WHEN it comes to cleaning our homes, most of us know the basics.
We know we need to clean our sheets, toilets, and bathtubs on a regular basis, but we often forget to clean things like our dishwashers and AC filters.
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A cleaning and organization expert named Kami Larae, who comes by @kami.larae on TikTok, said there are 10 things we should do every month to keep our devices running like new.
AIR FILTERS
Kami said the most important thing is to change your air filters every month.
It’s very easy to do, but because they’re out of sight, we tend to put off the task.
“These can cause a lot of allergies, especially if you have pets,” she explained.
WASHING MACHINE
Although we regularly use our washing machine to clean our clothes, the expert said that the machines themselves also need a good rinse.
To do this, add a cup of vinegar or baking soda to an empty load and run the program on the hottest setting.
“But don’t use them both, or they will cancel each other out.”
WASHING MACHINE FILTER
While you’re running your washing machine, you’ll also want to clean the filter.
Place a towel under the filter and a bowl on the floor below.
Pull out the filter to allow the dirty-filled water to drain into the bowl.
She said you should also scrub the inner flaps off the rubber rims.
DRYER
To finish sweeping your laundry room, go to your dryer vent.
Remove the lint trap and clean the inner compartment with a bottle brush (available at .) Amazon for $8).
Before replacing the lint trap, rinse it with water and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove the stuck material.
Kami said she does this once a week to make sure it’s clean.
COFFEE MACHINE
Most of us can’t live without our morning coffee.
But if we want these precious machines to last as long as possible, we have to clean them regularly.
Kami bought Clean ‘n Brew cleaning capsules to do the job, which are usually resold Amazon for $10.
DISHWASHER FILTER
If you’re one of those people who throws the dishes in the washing machine without scrubbing the food off first, your dishwasher filter is probably a lot coarser than you think.
Be sure to remove the filter and rinse it monthly to keep the unit running smoothly.
WASTE DISPOSAL
While you’re in the kitchen, it’s smart to tackle the garbage disposal in your sink as well.
It can get quite smelly after a while.
Kami suggested using CLR Fresh & Clean Garbage Disposal Pods to get the job done.
It only costs $6 for a bag on Amazon.
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Finish off your countertop by cleaning the surface with Scrub Daddy PowerPaste, available for purchase at Amazon for $30.
“I was shocked at how clean my sink got because of this.
“I mean, literally, all this gray stuff came off. I thought it was already clean, but once I hosed it off, it looked so shiny and new.”
VINEGAR
Before leaving the kitchen, Kami focused one more time on the dishwasher and sink.
She said to add a cup or two of vinegar to the inside of the dishwasher and run a cycle on an empty load.
She also poured two cups of vinegar down the sink drain to clean it.
Holding on to her vinegar, she soaked the shower heads in a plastic bag filled with vinegar to remove any stuck-on grime.
SHOWERS
Kami’s last tip was to disinfect your showers.
She suggested using a mop to clean the shower floors as it is easier on the knees.
Many viewers were enthusiastic about the advice:
“Nice clean house!” one person wrote.
“Great tip. Thank you,” added another.
But some found the tasks too ambitious:
“You said you should do these things every month… girl. Doing these things takes all month!” a comment.
‘Right now I’m just going to rent forever, because that’s really not possible,’ sounded a second.
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