30 things you should clean in the next 30 days

You’ve heard of sweeping something under the rug as an idiom, but you may have also done this… literally. “Tons of dirt, debris and grime hide under things like tables, chairs, couches, etc,” says Janus. “Anything you can quickly slide to the side to vacuum and mop when you’re cleaning your floors should be moved, and bigger items you can use the wand or hose feature on your vacuum.”

Read on for the secrets of people who always have a clean house.

Vacuum cleaners are an efficient way to clean your home, but you want to make sure you’re cleaning it appropriately. Unplug the vacuum cleaner when you’re cleaning and empty the bag, if applicable.

When you take out your milk carton for your morning coffee, are you doing a morning check on the contents of your fridge to see what’s good and what’s…not? “Increase efficiency, save money and get ready for fresh ingredients by cleaning out your refrigerator,” says Varner. “Clear out old food and defrost your freezer. Use a sponge and a baking powder solution to wipe out the inside of both your freezer and refrigerator.”

Read on for some brilliant home organising hacks you wish you knew sooner.

It may be convenient to place a clean plate from the dishwasher back in the cupboard, but the cupboard needs to be cleaned, too. Janus recommends removing everything from the inside of those containers and wiping down the inside before putting everything back in. Throwing away expired items is a good idea, too.

Find out which foods you should never keep in your pantry.

Taking a shower is a great way to wash your hair, body and generate great ideas. However, your shower needs to be washed, too. “To clean a dirty shower curtain, put it in the washing machine with two bath towels on the gentle cycle,” says Varner. “Add 1/2 cup baking soda to your detergent during the wash cycle and 1/2 cup vinegar during the rinse cycle. Don’t put your curtain in the dryer, but let in air dry instead.”

Read on for the best ways to clean showers and baths.

“Often, homeowners focus on the inside of their home during a cleaning-up but it’s important to evaluate the condition of the exterior of your home as well,” says Flax. “Gutters should be the priority. You want to be sure they’re clean and free of any clogs. Clogged gutters cause a number of issues including water damage, mould and rotting of your roof and siding, as well as providing a nesting area for birds and mosquitoes.”

It may be gross to think about, but if you’re not consistently washing your pillowcases and pillows, you may be sleeping with 1.5 million dust mites. Even though experts recommend washing pillows a few times out of the year, it depends on how often you wash your pillowcase, which should be more frequent.

You already know to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, but there’s another item on the kitchen sink that you may be forgetting to clean. “People usually remember to clean their toothbrush, but what about the holder where it’s stored?” asks Varner. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to clean. “Rinse the holder with hot water and use a clean cloth to wipe down the outside. Next, fill the toothbrush holder with an antibacterial mouthwash, allowing it to sit for two minutes. Rinse and run the holder underwater and let it air dry.”

Can you guess which are the dirtiest surfaces in places you go to all the time? Find out here.

Yes, you should be cleaning your car regularly, even in winter. Think of how often you’re in and out of your car commuting to work or going grocery shopping…and think of the days of accidentally stepping in puddles or spilling coffee all over the car.

Gone are the days of popping in your headphones and taking them off without a care in the world. According to Wirecutter, you should be cleaning your earbuds at least once a week with a soft cloth and soap and water. However, you should wipe down your headphones more frequently after every workout.

Find out what germ experts would never share.