Regular cleaning is an essential part of keeping your home healthy. This includes preventing and eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can be harmful if left unchecked. A study says, Americans spend about 40 minutes a day cleaning their houses. Most of them admit that they would rather use this time for more enjoyable activities. 

We’ve gathered some cleaning tips that will hopefully help you not only add sparkle and shine to your house but also save you time. 

Tip #1 Clean your humidifier 

The water that makes your humidifier run smoothly is also a prime place for growing mold and microbes, and it could pump out bacteria along with mist or steam. That’s why you should turn off your humidifier and get it cleaned at least once a week. If you or anyone in your family has respiratory problems, you can do it more often. 

To clean a humidifier, pour one or two cups of undiluted white vinegar (or a mix of white vinegar and water)  into the water tank and swish it around to completely wet the tank. Leave it in the reservoir for 15-20 minutes, then empty it and use a small brush to scrub crevices. Do not wash the wick filter as it may damage the paper-like material and remove an antimicrobial covering. You’re better off replacing this filter with a new one. 

Tip #2 Clean your dishwasher

In theory, your dishwasher is supposed to clean itself, but sadly, it doesn’t. Over time, excess food, grime, and grease build up on the dishwasher’s filter and walls. Along with an unpleasant odor and messy look, it can leave spots on your flatware, dinnerware, and glassware. Plus, if you let the gunk build up, it may seriously damage the dishwasher’s filter, ultimately resulting in costly repairs. 

So, introduce the habit of cleaning any leftover food after each dishwashing cycle. To eliminate pesky spots on future loads, remove and rinse the filter under hot running water every week. Scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame with a soft toothbrush to remove any grease. If you don’t know for sure where your machine’s filter is located, check the dishwasher’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details.

Tip #3 Revive cloudy glasses

If your dishwasher leaves spots, soak your cups for five minutes in white vinegar. If these stubborn stains still persist, rub them off with baking soda and dry them with a lint-free towel or a microfiber cloth. 

Tip #4 Descale your coffee maker

Like all coffee makers, Keurigs can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria if not cleaned properly and regularly. Ideally, you should wash the removable parts of your coffee machine on a weekly basis. To keep your coffee fresh, replace the water filter cartridge every other month. To remove hard water minerals that can build up over time, descale your coffee maker every three to six months.

Removable parts of the coffee machine can be simply washed with warm soapy water. To remove caked-on minerals, you can fill the reservoir with a mixture that’s half vinegar and half water, leave it for 30 minutes and let it air dry.  

Tip #5 Remove coffee stains from mugs

Peek into the family’s cupboards and you’ll be able to tell if they drink coffee — the mugs with the stubborn brown stains can prove it. To clean away old coffee spots without using harsh chemicals, you’ll just need baking soda. Sprinkle it into a stained cup, add warm water and scrub. Then wash the mug the way you usually would. The gentle abrasion of the baking soda will help you get rid of coffee spots in minutes. 

Tip #6 Refresh carpets and rugs

Regular wear and tear, children, and pets can shorten the lifespan of your rug drastically. Unlike tile and hardwood floors, carpets absorb stinks like no other household item, especially after countless food and beverage spills and pet messes. 

When it comes to carpet stains, baking soda and vinegar are a budget-friendly, but efficient way to get rid of them. To soak up the stain, pour a little vinegar, then sprinkle some baking soda on top. Leave it in place for a couple of hours, covering it to prevent anyone from stepping on it or kicking it, then vacuum the carpet. If this eco-friendly approach doesn’t help, try harsher chemicals to clean your rugs and carpets. 

Tip #7 Clean your couch

After all those movie marathons, your couch may quickly become the catch-all spot for food crumbs,  occasional wine spills, and chips kernels. For fabrics that can easily be cleaned, treat the stains with enzymatic cleaners, as those cleaning products have enzymes in their formulas to help break down stains. If you don’t have one, mix together mild soap with warm water and try to clean it this way. Remember to always test any cleaner in a hidden area first  to see how it works for a certain material. Vacuuming and wiping down your sofa will help you tackle dirt, pet hair, and crumbs. 

Tip #8 Fight pet stink

Although pet parents are absolutely in love with their pet kids, most of them are familiar with the challenge of dealing with pet odors around the house. To eliminate pet stink, it’s important to wash all of the items that your furry one uses on a daily basis. This includes bed covers, furniture cushion covers, pet blankets, and sheets. 

Even if you have a pet that’s house trained, it’s always a good idea to have a cleaner on hand, just in case there’s an accident. When tackling urine odors, you can try an enzymatic neutralizer to treat spots and completely eliminate the odor. Citrus and hydrogen peroxide are two other eco-friendly bases for pet cleaners. The citrus works as a natural enzymatic cleaner, while the hydrogen peroxide is a great neutralizer.

Author: ESA Care team The description can be: ESA Care is a telemedicine service company that gives people the option to speak with a licensed mental health professional