Who doesn’t love a little structure into their cleaning schedule? We surely do! Now that autumn has settled in, you may need to pay a little more attention to certain parts of your home to keep everyone safe and healthy. Having those pointers should make it easier to get your weekly and monthly cleans done more efficiently.
The Hallway
Quite a lot of people somehow neglect their hallway as it is just a passage and they don’t spend much time there. Nevertheless, this area probably generates the most traffic at home and that’s exactly why it makes the number one cleaning hotspot, especially in autumn. The hallway is the connection between your living environment and the outside world. Other than the bathroom, this is perhaps the place that contains the most germs and dirt in the entire house. Invest in good doormats to be placed at both sides of the door. Vacuum regularly and introduce organisation systems. For example, take your shoes off at the door and place them in a shoe rack. Have a designated space for hanging your coat, bag, hat and other accessories. Do not bring them in unless you are planning to wash them. This way you will minimise the introduction of dust, germs, allergens and dirt from outside to the living room and other areas of your home.
The Radiators
If you want a warm and energy efficient house, spend some time cleaning your radiators! It may sound strange but clean radiators do perform better. Dust and various particles accumulate on top or behind the heaters and this affects their ability to warm up the space in a short time. Wipe and dust your radiators every month in autumn and winter to enjoy great room temperature at a lower cost.
The Light Fixtures and Switches
Light fixtures and switches are another area of your home that frequently gets missed during cleaning. However, it shouldn’t be the case. The light switches are one of the first things you touch when you get home before you have had the chance to wash your hands. This means you are immediately transferring a lot of bacteria and other microorganisms onto the switch and later spreading it in. Light fixtures “collect” a lot of dust and allergens that sit on top of them. Because they are usually high and you don’t see the dirt, you forget it is there. Nevertheless, it affects the air quality at home and could make any cold or flu symptoms feel much worse.
The Pantry
Your pantry needs a frequent visit in autumn not just when it’s time to cook or eat, but also to give it a clean. Pests increase their activity during colder months as they are looking for warm and dry places to hide. The pantry makes a fantastic haven for rodents and bugs as it provides shelter and plenty of food. Check it weekly to ensure there are no spills or broken packages, give the shelves a wipe and disinfect to add another layer of protection.
The Carpets
Having your carpets professionally cleaned in autumn is a brilliant idea. It will make your home feel fresh, but at the same time cosier and will have a direct impact on your health. Professional carpet cleaning will eliminate the trapped germs and allergens and improve the air quality. While you are at it, extend the care to the sofa, curtains and your bedding.
The Bathroom Sink
The bathroom is a cleaning priority all year round. In autumn, however, we recommend you pay closer attention to the sink. As our immune systems naturally weaken a little, the spread of germs becomes easier. Handwashing is extremely important to keep healthy and safe and therefore the sink will need regular cleaning and disinfection. Ideally, you should do that weekly, but for your peace of mind, you can also give it a quick polish with some disinfectant wipes before you go to bed at night.