Allowing dust, lint, and grime to build up can cause some seriously nasty issues.
Add these tasks to your cleaning routine to keep your home running smoothly.
Work these cleaning tasks into yourseasonal home checklistto keep your home humming.
Credit: David Tsay
Here are six of the most important areas to clean regularly to ward off emergencies.
(There goes your ice cream budget.)
Note that some refrigerators requirespecial DIY cleaning techniques; others should be maintained by a professional.
Credit: Reed Davis
Refer to the owner’s manual before you begin.
When to Clean
Complete this task twice a year; more often if you have pets.
What to Do
Unplug the fridge orturn off the power, then find the coils.
Credit: Brie Williams
Built-in models often have them at the top of the fridge.
If it’s not built-in, pull the fridge away from the wall.
Transferring food to a cooler lightens the load and gives you the chance toclean and organize inside.
Dishwasher Filter
Stinky dishwasher got you down?
It might have a manual-cleanfilter that needs a good scrub.
Complete this task once a month.
Look under the bottom rack for the filter.
(Some have two removable parts: a cylinder and a flat mesh screen.
Check your owner’s manual for specifics.)
Twist to remove it, then scrub it under hot water using an old toothbrush.
For greasy grime, handwash with dish soap.
Dryer Duct
Of course you clean the lint trap before drying every load of laundry.
Complete this task at least once a year.
Pull the dryer away from the wall and unplug it.
If it’s a gas model, shut off the gas.
Brush and vacuum the vent outdoors, too.
Washing Machine Filter
Does your washing machine have a lint filter or a drain pump filter?
You’ll find the answer in the owner’s manual.
(If the filter is self-cleaning, you’re off the hook for this task.)
On a top-loading machine, the lint filter will likely be inside the drum or on the back.
Most lint filters can be removed and rinsed under hot water.
A front-loader’s drain pump filter and hose are typically on the front.
(Look for a little door.)
Then slowly unscrew the drain pump filter (water might flow or dribble out) and pull it out.
You’ll probably find some slimy stuff; you might find loose items from pockets.
Dump out the filter and wash it with water and a toothbrush.
Shower Drain
You probably don’t think aboutcleaning your shower drainuntil you’re standing in water after every shower.
If your only problem is standing water, a hair clog is the most likely cause.
Complete this task twice a year.
Turn on the bathroom ventilation fan; it could get stinky.
Remove the drain cover.
Pull out the hair and gunk you could reach with your gloved fingers.
Clogs can cause ice dams that damage your gutters and roof.
Worse, when ice melts and doesn’t drain, it finds a way indoors.
If debris and clogs are minor, tryclearing out the gutters from the ground.
If they’ve been left too long, you’ll probably need to get out the ladder.
Complete this task at least twice a year.
Put on work gloves and set up a ladder.
Scoop out the leaves, twigs, and other junk with your hands and a trowel.
Drop them in a bucket attached to the ladder or onto a drop cloth on the ground below.
Check for downspout clogs.
Starting at the end farthest from the downspout, flush the gutter using a hose with a sprayer nozzle.
