take a second look at that to-do list to make sure you haven’t forgotten certain chores. Let’s review four chores that people tend to forget.
Cleaning Your Mattress
Cleaning your mattress is probably one chore that’s often overlooked. Even though your mattress is covered most of the time with bed linen, dust can still build up. So, you will want to clean and flip your mattress frequently. Use the hose extension on your vacuum to pick up dirt and dust from your mattress. If there are visible stains, just place baking soda on the stain, then use hydrogen peroxide or dish soap to clean that area.
This is optional, but after you have rid the mattress of dust and stains, you can place it outside on the balcony or in the backyard directly in the sunlight. The sun’s rays and the fresh air will work together to fight bacteria. Finally, be sure to flip your mattress before you put it back on the bed.
Dusting Your Ceiling Fan Blades
Another chore that is easy to ignore is cleaning your ceiling fans. But ceiling fans collect dust over time, so you need to clean them periodically, especially in the spring. You can use a microfiber extendable dust mop to wipe down the fan and the blades. If you don’t have an extendable dust mop available, you can use a sturdy ladder to reach the fan. However, if your ceiling fan has thick dust on it, use a vacuum hose to remove the dust first, and then wipe it down with the dust mop.
Now, if your ceiling fan is directly above your bed, try placing a pillow case over the blade and carefully slide it off. This technique will trap the dust and prevent it from getting on your bed.
Changing Your HVAC Filter
Dust and mold can enter into your house through your heating, ventilation and air conditioning or HVAC system. It is best practice to replace your filter every three months to prevent outside contaminants like dust and animal dander from entering your home. Also, get regular checks for your HVAC system to make sure it is running at 100 percent, so that it captures dirt, dust, and debris found in the air in your home.
If you’re not sure if your HVAC system is working properly or how to change your filter, a technician can help with service needs.
Cleaning Your Baseboards
Image via Flickr by Sltka Projects
Cleaning your baseboards is another chore that’s often overlooked, but baseboards collect dust, especially in high-traffic areas. However, cleaning your baseboards is simple. Use a damp cloth and a cleaning solution of your choice, and wipe down the area.
Dust has fine particles, so it can accumulate anywhere in your house and affect your health. Just remember, when you make your cleaning list, keep in mind some of these most-forgotten chores so you can maintain a dust- and dirt-free home.
