You might not realize it, but there are items in your home that you don’t clean regularly. It’s important to clean regularly to avoid the spread of germs and bacteria. In this blog post, we will reveal five items you might forget about when cleaning on a regular basis and discuss how house cleaning services in Richmond Beach can help!
House Cleaning Services in Richmond Beach, WA: 5 Items You Forget to Clean Regularly
#1 Cutting Boards
Whether using the same cutting board for vegetables, fruit, or meat, it is critical to have a clean and sanitized surface after each use. While you might rinse off any crumbs or residue after every use, cutting boards should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and hot water or an antibacterial cleaner.
- If washing with soap and water, clean for a minimum of 20 seconds to eliminate the spread of bacteria.
- If you use an antibacterial cleaner, make sure the surface is thoroughly rinsed and then completely dry before using it again.
- If pressed for time, you can alternatively place it in a dishwasher on the top rack and run a full wash cycle.
#2. Sponges
As a tool used to clean other surfaces, many people forget the importance of cleaning or replacing your sponges. Bacteria spreads quickly in moist environments and items that stay damp for long periods of time, such as sponges.
Furthermore, as sponges help remove dirt and bacteria from other surfaces through absorption, all the filth stays on the sponge. Therefore, as a general point of reference, sponges should be replaced every two weeks or if it starts smelling like mildew.
#3. Washing Machine
Have you noticed a mildew smell coming from your clean load of laundry? It might be your washing machine full of detergent build-up. While we know that laundry machines clean our clothes, they can quickly accumulate mildew and bacteria if not properly cleaned on a regular basis.
To cut away at the mildew and detergent buildup, you will need to run two cycles without any items in the washing machine. The first cycle will be with two cups of baking soda to gently scrub away moldy odors and soap scum residue. Then, run the washing machine a second time as a large, long, hot water cycle (still as an empty machine).
With the first cycle completed, the second one partners with two cups of plain white vinegar. For some enhanced results, you can add ten drops of essential oils such as tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender to leave behind a clean scent and serve as a mild disinfectant. Then, run another hot water cycle using the largest load setting possible to remove any remaining moldy or soap scum residue.
To deep clean the washer hoses, place them in a bucket full of warm soapy water before scrubbing thoroughly. Once done, wipe down the washing machine drum using a lint-free cloth slightly damp with vinegar. Don’t forget to also wipe down the rubber seal!
#4. Dishwasher
Dishwashers are one household item you should clean every day to avoid bacteria growth, especially since you eat and drink with the dishes cleaned by your dishwasher.
The dishwasher cycles use hot water and detergent to help remove food particles and grease from dishes. However, these items can also attract germs if they remain on a surface for too long.
Therefore, do your best to scrape items off of the dishes before washing them in your dishwasher. Additionally, set a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar on the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run it through a hot water cycle. Vinegar will break down any remaining bits of food, grease, or soap scum.
#5. Air Vents
While you might replace your air filters on a monthly, bi-monthly, or even quarterly basis, how often do you clean your air vents? Routinely cleaning your air vents can help to eliminate dust, hair dander, and bacteria from building up in the small spaces. Maintaining a clean vent not only reduces allergies but also prevents respiratory problems such as asthma!
Remove the floor vents and place them in a tub or basin with soapy water. With a bristled brush or new sponge, scrub off any dust or dirt that may have accumulated over the past few months. For proper maintenance, be sure to dust your floor and air vents monthly and deep clean them quarterly.
Richmond Beach House Cleaning Services with Broomstick Cleaning
Don’t have time to clean? Regularly scheduled, super cleaning services will consistently deliver on their pristine cleaning and disinfection standards every time. From dusting your blinds to sanitizing light switches, you will feel like you live in a model home after their work is complete!
Every household’s need is unique. Bathrooms and kitchens always need the most attention, but bedrooms, offices, and living areas require careful attention as well.
That’s why at Broomstick Cleaning, we offer completely customizable housekeeping services tailored to your specific cleaning needs. Throughout these uncertain times, our expert housekeepers at Broomstick Cleaning are doing everything possible to keep both clients and employees safe and healthy by strictly adhering to CDC guidelines.
With our customized plans, you also have the liberty to select the frequency of your regularly scheduled housekeeping package, such as:
- Weekly
- Two-Week Rotation
- Three-Week Rotation
- Four-Week Rotation
When looking for house cleaning services in Richmond Beach, WA, you and your family can trust our team’s workmanship and efficiency. Locally owned and operated for more than 28 years, Broomstick Cleaning thrives on “Custom housekeeping with integrity and a smile.”
Our materials and equipment are state-of-the-art and proven effective through thousands of housekeeping services. Perfect for homes with pets, all our housekeepers are vetted for their love of animals and effectively use housekeeping materials that are pet friendly.
Our best, long-term client relationships always begin with an in-home consultation when we take extensive notes on each area of your home and provide a firm quote for the service you require.
For housekeeping services that will leave you spellbound, contact us today and request a free estimate!
