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Part of the responsibility of owning a home is keeping it clean and well-maintained, which can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Weekly cleaning often involves addressing multiple rooms and various areas within each room, but there may be some tasks that you’re actually doing too frequently. Experts suggest that there are certain areas around the home that may not require as much cleaning attention. Here are eight such areas to consider first.
Meet the Experts:
– Alicia Sokolowski, President and CEO of AspenClean
– Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid
Wooden Furniture:
Wooden furniture is a valuable asset in your home, and it’s understandable that you want to preserve its beauty. However, both experts caution against excessive cleaning of wooden pieces, as it can harm the material. Alicia Sokolowski explains, “Wood is a natural material that needs gentle care to maintain its optimal condition. Cleaning too frequently, especially with water or strong chemicals, can deplete the wood’s natural oils, leading to dryness. Regular use of polish or wax can also create a dull buildup instead of enhancing the wood’s appearance.” For proper maintenance, Sokolowski recommends dusting with a microfiber cloth weekly to prevent scratches, using water or liquid cleaners sparingly as needed, and polishing with a wood-specific product two to three times a year.
Windows:
While some people clean their windows weekly for better light and appearance, Marla Mock suggests that a thorough cleaning every 3-6 months is usually sufficient unless they are exposed to heavy dirt or extreme weather conditions. Overcleaning windows can result in streaks, scratches, and potential damage to coatings, especially on treated or tinted glass. Sokolowski adds that aggressive cleaning methods over time can erode protective coatings or tint films, potentially causing moisture-related issues around window seals. Instead of weekly cleaning, she advises following the 3-6 month rule but checking periodically to adjust if necessary.
Hardwood Floors:
Regardless of whether you have real hardwood or a laminate/vinyl alternative, Sokolowski recommends reducing the frequency of cleaning to preserve the quality of your floors. Excessive cleaning, particularly with water or harsh chemicals, can harm hardwood floors by causing swelling or stripping the finish. She suggests sweeping or vacuuming weekly to remove dust and dirt particles, and mopping with a damp (not wet) mop every 1-2 months using a wood-safe cleaner. She strongly advises against steam cleaning hardwood floors to prevent structural damage over time.
Walls & Baseboards:
Whether you have pets or children at home, walls and baseboards can easily accumulate marks and dust.
To prevent a less-than-shiny white trim over time, Mock recommends limiting deep cleaning to once a month to every few months instead of cleaning too often, which can damage the paint or scratch the trim. “In high traffic areas, baseboards should be cleaned monthly, while less frequented areas only need dusting every 2-3 months,” she advises.
When it comes to washing dishes, Mock suggests skipping the pre-rinse cycle before putting dishes in the dishwasher, as modern dishwashers can handle dirty dishes without it, except for dried-on food. As for ceiling fans, cleaning them monthly is typically sufficient, unless you’re in a particularly dusty environment.
For the microwave, covering food to minimize splatters reduces the need for frequent cleaning, with a deep clean recommended every 1-3 months. Similarly, maintaining an organized and tidy refrigerator can reduce the need for deep cleaning to once a month. Proper storage of produce and timely disposal of items can help keep the fridge clean.
In the pantry, a seasonal wipe-down and reorganization is usually enough to maintain cleanliness, as frequent deep cleaning is not necessary.
