Resource Guide

10 Things In Your Home You Should Always Clean Yourself (Not Your Cleaner)

Resident Contributor

Take chores off your plate, like dusting, mopping, and scrubbing, and hire a professional cleaner who can feel like a lifesaver. The issue is that they aren’t, and shouldn't be, responsible for everything in your house. Certain things simply require your attention, are too delicate, or too personal. Choosing what stays on your to-do list and what gets handed over also depends on how frequently you should clean your home.

No matter how good your cleaner is, there are ten things about how often should you clean things in your house that we'll cover in this guide.

Why Some Things Are Better Left for You to Clean

Although they handle many household chores, professional cleaners shouldn't be responsible for everything. For safety reasons, liability concerns, or the need for careful handling, certain areas and items require individual attention. For example, specialty kitchen tools, sensitive electronics, or private documents are often too delicate to be fully entrusted to someone else. 

By focusing on how often should you clean things in your house, you can take charge of hygiene and upkeep, making sure your items get the care they need. It also reduces the chance of mishaps or damage from someone unfamiliar with your belongings attempting to clean them.

10 Things You Should Always Clean Yourself

There are some spaces and belongings that are best handled by hand, even with the assistance of deep cleaning services. These might be common objects or private spaces that hold sentimental value, require special attention, or are simply matters of personal accountability.  

Understanding how often should you clean things in your house can also help you determine what tasks should be handled by professionals and what require your regular attention. You can have cleanliness and peace of mind by taking responsibility for these duties.

Personal Hygiene Items (Toothbrush Holders, Razors, Hairbrushes)

It's best to handle personal care items like toothbrush holders, razors, and hairbrushes yourself, as cleaners typically avoid touching them due to hygienic and safety reasons. If left unattended, these objects that come into direct contact with your body can rapidly accumulate bacteria. 

To maintain cleanliness, wash hairbrushes every few days to keep them safe and fresh for everyday use, replace razors as advised, and disinfect toothbrush holders once a week.

Pet Areas (Litter Boxes, Cages, Feeding Bowls)

Because pet areas present hygienic and health risks that professional cleaners generally avoid, pet owners should always clean them themselves. If not properly maintained, litter boxes, cages, and feeding bowls can harbor allergens, odors, and bacteria.  

Scoop litter boxes daily, wash bowls with warm, soapy water after each use, and disinfect cages once a week with pet-safe cleaners that won't leave any toxic residues to keep your pets healthy.

Dishes and Dirty Pots

Dishwashing should be done by homeowners since most house cleaning services don't include it unless specifically requested. The general hygiene of your kitchen can be negatively impacted by dirty pots and dishes, which can quickly become havens for bacteria and unpleasant odors. 

Learning how often should you clean things in your house helps. Dishes should be washed as soon as possible after meals to keep your kitchen hygienic, pest-free, and ready for use whenever you need them.

Laundry and Underwear

For hygienic and privacy reasons, professional cleaners usually avoid handling personal clothing, especially underwear and other private garments. Doing your own laundry ensures that personal belongings remain hygienic, stains are quickly removed, and delicate fabrics are handled with care. Cleaning your clothing on a regular basis also helps preserve its longevity and quality, keeping your closet cozy and new.

Inside Refrigerators (Food Management)

For safety reasons, professional cleaners usually avoid handling perishable or expired food, even though they might clean the outside of your refrigerator. Cleaning the interior yourself guarantees that shelves are sanitized, odors are avoided, and spoiled items are removed.  

Keeping your food fresh and maintaining a healthy kitchen environment can be achieved by routine cleaning the refrigerator and checking the expiration dates of your food.

Jewelry and Valuables

Professional cleaners shouldn't handle jewelry and other valuables, especially when you opt for cleaning for move-out, because they are too delicate and prone to loss or damage. It is advisable for homeowners to use suitable techniques and mild cleaning agents when cleaning their own jewelry and valuables. To keep these items in good condition, routine maintenance assures they will remain in good shape for many years to come.

Electronics (Phones, Laptops, Remotes)

To prevent damage, professional cleaners typically avoid sanitizing personal devices, such as phones, laptops, and remote controls, although they may dust around electronics. Using microfiber cloths or safe, alcohol-free wipes for a one-time deep clean, these items help remove dust and germs without damaging delicate screens or parts. Your gadgets stay clean and functional with regular care.

Important Documents and Desks

Due to privacy and security concerns, professional cleaners typically avoid handling confidential documents or setting up individual desks. By taking responsibility for yourself, you can maintain a tidy workspace and organize, declutter, and store important documents safely. Cleaning your desk and filing your papers regularly not only keeps you organized but also increases productivity and reduces stress.

Hazardous Materials (Chemicals, Sharp Tools)

Homeowners should handle their own storage and cleaning because professional cleaners may not be adequately trained to handle hazardous materials, such as strong chemicals, sharp objects, or other dangerous items. The safe use of these materials is ensured by proper care, which also helps prevent accidents.

To keep your living area safe and healthy, remember to perform other necessary home maintenance tasks while working on these projects, such as cleaning your air ducts.

Sentimental or Fragile Items

Fine china, collectibles, heirlooms, and other items with sentimental value or delicate construction are particularly vulnerable to damage from untrained hands. The best people to clean these pieces are homeowners, who should use the right cleaning supplies and gentle techniques. These priceless possessions will stay secure, immaculate, and cherished for many years to come with regular personal care.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven Naturally?

One of the kitchen's most frequently used appliances, your oven needs to be kept clean to maintain hygiene, prevent odors that linger, and ensure that your food tastes fresh. Although families who cook or bake frequently may need to clean it more frequently, most households find that a natural deep clean every three to six months is ideal. 

Deep cleaning can be made much simpler by wiping up spills as they happen and giving the oven a little TLC once a month. You can keep your kitchen hygienic and welcoming by knowing how often should you clean things in your house, such as ovens, refrigerators, and other appliances.

How to Make the Most of Your House Cleaning Service

You can save time and effort by hiring professional deep cleaning services Brooklyn, but the best results come from careful planning and preparation. To help cleaners know where to focus their time, start by outlining your priorities, whether they are bathrooms, kitchens, or general tidiness. Household cleaning is more effective when surfaces are decluttered before guests arrive, and maintaining a regular routine keeps your house smelling fresh all the time.  Lastly, keep in mind that certain tasks, such as handling private or sensitive belongings, are best left to you to protect your privacy and safety.  

You can get the most out of your cleaning service by striking a balance between what experts do best and how often should you clean things in your house.

Wrap Up

When it comes to handling the large, time-consuming tasks that keep your house looking its best, professional cleaners are invaluable. However, some sensitive and personal items, such as sentimental items, valuables, and hygiene products, are best handled by homeowners themselves.  

Finding the ideal results is in a collaboration where you keep control of the important details and the cleaners do the heavy lifting. Together, you can ensure a tidy, secure, and cozy home where everyone feels cared for.

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