Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros with a blog about organizing during social isolation.

In the past couple weeks we’ve had to make a lot of adjustments. While we should be washing our hands thoroughly all of the time, it has never been more important than it is now.

Other things around the house are not so cut and dry. Do you know how often it is recommended to change your sheets? Get rugs shampooed? Vacuum? 

Part of organizing involves cleaning the floors and other surfaces so you can begin the process. Cleaning is important to keep your home free of bad bacteria and viruses. However, it’s hard to know how often to do certain chores around the house.

Sheets

Bed sheets get dirty just by being used every day. It’s a good idea to change them every week. This is especially true for people with allergies or when sick.

Carpet

Carpet manufacturers and professional carpet cleaning companies suggest you have carpets professionally cleaned every 12-18 months in your home. High traffic areas might need cleaning more often.

Vacuuming

A minimum of once a week is recommended for vacuuming. If you have kids and/or pets, you probably have to do it more often, 2-3 times per week. High traffic areas need the most vacuuming.

Countertops

Once a day or multiple times a day your countertops will need cleaning, immediately if they’ve been touched by raw chicken. Stacks of paper or other objects that don’t belong on the counter can attract dirt and even insects or mice. The CDC recommends using a bleach solution or at least 70% alcohol for disinfecting.

Refrigerator

Organizing and sorting through the contents of your refrigerator should be a monthly chore. It is recommended to do a thorough cleaning at least every six months. However, wiping it down daily with warm, sudsy water is also a good idea. 

Microwave

Clean the walls and floor of the microwave at least once a week. A spill can cause a real mess if the microwave is used again before you clean the food debris. It becomes increasing difficult to remove.

Oven

Your oven needs a weekly wipe down. If you bake regularly more thorough cleanings are recommended on a monthly basis. If you spill something, clean it right away to avoid a stubborn, crusty substance.

Toilets

Weekly toilet cleaning should be a part of your regular house cleaning. If you have small children or sick people in the house, 2-3 times a week might be necessary.

Bathroom Rug

Once a week, throw the rug in the washer on the gentle cycle. At least vacuum the rug once a week if you don’t have a chance to wash it.

Shower Curtain

Once a month your fabric or plastic shower curtain should be cleaned. A closed shower curtain has more of a chance to air out and dry completely between showers.

Bath towels

Do you use them several days before washing? It’s okay to used them a few times Only use them once if you are sick. Towels can grow bacteria because they are warm and moist. Setting your washer to hot, at least 140°, will kill bacteria on them. Using bleach is an alternative to very hot water.

Bathroom Sink

The sink gets dirty quickly so it needs a wipe down with a cloth every day. Bleach wipes (which are tough to find right now) are great for eliminating germs on your sink’s surface.

This list makes it sound like you should be cleaning your home constantly. But in reality, you do what you can. Making sure everyone in the family stays healthy is important. And clean surfaces help with that.

When everything is clean, it’s easier to start organizing. If you need help, I am available for phone consultations with some handy tips to get you started. Contact me for details.

Buying or selling your home? Contact Gigi today!
Oh by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.