10 CHORES THAT ONLY NEED DONE ONCE THIS YEAR
Earlier this month, we shared with you a monthly checklist of improvements you can make to your home to keep it in tip-top shape. In addition to those chores, we’ve collected another list of bigger chores, but these only have to be done once a year. They may be bigger, but they are well worth it to keep everything in your home flowing like a dream!
SHAMPOO THE UPHOLSTERY
Have any sofas or chairs that are frequently used? It may be time to give them a deep cleaning! It’s important to pay extra attention to areas where hands and heads tend to rest. Typically, these are the areas that will need the most elbow grease.
DEEP CLEAN THAT OVEN
Even if you’re only an occasional baker and use your oven sparingly, it can get pretty grimy in there. Once a year, it’s a good idea to open up your windows and turn on your oven’s self-cleaning cycle (if it has one) or use your own elbow grease…and some oven cleaner.
MAKE THOSE WINDOWS SPARKLE
Sadly, you’re going to have to wait for a spring or early summer day to do this, and one that’s cloudy at that. Sun can cause the cleaner to streak your windows. Now, all you need is some crumbled newspaper and a vinegar-based cleaning solution and you’re all set. Don’t forget your window sills and frames either!
TREAT YOUR WINDOW TREATMENTS
Now that our windows are fresh and sparkly, we should take some time to pay attention to the window coverings. Check your linens for the care instructions, and while they’re being laundered, wipe down the rods and blinds.
BRIGHTEN YOUR LIGHTS
When was the last time you actually dusted on top of your light fixtures and fans? Don’t wait for the dust to rain down on you again. Grab your step-ladder and feather duster and clean off those fixtures! Try dusting the light bulbs as well!
DEEP CLEAN THE CARPETS
Unfortunately, that dust from the fixtures will fall to the ground and dirty your carpets and tiles. Do you know what that means? You should probably deep clean your carpets. This is a chore that can be done more than once a year, especially if you have high-traffic areas in your home. Experts recommend this chore be done in the late fall, when everyone is in for the winter and not tracking dirt and pollen through the home.
ORGANIZE THE GARAGE
This chore is best done when you’re already doing your spring cleaning, when your garage suddenly becomes more of a storage unit. When you’re through with the inside of the home, step into your garage and look everything over. Separate items into sell, donate, or trash piles and organize the items you plan on keeping. Once everything is in its place, it might be a good idea to give the floor a good sweeping and mopping.
FRESHEN UP YOUR BATHROOM
For some people, the bathroom becomes a catchall for their toiletries and medicine. They store the items in the medicine cabinet or under the sink, and the old saying is, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Maybe it’s time to get in the mindset of going through the cabinets and getting rid of old or expired medications (using these FDA guidelines). Wipe door doors and interior shelves as you go, and make sure you restock the important items!
WASH AND TOUCH-UP THE WALLS
If you have kids, especially, the walls can get a little smudged. Once a year, it might be a good idea to use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment and pay extra attention to the moulding and baseboards. Use a cloth and a soft cleaner to remove smudges. If you notice any chips or peeling, you may want to touch up those areas.
GET BEHIND THE APPLIANCES
Your appliances are the workhorses in your home. They keep your food cool or hot and your dishes and laundry clean. Once a year, it’s a good idea to move these appliances and clean out from behind them. Vacuum your fridge coils, wipe off the dust from the back and give the floors a good sweep. Keeping the appliances clear of dust will elongate their lives.
Do you have your own annual chores you make sure your complete? If so, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Leave us a comment!