The key to a clean house?
Sticking to a home maintenance plan.
The key to a clean home is sticking to a regularhome maintenanceschedule.
Credit: David Tsay
A monthly cleaning checklist can help you stay on top of chores and spare you from hours-long cleaning marathons.
Block out time once a month for these cleaning tasks to keep your home looking its best.
Give your vent hood and cabinets the white-glove test each month to check for hard-to-see grime.
Credit:BHG / Mira Norian
Then,clean the cabinetsas needed with a non-scratch scrub sponge and a grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn.
Give sofas and chairs a once-over using the upholstery brush.
Switch to the crevice tool to get the between-the-cushions crumbs.
Credit: Michael Partenio Productions
If your windows are only slightly dirty, use only clear water.
For especially dirty windows, use a commercial glass spray.
Rub away streaks with crumpled newspapers.
Use a commercial glass cleaner and soft, lint-free rags.
Use a classic ostrich feather duster to remove dust from delicate mirror surfaces and frames.
This makes it convenient to replace the bag the next time you take the trash out.
Credit: John Gruen
Toquickly clean blinds, put on a pair of rubber gloves and top those with cotton gloves.
Mix 1 teaspoon of ammonia to 1 quart of water.
Then, dip your hands into the solution.
Credit: Lisa Romerein Photography
Run your fingers along the top and your thumb underneath each slot to clear off dust.
Must-Know Dusting Tricks
Dust more effectively, and you’ll have to do it less often.
Keep dust under controlbetween cleaning dayswith these three must-know cleaning tricks.
Here’s how to get more out of your monthly dusting routine.
Monthly Cleaning List: Stove
Toclean your cooktop, first, wait until your stove is cool.
Remove drip pans and soak them in warm, soapy water.
Credit: Lisa Romerein Photography
Spray the surface with an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar-and-water solution and wipe with a sponge or clean cloth.
Then, wipe the excess with a paper towel.
Spot-treat oven spillswith a gentle abrasive cleanser like Bon Ami.
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Use a baking soda paste and wipe with a damp sponge for tough spots.
Dry the surface with a towel and replace drip pans.
Wash the shelves in your sink with warm water and a mild soap or detergent.
Rinse and dry shelves before replacing them inside the fridge.
Then, wash the door seals with water and amild detergent.
Determinewhich filterworks with your furnace and air-conditioner system and inspect it for contaminants every 30 days.
Change or clean the filter every 30 to 60 days to optimize its heating and cooling efficiency.
