10 Things We Only Need to Clean Once a Year!

Having a home requires a lot of upkeep like cleaning and doing housework. Fortunately, there are some things you only need to clean once a year.

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Housework is a chore that most people would rather not do, but unfortunately, it is necessary to do if you want to live in a clean and comfortable environment. Thankfully, not everything in your house needs to be cleaned every week, or even worse, every day. There are certain things that require being cleaned only once a year.

Here is a list of things in your home that you do not need to clean every week.

1. Cleaning your windows (the glass outside your house)

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This chore is basically the same as when you do it for the inside glass. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Clean House Laboratory at the Good Housekeeping Institute, suggests that you call a pro for help. Otherwise, use a brush (or pocket vacuum cleaner) to remove any dirt around the frame, then use a spray cleaner and a lint-free cloth to wipe horizontally until your window is dry.

2. Wash your curtains

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During a year, they collect a lot of dust. To wash them, you can put it them in your washing machine or take them to the cleaner.

3. A deep cleaning of your dryer

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To make sure that this appliance works at its best, Forte says you first need to pull out and unplug the duct. “Pass the vacuum in between and under the dryer as much as you can and in each end of the duct from inside and outside the house,” she said.

4. Vacuum your chimney

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Once the winter is over, use a vacuum to remove the ashes, then use damp paper towels to wipe off the rest. As for the fireplace, Forte says you’ll need help: “Although you can vacuum the fireplace and clean the dirt around, the chimney must be cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.”

5. Clean your upholstered furniture with the help of a professional

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Forte recommends calling a professional for an annual cleaning: “It’s best to call a professional for this because it’s not easy for a homeowner to do it themselves,” she says.

6. Organize and clean your garage

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It is usually in this space that you store or hide all sorts of items that are not very often used since there is no other place to put them, so Forte recommends taking some time each year to re-evaluate what you need and what you no longer need.

7. Vacuum inside your ventilation hatches

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Forte recommends using the soft brush (one with bristles) on your vacuum cleaner to clean your ventilation and heating vents.

8. Clean your outdoor furniture

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The best time to tackle this is in the Spring when you set up your patio for the warm months ahead. To do this, put a bit of detergent in a bowl with warm water, then wipe the tables and chairs. Finish by rinsing them.

9. Deeply clean your carpet

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According to Forte: “Owners can clean their carpet themselves, but it’s a good idea to ask a professional to do it every 12 to 18 months with a unit mounted on a truck,” she says.

10. Clear your gutters

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If your gutters are clogged with leaves, they will not be able to drain water. After all, they are designed to do that. Do it yourself or hire someone to do this difficult task.


Source:

Good Housekeeping