6 Things To Clean and Check Monthly

Vacuuming, dusting, and mopping are great to do often to keep your home looking it’s best. But what about all those other things you should be doing? Like cleaning your dishwasher filter, or checking to make sure your sump pump is working. This list of 6 things to clean and check monthly are important to maintain your home.

Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

I bet you didn’t even know your dishwasher had a filter. Most models will suggest you clean the filter at least once monthly, or sooner depending on usage. Especially clean it if you notice a decrease in wash performance or if dishes feel gritty. Your filter will be inside on the bottom and is easy to twist and pull out. Consult your owner’s manual to find exactly where yours is.

It’s also a good idea to run a cleaner like Affresh through an empty cycle to remove limescale and mineral buildup.

Clean Your Washer & Dryer

The washer needs a deep clean at least monthly. Most front load models will have a filter to clean as well as the detergent tray. Some top load models will have a filter too. In addition to this, run a tub clean cycle. A product like Affresh is great to drop in during this cycle to help remove odor causing residues and grime. Check out 5 Things To Clean On Your Front Load Washer for a complete rundown.

For the dryer, be sure to clean the lint filter out after every use. Each month, grab a dryer lint vacuum attachment and clean out the lint that has built up in your dryer exhaust hose.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can be a breading ground for harmful bacteria and mold. Thus it’s a good idea to give it a good cleaning at least once per month. Grab a cleaner like Affresh, or you can make your own. Take 1/2 cup of baking soda and dump it in the garbage disposal. Next pour in 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Follow that with warm water. Finally, run some cold water and add a few ice cubes, then run the disposal until all the ice is gone.

For more things you can clean in your home using natural products, check out 10 Things You Can Clean With Baking Soda & Vinegar.

Check Your Sump Pump

Keep your sump pump functioning properly so it works when it’s needed. This is one of the hardest working systems in your home to keep your foundation dry. At least once a month, take a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with water. Then slowly pour the water in to your pump well until the pump kicks on. Watch to make sure the water gets emptied as it should.

Clean Out Your Faucet Aerator

Not necessary to do monthly, but at least every 6 months it’s a good idea to check your faucet aerators. Lead particles and sediment can build up in there and clog your faucet causing poor water flow. Most aerators simply unscrew counterclockwise from the faucet. Some pulldown kitchen/sprayer combo faucets may need an “aerator key” to remove it. Dump out any sediment and then soak the aerator in equal parts vinegar and warm water for about 30 minutes.

Vacuum Your Fridge Coils

Again, not something that you have to do monthly. Regular maintenance of your refrigerator includes cleaning the condenser coils at least every 6 months. These coils push the heat out of your fridge. It’s important that you clean the dust and debris that can collect there. You’ll likely find them on the bottom at the back of your fridge. Use a vacuum hose attachment to clean them.

Add these 6 things to clean and check monthly to your regular cleaning routine. They will help keep your home running at peak performance.

For a complete list of home maintenance and cleaning, grab your free copy of The Complete Home Maintenance Checklist.