Your Dishwasher Deserves a Spa Day (Every Season)
Your dishwasher works hard so you don’t have to—but when was the last time you cleaned it? Every season, give it a refresh:
- Remove the filter (check your manual—Google is your friend) and rinse it under hot water.
- Sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle.
- Wipe down the rubber seals and edges where food gunk loves to hide.
Your glasses will thank you. So will your nose—dishwashers can get smelly if neglected.
Your Fridge Filter: Change It at Least Once a Year
Yes, that thing exists, and yes, it’s filtering the water you’re drinking. If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, you should be swapping that filter at least once a year. Twice, if you want to be an overachiever.
Check your fridge model, order a new filter online, pop out the old one, and slide in the new. It’s a two-minute job that keeps your water crisp and clean. And while you’re at it, wipe down your fridge shelves—because ketchup spills and forgotten pickles don’t belong in 2025.
Keeping Your Washer & Dryer Fresh (Clean Every 6 Months)
Washers and dryers don’t just magically clean things. They need love too:
Washer:
- Run an empty cycle with hot water, a cup of white vinegar, and a quarter-cup of baking soda.
- Wipe the rubber gasket (mold loves it there).
- Leave the door open when not in use to prevent mildew.
Dryer:
- Clean out the lint trap every time (this is non-negotiable).
- Every six months, vacuum out the lint that sneaks into the vent.
- Wipe down the drum with a damp cloth.
Your clothes will smell fresher, and your appliances will last longer. Win-win.
How to Freshen Up Your Sofa, Upholstered Chairs & Bedroom Headboard
Fabric absorbs everything—pets, dinner smells, and whatever you were wearing when you last sat down with a glass of wine. Here’s how to keep things fresh:
- Vacuum every month, using an upholstery attachment to get into creases.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the fabric, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up to remove odors.
- Spot clean stains with warm water and mild soap (or a dedicated upholstery cleaner for tougher spots).
- Steam clean once a year to restore freshness.
How Often Should You Wash Your Drapes?
If you have pets, at least once a year—every six months if your dog treats them like a personal back scratcher. Check the care label—some can go in the washing machine, while others need a professional dry clean. Either way, give them a shake every week to keep dust from settling in.
Caring for Wool Carpets & Rugs
Wool carpets are gorgeous but need the right kind of love:
- Vacuum weekly to prevent dirt from embedding itself.
- Blot spills immediately—never rub (it just makes things worse).
- Deep clean once a year with a wool-safe cleaner or hire a professional.
Rotate rugs every few months to prevent uneven wear.
If you’re not using Bar Keepers Friend, what are you even doing? This stuff is a miracle worker:
- Buffs out stains on stainless steel pots and pans.
- Makes sinks shine like they’re brand new.
- Removes scorch marks from metal stovetops.
- Even lifts stains from stone countertops (test a small spot first!).
It’s cheap, effective, and your new best friend in the cleaning aisle.
- Sheets & Pillowcases: Once a week, hot water, gentle detergent.
- Duvets & Comforters: Every 3-6 months (yes, really). Wash on cold with mild detergent; dry with clean tennis balls to keep it fluffy.
- Pillows: Every 6 months—down pillows in cold water, synthetic ones on warm.
Brightening Trick: Add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—it softens fabric and neutralizes odors.
Dust is relentless, but you can stay ahead of it:
- Once a week: Dust surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
- Ceiling fans & baseboards: Every month (trust me, they get gross).
- Behind furniture & under beds: Every few months, or whenever you feel brave.
Pro tip: Keep a lint roller handy for lampshades and upholstered furniture—way easier than vacuuming.
There’s nothing like walking into a fresh, clean home. It’s like a reset button for your brain—less clutter, less stress. By keeping up with these simple routines, your house won’t just look good; it’ll feel good too. And isn’t that what we’re all going for?
Now go forth and clean like an adult (or at least fake it convincingly).
