Housework That Only Needs to Be Done Once a Year (Thank Goodness)
There are many annoying things to do every day: washing dishes, spraying and wiping kitchen countertops, lifting toys from the floor, and sweeping. And there are those that, fortunately, are much less common. It always sucks that we have to do more chores, but at least some of them are random – and luckily, the following chores only need to be done once a year.
Cleaning the gutters
Once a year, after all the leaves have fallen off, the gutter should be thoroughly cleaned. When debris accumulates in the gutters, they become a breeding ground for rodents, pests and mold. Gutters clogged with leaves, sticks, and those exploded, spiky gum seeds can cause drainage problems, a leaking roof, or water damage to your home’s interior or exterior; According to Maple Roofing & Construction , rainwater that gutters need to drain away from a home can end up dripping too close to the foundation, compromising its sustainability. If you decide to take on the task yourself, you’ll need a sturdy ladder, thick gloves, and a hose — or just find your local gutter cleaning service. The best time for this is late November / early December.
Wash (outside) your windows
While most of us can spray Windex inside their windows as needed (for example, after a kid happily drags Go-Gurt across a single whole), it’s easy to forget that they also have external sides. You might want to enlist professional help for the upper floors, but the windows on the ground floor can be easily cleaned with soap and water and a sponge, mop or mop. Spruce recommends doing this in late fall to let in more light after a terrible waste of daylight saving time.
Wash curtains, drapes, and drapes.
After collecting dust, odors, grease and hairspray all year round, window treatments need love too. Remove curtains and drapes once a year, read the care instructions and clean them appropriately – either gently at home or dry-cleaned. (Wipe down the curtain rod while you’re on it.) Take a step and a handheld vacuum cleaner (or your vacuum upholstery attachment) to remove dust from the footrests, and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the curtains.
Clean the fireplace
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys and wood-burning fireplaces be cleaned and inspected at least once a year to prevent creosote build-up and house fires. To clean the fireplace, remove all the ashes with a vacuum cleaner, close the damper and wipe the andirones with a solution of white vinegar and water. Chimney maintenance will likely require a bold enough professional to climb your roof. Note: Oddly enough, gas fireplaces need to be cleaned more often .
Rid your mattress from dirt
To quote myself: the mattresses are fucking disgusting . For those who can’t regularly cleanse their sleep shelter, here’s your reminder: Not only are they breeding grounds for bacteria for our saliva, sweat, and dead skin cells, but they are living houses with plush gates for millions of dust mites. So, once a year, remove and wash the lid in hot water, vacuum the top and sides, scrub the stains with hydrogen peroxide, then thoroughly scrub the bath with baking soda or vinegar. (Alternatively, you can steam clean it.) Whichever method you choose , we implore you, just do it.
Clear garage
While it is tempting to let bicycles, clothing still to donate, and old gardening tools pile up, if you care about efficient storage, your sanity, and the ability to move around your car without stumbling, this is not recommended. Decide to tidy up and tidy up your garage once a year. Thoroughly clean old or unused items, sweep out dust and leaves, and check for moisture damage or insect infestation.
Shampoo carpet and upholstered furniture.
Look, we knew about carpets. But all of our upholstery? This was bad news, but to keep it in ship shape and last longer, it is best to deep clean it once a year. Hire a professional, or do it yourself using a rented sweeper or vacuum cleaner, some baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar .
Clear the pantry
Change the pantry in the fall. Take everything out, wipe the shelves, put in new contact paper, check the expiration date and reorganize (placing the items closest to their expiration dates on public display). Throw away old baking ingredients, make sure you have everything you need for your holiday baking, and – if you’re feeling very ambitious – grab kitchen cabinets and drawers. It might not be fun, but how relieved will you be when you can grab something on the water bottle shelf without breaking four unrelated items? Priceless.