According to the National Fire Protection Agency, over 2,900 house fires a year are caused by dirty dryers. Knowing how to maintain your dryer, it’s ducts, and filter screens can help you prevent unwanted fires and keep your dryer working great for years.

Learning to regularly inspect and clean your refrigerators and freezers can help extend their overall lifespan. Pet hair can quickly cover the condenser coils making your appliance work harder and costing you an average of $7 more a month on your energy bill.

Many homeowners go through several different vacuums over the years. Learning how to clean your vacuum can increase it’s lifespan and prevent the cost of prematurely buying a new one.

Every home has standard household supplies that can be used for cleaning. Check out HomeManager’s Tips for Smart Homeowners for simple recipes for making environmentally friendly supplies.

NFPA states, chimney fires are responsible for 32% of all heating fires in the US. This also means that a quarter of property damages are a result of chimney fires. Most chimney fires are caused by an excess buildup of creosote that frequently ignites when a homeowner uses the equipment, so regular maintenance is essential. (NFPA NO.USS09, 2018) Continue reading to see why you should schedule a chimney cleaning during warmer months!

This is a Safety Task!

Creosote buildup will cause a chimney fire, one of the leading causes of house fires. According to NFPA researchers, 5% of all reported home fires between 2012-2016 were confirmed chimney or flue fires. The main issue being creosote buildup. NFPA No.USS09 (2018) Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury around the home. Homeowners should carefully consider the dangers of getting on a ladder before climbing up on the roof or ladder to do this task.

Tasks can be done by: Proper tools and appropriate safety precautions can be done by the homeowner, chimney cleaner, or handyman. It is recommended that you call a chimney sweep or cleaning service!

Schedule a Chimney Cleaning During Warmer Months | Task Steps

Step 1 – Inspect your chimney

• Most chimneys can be inspected by looking up the fireplace opening with a flashlight to see any black soot or creosote buildup. Sometimes you may see brownish, yellowish, or orange-looking streaks running down the chimney or metal flues. This is usually creosote buildup.  It is a good idea to put a tarp down on the fireplace floor to protect from getting soot or creosote in the rest of your home.
• The goal is to clean out any excess creosote buildup that needs to be cleaned out to prevent a chimney fire. HomeManager does not recommend homeowners attempt to clean out their chimneys on their own. This job can be done 2 ways, from the roof or the fireplace/woodstove. This is one task you should hire out to a professional because it requires climbing onto the roof and using specialized tools, which can get messy. Homeowners should carefully consider the ladder and roof risks before attempting DIY. Again, consider hiring a professional.
  • Tool List: Flashlight

Step 2 – Schedule a professional chimney sweep

• People use many different DIY methods to clean out their chimney, but HomeManager does not recommend that homeowners do this task independently. Instead, find a reputable professional to clean out the soot buildup.
• It’s a good idea to schedule your chimney cleaning ahead of the crowd. Scheduling during the spring or summer will allow for more flexibility & guarantee that you’re all set for the colder months ahead!
  • Tool List: Flashlight

Step 3 – Clean reachable areas

•  You can still clean the reachable areas of your fireplace or woodstove.  Some systems allow you to clean from below. This can be dirtier but a lot safer. Be sure to wear your face mask and safety glasses.
• It would help if you lay out a tarp to protect the flooring in front of the fireplace.
• If you want to clean smoke off brick, stone, or steel, mix one cup of white vinegar & ½ cup of warm water to clean any problem areas.
• After scraping and brushing the walls off, take everything out of your fireplace to sweep or vacuum out any loose dirt/soot.
  • Tool List: (face mask & safety glasses ?), tarp, vacuum/broom
  • Supply List & Costs: white vinegar

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Clean Air Supply and Return Registers!

Doing this task can extend the lifespan of your mattresses and cushions and make them overall more comfortable sitting in because your favorite spot will wear down after long periods of use.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

Over time, mattresses & furniture cushions wear out, especially creating indents where your favorite spot is. Flipping & rotating them can help them to stay comfortable.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner or cleaning service

Make Your Mattresses and Cushions Last Longer | Task Steps

Step 1 – Inspect mattresses and cushions

• Go around your house and inspect all the mattresses and furniture with cushions. You’re going to want to look for heavy indents within the material or cushions that aren’t as comfy as they used to be.
• Look to see if the cushions are reversible (able to be flipped) or able to be rotated.

Step 2 – Maintain everything

• Flip over reversible cushions.
• If you aren’t able to flip over your cushions because they aren’t reversible, you can at least rotate them, so you aren’t sitting on the same spot repeatedly.
• Rotate and flip mattresses every six months to keep them lasting longer.

Whether they are cushions on your bar stools, couch cushions, and especially your favorite chair! You will definitely see a comfortability change in your seats or bed after flipping or rotating them. This can also be a great idea for improving your guest room!

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Clean Your Windows and Window Screens!

Spring is a great time to start cleaning your windows and washing window screens. Windows that don’t operate properly can be a safety hazard for families in the case of intruders, so it’s vital that they open, close, and lock efficiently. Window screens with rips and tears aren’t doing their jobs because they eventually let dirt and insects inside during warmer months when windows are open.

This is a Safety Task!

If dirt and dust get into the locks, they may not function properly, preventing you from keeping intruders out or opening them in an emergency.

This is a Health Task!

All windows and screens require a good cleaning. Screens can collect grime, dirt, and dust, which can cause illness or allergies within the home. In addition, if screens are torn and windows are open, unwanted bugs can enter the house.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

If windows that need glazing are not glazed and sealed, they may eventually have to be replaced, which is expensive. If they are not properly cleaned, dust and dirt can get into the sliders, window frames, operating mechanisms, or locks resulting in restricted use of the windows.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, window cleaning company, handyman

How To Clean Your Windows and Window Screens | Task Steps

Step 1 – Inspect windows and screens

• Inspect your house for damaged screens and broken windows. Some windows will lose their seal and look dirty, but the cloudy area is between the glass. The only way to fix that is to get a replacement glass or order a new window.
• If you have old wooden windows, sometimes the glazing will fall out, which can cause the glass to break or fall out. However, if the glass is still good, you may be able to reglaze it and save on the cost of new windows. (Glazing is a caulk for windows. It weatherproofs and seals vulnerable areas but can deteriorate over time and should be replaced.)
• If the windows need painting, make a note of this.
  • Tool List: ladder – step ladder

Step 2 – Cleaning window screens

• If you’re cleaning multiple screens, you should label each screen, so putting them back isn’t difficult.
• First, remove the screen from the window. (If you notice big rips and tears within the screen, it would be a good time to replace them).
• Next, mix one cup of household ammonia with one tablespoon of dish detergent in approximately three cups of water, then pour it into a spray bottle.
• After removing the screens, determine where the best place is to wash them. Depending on the weather, you can do this outside on the porch or deck. Otherwise, use your bathtub and run them under warm water one at a time.
• Spray the screen with the solution you made, making sure to cover the entire screen with the solution.
• Now use a scrub brush to remove any grime or dirt gently.
• After scrubbing, run the screens under warm water to remove any excess residue.
• Lastly, gently shake the screen free of water and allow it to air-dry.
  • Tool List: spray bottle, brush – flexible, hose – garden
  • Supply List & Costs: dish soap, ammonia – household  $0

Step 3 – Clean windows

• While your window screens are air-drying, grab your preferred window cleaning solution and clean the windows inside and outside.
• At this point, if you noticed that the glazing around your windows is peeling away, you can attempt to fix this if you feel comfortable enough. You can pick up some glazing putty at your local hardware store, but if you don’t feel comfortable fixing it yourself, you can call a professional.
• If you made a note earlier about needing to repaint windows, this would also be the step to get that done the way you prefer.
• Once your screens are thoroughly dried, reinstall them in their appropriate spots.
  • Tool List: ladder – stepladder,
  • Supply List & Costs: cleaning solution – window

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Clean Your Oven!

Most curtains and drapes can go ages without proper cleaning, resulting in dust and dirt building up on the fabrics. Usually, seeing that curtains and drapes are the barriers between an open window and our home, ensuring they get cleaned annually can lessen the risk of unnecessary allergens within the home.

This is a Health Task!

In other words, dust and dirt buildup can cause allergies.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, handyman

How To Clean Curtains and Drapes | Task Steps

Step 1 – Check the tags on curtains and drapes

• First, you will want to go around your home and remove all the drapes and curtains you want to clean.
• The most important thing for this task is to check to see if the manufacturer recommends steaming, washing machine, or dry cleaning. Ignoring this can cause damage to your curtains or drapes.
• Some products only recommend vacuuming softly.
  • Tool List: ladder – stepladder, vacuum cleaner, laundry basket

Step 2 – Clean the curtains and drapes

– If the care tag says dry cleaning:

• Does the care tag say dry cleaning? Take the appropriate curtains/drapes to the dry cleaners to ensure they are cleaned correctly.

– If the care tag says steaming:

• Does the care tag say steaming? Make sure your steamer has an upholstery attachment, then follow the instructions on your steam cleaner.
  • Tool List: steam cleaner

– If the care tag says you can use a washing machine:

• Does the care tag say you can use a washing machine? Take the curtains outside and shake them to eliminate as much dust as possible.
• Put them in the washing machine using cold water and a little bit of gentle laundry detergent.
• Lace curtains should be washed in a mesh bag if hand washing is not specified.
• Only clean one or two panels in your washing machine at a time, depending on the thickness of your curtain fabric.
• Hang curtains to dry (outside if possible).
• Lastly, iron your drapes using the appropriate fabric setting before hanging them back up.
  • Tool List: laundry basket, iron

Step 3 – Clean the curtains and drapes

• Next, Once everything is clean, you should hang them back up, regardless of what methods you needed to go through to clean your curtains and drapes.
  • Tool List: ladder – stepladder

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Properly Inspect Your Basement!

It’s always a great idea to get a head start on spring cleaning! Getting rid of excess dirt and dust-coving unused objects can help eliminate potential allergens hidden within your home. A clean, decluttered home can also boost your overall mood. This is how to properly clean household items and declutter!

This is a Health Task!

Getting rid of the dust in your home is a great way to keep you & your family healthy. It also aids with allergies.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, handyman

How To Properly Clean Household Items and Declutter | Task Steps

Step 1 – Decluttering

• Walk around the house and try to declutter all items you don’t need out in the open anymore. Use plastic storage bins to help with the declutter process and label while putting in storage.
• You can wipe objects down as you go with a damp cloth. Then you can place them in places you feel fit.
• If you come across items you don’t want to own anymore, and then you can always take them to a nonprofit or a thrift store.
• Anything that can cause a trip hazard or fire hazard should be moved to a more appropriate location.
• Also, walk around areas that you need to get to in an emergency, e.g., gas shutoff, electric shutoff, water shutoff, or fire extinguishers, and make sure you have no clutter blocking the way.
  • Supply List & Costs: cleaning cloth – damp/wet

Step 2 – Cleaning up

• Walk around the house and wipe your finger on furniture, cabinets, doors, light fixtures, and the floor. If you see a heavy presence of dirt or grime that comes off onto your finger, then you know it’s a good time for dusting.
• There are arguments on which is the best way to dust. You can either use a duster or use a damp cloth. Using a wet cloth to clean will reduce the number of particles floating around and settling back on surfaces after everything is dusted. Make sure you keep cleaning in the bucket of water.
• Either way, work down from the highest part of the room to the lowest. You determine which method serves you better.
• Once dusting is complete, use a vacuum to suck up the dust that migrated to the carpet. Don’t forget to also vacuum the furniture.
• After vacuuming, use a reliable glass cleaner on all your windows and glass doors.
• Finally, give your floors a good damp mopping to pick up the dust that settled onto the floors. You can vacuum instead of mopping if you see fit. Start from the end of the room and mop/vacuum towards the doorway.
• Now would be a good time to use a polish on wood furniture if you want.
  • Tool List: Duster, vacuum cleaner, mop, bucket – medium
  • Supply List & Costs: cleaning cloth – damp/wet, cleaning solution – glass, dish soap, polish – wood

Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your outdoor A/c Unit in tip-top shape! Now you know how to clean your outside air conditioner unit!

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Taking the proper care of your central A/C unit can ensure the likelihood of efficient airflow within your home. This is how to clean your outside air conditioner unit.

This is a Health Task!

A clean A/C unit will ensure that the air quality in your home is healthy and will prevent a lot of allergic reactions.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

Consistent A/C maintenance will prolong the unit’s lifespan. When filters are not cleaned regularly, more stress is put on fans, motors, and pumps, which may cause expensive failures.

This is an Energy Efficiency Task!

If the fins on your unit get too dirty or your central air filters aren’t clean, the unit will use more power, increasing your energy costs. A level unit will also prevent water damage and allow your unit to run more efficiently.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, Handyman, HVAC professional

How To Clean Your Outside Air Conditioner Unit | Task Steps

Step 1 – Getting Prepared

• Turn on the system and determine how good the airflow is coming through the ducts.
• Put your hand in front to feel the air or hold a tissue in front and see if it moves away from the air ducts as the air blows out.
• For outside unit maintenance, make sure to turn off the power to the A/C unit. This is usually located in a box near the unit, or it can be a separate switch located in your circuit breaker.
• Inspect any foliage near the unit; it may need to be cut back or removed so it doesn’t affect the airflow in and out of the unit. Clean up any trash or leaves that are around the unit.
• Set a level on top of the A/C unit and inspect to see if it’s level. It needs to slope slightly away from the house. Then water will drain away.
  • Tool List: Level – torpedo

Step 2 – Taking the cover off & cleaning the inside

• Again, make sure that the power to the unit is turned off completely.
• Remove the top of the unit. Put any screws or small bolts you remove in a safe place, so you don’t lose them. Once the top of the unit is removed, you should see that the fan is attached to the top. Clean the inside and outside of the cover.
• Next, clean the bottom of the unit. Make sure there are no critters as you start to clean everything. *If you do run into unwanted creatures making a home in your A/C unit, it would be a good idea to call a professional to deal with the issue*  Usually, you’ll only find dust and grass clippings. If everything looks all clear, then vacuum out the bottom of the unit until it looks clean.
  • Tool List: screwdriver, wrench – adjustable, vacuum cleaner

Step 3 – Cleaning A/C fins

• The A/C unit sides consist of “fins,” which allow airflow. Using the vacuum with a brush attachment, gently vacuum the fins. Be careful not to bend the fins.
• Once the fins are thoroughly cleaned to your liking, reattach the top to the unit and bolt it back into place.
• Finally, spray soapy water onto the outside of the fins. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse off the fins with the garden hose. Make sure the water pressure is low because this, too, could bend the fins. A quick rinse should do the trick.
  • Tool List: vacuum cleaner, screwdriver, wrench – adjustable, hose, garden, spray bottle
  • Supply List & Costs: dish soap

Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your outdoor A/c Unit in tip-top shape! Now you know how to clean your outside air conditioner unit!

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Properly Inspect Your Crawl Space!

It’s beginning to warm up, which is also the time when homeowners lug out their portable A/C units that have been in storage during the colder months. Starting the summer off with a clean unit can guarantee better efficiency & healthier air distribution. This is how to clean your portable air conditioner unit!

This is a Health Task!

Going long periods without properly cleaning air conditioning units can negatively impact you and your family’s health. Anywhere that can have excess moisture can be a place for mold to form and thrive. Unmaintained units can spread mold, dust, and dirt throughout your home for you and your family to breathe in. This can lead to getting sick easier and other complications.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

Not only does proper maintenance improve the life of a portable air conditioner, but it also improves the unit’s overall efficiency. Without proper care of your air conditioner, you run the risk of having to spend the money to replace it prematurely.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, Handyman, or Cleaning Company

How To Clean Your Portable Air Conditioner Unit | Task Steps

Step 1 – Getting Prepared

• The first thing you will want to do is locate an owner’s manual that goes along with your specific type of A/C unit.
• You’re then going to want to unplug the system while you’re working on it completely.
• To properly clean, you will need access to the internal water reservoir, the filter, and the air intake vents on the system. Some units require taking the cover off to get a good look at what areas need to be cleaned, so it’s essential to figure out if this step applies to you. If this step does apply, then now would also be the time to remove the housing from your unit and set it nearby.

Step 2 – Cleaning the unit

• First, you need to unplug the units and completely empty the internal water reservoir (if your unit has one).
• After fully emptying the internal water reservoir, plug it in and turn to fan mode, which will help it dry faster.
• (Remember to notice which way the filter fits in the unit for when you need to put it back).
• Next, remove the filter from the frame and remove loose dirt and dust particles. Tap on the filter lightly with your hands or on the side of a garbage can to discard all the particles.
• Additionally, if your unit has a reusable fiber filter, thoroughly rinse the filter or immerse the filter in warm water with a mild cleaning detergent.
• After the filters are clean, use a vacuum on the air intake vents to remove any remaining dust particles.
  • Tool List: vacuum cleaner, vacuum – attachments, bucket – medium, brush – non-abrasive
  • Supply List & Costs: dish soap, cleaning cloth – damp/wet

Step 3 – Finishing up & testing

• You can refill the internal water reservoir and place it back in place (if your unit has one).
• Once the filter is dry, place it back in the unit facing the appropriate direction.
• If you needed to remove the air conditioner’s shell/housing, quickly wipe it down before placing it back onto the unit.
• At this point, you should plug the unit again and have it run for a few minutes to make sure everything is working as it should.
• If there seems to be an issue with your portable A/C unit after cleaning, it would be a good idea to call a professional to take a look.
  • Supply List & Costs: cleaning cloth – damp/wet

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Also, check out another interesting article- How To Properly Inspect Your Basement!

Carpets can end up being some of the dirtiest things within your home. Over time, dust can really stick to your carpet & settle at the bottom. Investing in a good carpet cleaning can benefit the overall health of your household. Continue reading to see when to schedule a professional carpet cleaner!

This is a Health Task!

The carpets in your household are often dirtier than your toilet seats, thus needing a periodic thorough cleaning to ensure a healthier environment.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, Handyman, or Cleaning Company

Task Steps

Step 1 – Maintain Your Carpets

• Contact a carpet cleaning company that you wish to use and schedule a time to have the carpets cleaned in your house.
• Ask them about their prices and try to get a quote.
• Also, ask them what kind of cleaning methods they use. Shampooing is best for getting out stains & steaming is best for killing bacteria.
• There are a few things that can be done before cleaning the carpets to make their job a lot easier:
• Vacuum all your carpets, so nothing is in the way of their machine
• Remove all fragile or valuable items, move furniture, and remove smaller items from the floor.
• Lastly, tell the professionals what spots you are most concerned about getting clean. Make sure to document the day you had your carpets cleaned so you can better understand when you should schedule your next appointment.

Step 2 – DIY Carpet Cleaning

• If you decide to take the DIY approach to clean your carpets, you will need to buy or rent a cleaner.
• Make sure to dust your home thoroughly.
• Vacuum after you dust to ensure nothing will be in the way of the machine.
• Move furniture out of the room that you’re planning to clean. This will help you get a thorough cleaning without any obstacles.
• Start the carpet cleaning process. There should be instructions with the machine.
• Lastly, let your carpet dry completely before putting any furniture back into the room.
  • Tool List: Carpet Cleaner

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Also, check out another interesting article- Inspect and Clean Your Fridge and Freezer!

Keeping light bulbs replaced is very important for being able to see in your home. It also helps keep you and your family safe when walking up and downstairs in unlit areas. Continue reading to see when to replace light bulbs.

This is a Safety Task!

Usually, as dust builds up over time on bulbs and fixtures, it can affect your light sources’ brightness. Light bulbs that are burnt out can cause unexpected injuries.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, Handyman, Electrician, and Some Cleaning Services

Task Steps

Step 1 – Inspect Light Bulbs Around Your Home

• Take some time to go around your house to inspect which bulbs are burnt out or starting to fade or flicker.
• Above all, don’t forget to inspect outdoor lights!

Step 2 – Replace Burnt Out Bulbs

• Be sure to have purchased all the extra bulbs you may need before doing this task and that you are replacing them with the proper wattage bulb.
• You may need a ladder to reach certain bulbs. Be sure that the power is turned off & that the bulbs are cooled down before replacing them. It helps to have someone hold the ladder. (review ladder safety)
• You can also take a rag or paper towel to clean off any dust or debris around the bulbs.
• If you replace a fluorescent and it does not come on, the ballast might be burnt out. Make sure all the end contacts are engaging in the fixture properly. If you still do not have light, it might be a good time to call your HomeTeam professional.
  • Tool List: ladder, dry cleaning cloth
  • Supply List & Costs: extra bulbs

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Also, check out another interesting article- Inspect and Clean Your Fridge and Freezer!

Regular maintenance on small appliances will extend the product’s lifespan. Continue reading to learn how to clean your large appliances!

This is a Safety Task!

Some big appliances can quickly become a fire hazard if they aren’t adequately taken care of.

This is a Health Task!

If you do not keep your appliances clean, they can quickly become a health hazard, which exposes your family to mold and contamination issues.

This is a Preventative Maintenance Task!

People often replace their appliances too early. They toss out something that doesn’t seem to work anymore when that appliance might just need a good cleaning, or the filters were due for a replacement.

This is an Energy Efficiency Task!

Non maintained appliances have to work harder & use more electricity than usual. This results in higher electricity bills.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, or handyman

Choose what appliances apply to you! Learn how to clean your large appliances:

How To Clean Your Barbecue Grill

How To Clean Your Trash Compactor

How To Clean Your Dishwasher

How To Clean Your Clothes Dryer

How To Clean Your Washing Machine

How To Clean Your Range Hood

How To Clean Your Oven

How To Clean Your Cooktop Stove

How To Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Hopefully, this information can help you clean your large appliances and keep them in tip-top shape! Maintenance is important, whether it’s small appliances or large appliances. Above all, most homeowners don’t enjoy replacing their appliances every year because they up and break.

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Your garbage disposal can house more bacteria than an average toilet seat, which may present a health risk to you and your family. Continue reading to see how to clean your garbage disposal.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, appliance company, or handyman

Task Steps

Step 1 – Clean Garbage Disposal

• Grab a handful of ice cubes and put them in the garbage disposal with a 1/2 cup of salt (whichever you choose to use).
• Turn on the garbage disposal (be sure to have a stream of water going during this) and use a handle to push all the ice into the disposal.  Let that run for about 2 minutes.
• Turn off the water and the disposal. Add 1 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain and sit for 15 minutes while the chemical reaction occurs.
• While waiting for that, you can get deeper down into the appliance using a garbage disposal brush. If you don’t own one, don’t worry about this step.
• Flush out the disposal with water. It should be clear of any foul odors and gunk. The blades should seem sharper as well.
  • Tool List: anything with a long handle ( wooden spoon or spatula ), garbage disposal brush (optional).
  • Supply List & Costs: Ice, salt (rock salt is more preferred, but normal salt works, too), baking soda, white vinegar.

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Also, check out the easy maintenance for other small appliances – How To Clean Your Small Appliances!

Grease buildup can cause your appliance to work less efficiently and could lead to more significant issues like grease fires. Continue reading to see simple tips on how to clean your cooktop stove!

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, appliance company, or handyman

Task Steps

Step 1 – Clean Cooktop Stove

• If you have grates, remove the grates, wash them in your sink using dish soap (preferably with a guaranteed grease-fighting agent) and warm water.
• You can use a scrub brush to remove anything that’s stuck on the grates.
• If they are grimy, you may want to let them soak.
• While waiting, take your preferred cleaning agent and clean the rest of your range.
• Give the outside of the range a good cleaning, too.
• If it’s an electric range, scrub off visible grime, then dry with a soft cloth.
  • Tool List: scrub brush
  • Supply List & Costs: Dish soap, hot water, drying cloth, wet rag.

Along with your stovetop, it would also be a great idea to clean your oven! Even though the task seems daunting, we have a few great tips for getting your oven clean as new in no time.

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Also, check out the easy maintenance for other small appliances – How To Clean Your Small Appliances!

It’s always good to keep your oven and every other appliance in your household clean. This helps you avoid the unhealthy and unsafe effects of grease and dirt buildup, which shortens the life of your oven. This task is a bit different than the others. Most ovens have a lot of grease buildup that can take a while to break down. Be prepared not to use your oven for a few days while doing this task because you will need to let the cleaning solution sit overnight. Don’t be alarmed! This task time totals to around 4 hours over a few days.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, appliance company

Task Steps

Step 1 – Clean Oven Day 1

• You want to set 2 days aside to clean where your oven won’t be in use.
• Remove the oven racks from inside and soak them in a sink with hot water and vinegar. Some oven racks are washing machine safe, but you want to make sure they are before cleaning them.
• Mix three spoonfuls of baking soda with water in a bowl to create a paste.
• Spread the paste on the inside of the oven (don’t be alarmed if the paste turns brown).
• Let it sit overnight or for at least 12 hours.
  • Supply List & Costs: Hot water, vinegar, and baking soda.

Step 2 – Clean Oven Day 2

• The next day, take a wet rag and wipe out as much of the baking soda paste as possible.
• If there is any baking soda residue still in the oven, put some vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the residue.
• Use a wet rag and clean out the oven one last time.
• Put the racks back in the oven and turn the oven on at a very low temperature for 15-20 minutes to let dry.
  • Tool List: Spray bottle
  • Supply List & Costs: wet rag and vinegar

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Also, check out the easy maintenance for other small appliances – How To Clean Your Small Appliances!

Keeping your range hood clean will allow it to function correctly.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, appliance company, or handyman

Task Steps

Step 1 – Clean Range Hood

• Remove the range hood filter and inspect it. It should slide or pop out. It’s best to replace your filter if it’s a charcoal filter because these can’t be cleaned and reused.
• Find a heatproof container in which to place your filter. Fill that container with boiling water to help break down the grease. Add two tablespoons of dish soap to the water along with 1/2 cup of baking soda.
• Let the filter soak in that water for approximately 10 minutes, then scrub it with a non-abrasive scrub brush.
• Clean off any fan blades with a degreaser if you see fit.
• Rinse the filter, let it dry, and then put it back into the range hood.
• You should also take a rag and some degreasing cleaning agent to clean the outside of the range hood.
  • Tool List: a non-abrasive scrub brush
  • Supply List & Costs: Boiling water, degreasing dish soap, and baking soda

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Also, check out the easy maintenance for other small appliances – How To Clean Your Small Appliances!

Your washer rarely gets cleaned as much as it should, and all that dust buildup can contain things you and your family don’t want to be inhaling. It’s best to give your washer a good cleaning occasionally. Read more to see how to clean your washing machine.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, appliance company, or handyman

Task Steps

Step 1 – Clean Washing Machine

• Start by running a cycle with an equal amount of water and bleach added.
• Once that cycle is complete, run another cycle after putting in 1 1/2cup of distilled white vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of water.
• Wash your soap dispenser if it is removable, and clean the rubber seals around your machine using your preferred cleaning agent.
• Lastly, make sure to wipe down the outside of the washing machine as well.
  • Supply List & Costs: cleaning cloth, cleaning spray, bleach, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda.

It would also be a great idea to inspect your washing machine hoses along with cleaning your washing machine! A lot of the time, washing machine hoses can wear out easily.

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You always want to keep an eye on the lint production of your dryer because it can cause house fires that often go unnoticed until too much damage has already been done. Your washer and dryer rarely get cleaned as much as they should, and all that dust buildup can contain things your family doesn’t want to be inhaling. It’s best to give your dryer a good cleaning occasionally. Continue reading to see how to clean your clothes dryer.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, or handyman

How To Clean Your Humidifier | Task Steps

Step 1 – Clean Clothes Dryer

• Clear the filter of any lint.
• Pour a small amount of water onto the filter screen after clearing off any lint.
• If the water pools up on the top instead of flowing through the screen, wash the screen in warm, soapy water using a bristle brush to scrub it.
• Rinse, retest, and repeat until the water flows straight through.
• Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall before you start.
• The outside of the dryer gets dirty over time and will start looking grimy. Clean the outside with a cloth and any cleaning spray of your choice. Give the knobs and buttons a good cleaning as well.
• Move on to cleaning the interior. Remove the lint trap and wash it in a sink with hot, soapy water. Let the lint trap air dry.
• Now move on to the drum of the dryer. Remove any obstructions in the drum, such as threads or anything stuck to the sides.
• If your dryer has sticky areas inside the drum, you can apply warm olive oil on the areas and use a scraper to scrape it up. You can also get rid of scuff marks inside by making a paste of baking soda and water and rub it on the problem areas.
  • Supply List & Costs: cleaning cloth, cleaning spray of your choice, olive oil, flat scraper, baking soda (optional)

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Also, check out the easy maintenance for other small appliances – How To Clean Your Small Appliances!