Deep House Cleaning: 6 Things You Probably Forgot About
Vacuuming, dusting, and mopping are great ways to keep your home looking its best, but deep house cleaning goes beyond the basics. Have you thought about those often-overlooked tasks that help maintain your home’s efficiency and cleanliness? From cleaning your dishwasher filter to checking your sump pump, these six deep house cleaning tasks will keep your home in tip-top shape.
1. Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
Did you know your dishwasher has a filter? Most models recommend cleaning it monthly to maintain wash performance and prevent dishes from feeling gritty. If you notice your dishwasher isn’t cleaning as effectively, it’s time for a deep clean.
The filter is typically located at the bottom of your dishwasher and is easy to remove by twisting and pulling it out. Refer to your owner’s manual for specifics. To finish the job, run a dishwasher cleaner like Active or Affresh through an empty cycle to remove limescale and mineral buildup.
2. Deep Clean Your Washer
Your washing machine deserves a monthly deep cleaning to stay fresh and functional. For front-load washers, clean the detergent tray and the filter if your model has one. Top-load washers may also have filters that need attention. Run a tub clean cycle with a product like Active or Affresh to eliminate residue and odors.
For a detailed step-by-step, check out our guide: 5 Things To Clean On Your Front-Load Washer.
3. Deep Clean Your Dryer
The dryer needs attention, too! Always clean the lint filter after every use, but don’t stop there. Once a month, use a dryer lint vacuum attachment to clean out lint buildup in the dryer exhaust hose. This will not only improve your dryer’s performance but also reduce the risk of a fire hazard.
4. Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can harbor bacteria and mold, making monthly cleaning essential. You can use a cleaner like Active, or Affresh or make your own. Here’s how:
- Dump ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal.
- Pour in 1 cup of distilled white vinegar.
- Follow with warm water.
- Add a few ice cubes and run the disposal until the ice is gone.
For more natural cleaning tips, see 10 Things You Can Clean With Baking Soda & Vinegar.
5. Check Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump is a hardworking system that protects your home’s foundation from water damage. Test it monthly to ensure it’s functioning properly. Slowly pour a 5-gallon bucket of water into the pump well until it activates. Watch to ensure it empties water as expected.
6. Clean Out Your Faucet Aerators
While not needed monthly, cleaning faucet aerators every six months helps maintain good water flow. Unscrew the aerator counterclockwise, dump out any sediment, and soak it in a mixture of vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes. Some kitchen faucets with sprayer combos may require an aerator key for removal.
Bonus: Vacuum Your Fridge Coils
Another often overlooked item, this deep house cleaning task is vital for your refrigerator’s efficiency. Clean the condenser coils at least every six months to remove dust and debris that could cause overheating. Locate the coils at the back or bottom of your fridge, and use a vacuum hose attachment to clean them thoroughly.
Incorporating these deep house cleaning tasks into your routine will help keep your home running smoothly and extend the life of your appliances. For a complete list of home maintenance and cleaning, grab your free copy of The Complete Home Maintenance Checklist.
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