Clean dusty ceiling fans
Since they’re situated high above your head, you don’t get up-close and personal with your ceiling fans very often. But when you do, there’s a good chance you’ll be horrified by what you see: an inordinate amount of dust. Before you start cleaning, though, make sure you’re doing it right. “Clean top to bottom – literally,” advise cleaning experts from Lemi Shine. “Start with the dust on your overhead light or fan, and end with the floor. This method ensures that all dirt, dust and miscellaneous items get sent to the floor and have no chance of being missed by the vacuum.” And after you dust the ceiling fans, set them to turn so that air circulates upward. This redistributes the warm air, which can save you on heating costs.
Scour your refrigerator’s secret spots
Cleaning the refrigerator door is a given, but it’s also important to get the door seals to remove crumbs that have collected, says Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space. “The best way to clean a door-seal gasket is by using hot water and a mild dishwashing liquid,” she says. “Wipe it with a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. Make sure the seal fits properly when you put it back on since an improper fit can cause cold loss and temperature fluctuations.” It’s also a good idea to run the refrigerator shelves through the dishwasher for the cleanest results.
Here are some other items you never knew you could put in the dishwasher.
Get rid of surface clutter
The shift in seasons is the perfect time to address the clutter that builds up in your home over a laid-back summer. “The first step is to toss out the garbage – and this includes the expired coupons and mail on your counter,” says Melissa Witulski, a home-cleaning expert. Addressing your autumn organisation now can take you smoothly through the upcoming holidays.