Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Christmas Stains: How to Clean Festive Messes

Aim to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere not a museum-like tidiness.

Primary Goals of Christmas Cleaning

The holiday is causing stress for a surprising number of people, especially parents, so the last thing you need is to stress over cleaning, too. The key to an efficient Christmas cleaning is to make your home feel warm and cosy rather than achieving sterile perfection. Here are a few easy and stress-free ways to approach your home’s holiday makeover: 

• Cosy Over Sterile: Think festive decorations, soft throws, and plump pillows. Add some scented candles to create a magical ambience.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: Aim for a quick clean that makes a big difference.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: Create an inviting space for you and your guests. Light a fire in the fireplace (if you have one), put on some festive music, and set out some holiday treats.

Christmas cleaning should not take up all your well-deserved time off.

Christmas Cleaning Chores for Your Own Comfort

Suppose you haven’t planned to host and simply want to achieve a pleasant, cosy home atmosphere for your comfort. In that case, your Christmas cleaning list will include these key areas, all of which are manageable and won’t overwhelm you:

Kitchen To-dos

Even if you don’t plan on cooking big festive meals for a dozen people, during the holiday, you are more likely to spend some time preparing your favourite snacks, so the goal for the kitchen is to sanitise food preparation areas and make cooking more easy and enjoyable:

• Declutter: Put away any gadgets and dishes you won’t be using.
• Pantry Audit: Toss expired goods. Check for any mysterious jars of dried food – are they still edible? Give your spices a sniff test – they lose their aroma over time.
• Restock Essentials: Make sure you have plenty of baking supplies on hand.
• Clear Counters: Free up counter space for easy meal prep.
• Sanitise Food Preparation Areas: Wipe down sinks and countertops with a disinfectant.
• Quick Oven Cleanup: Here’s a time-cutting oven cleaning hack to try: place a bowl of hot water with a couple tablespoons of dish soap inside. Run the oven at its highest temperature for 15 minutes. The vapours will help loosen grime, making it faster and easier to clean the inside of the appliance.
• Fridge Refresh: Leave the deep cleaning of the fridge for after the holidays. Instead, wipe down shelves and toss any expired food. Ensure there’s ample space for groceries and holiday leftovers.

Read also: Our Ultimate Guide on How to Clean a Heavily Soiled Oven

Living Room

This is the room you will likely spend the most time in, so your Christmas cleaning goal for this area is to make it cosy: 

• Tidy Up and Dust: Quick dusting with a duster or microfiber cloth will suffice. We’re not aiming for museum-level cleanliness here.
• Tidy Up: Put away any clutter.
• Vacuum: Give the sofa, cushions, carpets, and rugs a thorough vacuuming.
• Quick Mop: A quick mop of the floor will freshen things up.

Read also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Fold and put away clothes and blankets for a relaxed bedroom look.

Bedrooms

You deserve a nice rest during your holiday. Here’s what to do to create a relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom:

• Tidy Up: Put away all dirty laundry in the hamper and neatly fold any clothes lying around.
• Change Bed Linens: A fresh set of sheets will give you a holiday feel.
• Dusting: Nobody has time to dust their bedroom daily; however, the dust piles up. A swift dusting of surfaces with a duster or microfiber cloth will make the room feel more relaxed.
• Vacuum: Vacuum the carpet and floor to remove dirt and hair.
• Quick Mop: Mopping the floors will help you get rid of the last particles of dust and help refresh the air in the room. 

Check also: How to Care for Your Mattress at Home

Bathroom

We are sure you won’t want to deal with the bathroom on Christmas (we don’t), but you will surely enjoy it if it’s clean and smells fresh. Here’s how to achieve this:

• Quick Wipe: Give the tiles a quick wipe with a strong bathroom cleaner after showering – the steam from hot water loosens the buildups, so this is the best time to clean the bathroom.
• Sanitise: Apply a generous amount of bathroom cleaner on the sink and toilet bowl and let it sit like this for 10 minutes. After that, scrub and rinse the porcelain surfaces for quick sanitisation.
• A Shiny Touch: Polish the mirrors and faucets for an instant uplift.
• Fresh Towels: Replace old towels with clean ones.
• Refresh the Bin: Throw away the old bin bag, scrub the container with soapy water and put in a new liner. This chore takes less than 5 minutes, but it has a massive impact on the freshness of the bathroom.

Read also: How To Clean The Bathroom Carpet

Our Christmas cleaning tips will help prepare the house even if you have family and friends staying over for the holidays.

Christmas Cleaning List When You’re Having Guests

If you’re hosting a Christmas party and have invited guests, especially if they will spend a few nights at yours, pay extra attention to these areas to make their visit more enjoyable for you and them both:

Guest Bathrooms

In most cases, these smaller bathrooms are not used very often, so they can benefit from a quick refresh: 

• Sanitise: A quick scrub of the toilet and the bathroom sink can make the area look and feel very clean and inviting.  
• Stock Essentials: Provide soap, toilet paper, and fresh towels.
• Freshener: A spritz of air freshener can make a big difference.
• Empty Bins: Ensure trash cans are empty and leave spare bin liners at a place that is easy to find.

Fold and put away clothes and blankets for a relaxed bedroom look. Image source: www.freepik.com

Guest Bedrooms

Most of us rarely use the spare bedrooms for their designated purpose; instead, they turn into storage spaces that stay closed 99% of the time. It’s not unusual for the room to accumulate dust or to start stale, and your efforts should be aimed at these two main issues: 

• Declutter: If you use the room for storage, tidy up a bit and put all the bulky items in one place – under the bed, over the wardrobe, even next to the wall works – the goal is to prevent things from getting in the way and making the space more accessible.
• Ventilation: Open windows to air out the room.
• Dusting: Dust all surfaces.
• Vacuum & Mop: Vacuum the carpets and quickly mop the floors.
• Fresh Linens: Make the beds with clean sheets, blankets, and pillows.

Reaad also: The Only Cleaning Routine You Need to Keep Your Foldable Guest Bed Nice and Fresh

Make sure to vacuum the sofa bed for maximum comfort of your guests. Image source: www.freepik.com

Guest Beds (If You Don’t Have a Guest Bedroom)

You may have a pull-out bed or a folding sofa if you don’t have a designated guest room. These beds tend to sit unused for a long time, accumulating dust and sometimes trapping unpleasant odours. Here’s how to prepare them for your visitors: 

• Clean & Aerate: If you have a pull-out or folding bed, assemble it, vacuum it thoroughly, and leave it open to air out.
• Prepare Linens: Prepare fresh linens and blankets. If you plan on using the area during the day, you can put all the bed linens in a basket so they don’t lie around the room and give it a messy look.

Keep your Christmas cleaning routine simple for a stress-free holiday.

What NOT to Clean Before Christmas

You might be tempted to deep-clean the entire house before the holidays, but it’s crucial to prioritise and let go of some tasks if you’re short on time. Here’s what you can skip without feeling guilty:

Rugs & Carpets

Deep carpet cleaning is best left for after the holiday festivities. The increased foot traffic and potential spills during Christmas can quickly dirty your carpets again. Thorough vacuuming is sufficient for now. Also, with the colder and often more humid weather, there might not be enough time for carpets to dry if you opt for professional cleaning.

Sofa and Soft Furniture

Deep cleaning your sofa and other upholstered furniture can wait unless you’re dealing with a significant issue like a huge grease spill on the upholstery. Thorough vacuuming, including the cushions and underneath, is enough for now. You can always use throws or blankets to disguise any minor imperfections.

Deep cleaning of windows, carpets, and furniture can wait this Christmas.

Windows

While clean windows brighten a room, thorough window cleaning can be a messy and time-consuming endeavour. With shorter days and everyone gathered indoors, the impact of sparkling windows might be minimal. If you have any particularly unsightly smudges or fingerprints, a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth and window cleaner should suffice.

Focusing on these high-impact cleanups and skipping deep cleaning tasks can significantly reduce your cleaning workload and allow you to enjoy a more relaxed holiday season. We hope these tips help you have a stress-free and enjoyable Christmas!

You deserve to enjoy the holiday in a cosy and warm environment – and this shoukld be your main goal.

Enjoy Your Christmas

Remember, the holiday is about spending time with loved ones, not achieving a spotless home. Let go of the pressure to do a deep clean and focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Need Help After the Holidays?

Don’t stress about the post-holiday cleaning frenzy. Our team of expert cleaners can help you tackle any messes that may arise during the festivities. We offer professional carpet cleaning to revive carpets after heavy foot traffic and spills. Our upholstery cleaning services can restore the shine to your sofas and chairs. Our stain removal experts can make even the stubborn stains from festive drinks and food disappear without a trace. We can also help you with a professional mattress cleaning service – perfect for dealing with accidental spills or stains from those inevitable midnight holiday snacks.

Let us handle the aftermath while you relax and enjoy the memories of a wonderful Christmas.

Autumn cleaning is a great way to make your home healthier and more comfortable.

The Benefits of Autumn Cleaning

Autumn cleaning helps you prepare your home for the colder months ahead. It’s about more than just appearance; it’s about creating a healthier and more comfortable living space for the colder months. Here’s why autumn cleaning is essential:

• Increased Indoor Time: As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, we naturally spend more time indoors. A clean home is more enjoyable for gatherings and cosy nights alike.
• Seasonal Changes: Falling leaves and shifting weather can accumulate dirt and debris both inside and outside your home. Deep cleaning helps eliminate allergens and dirt built up over the summer months.
• Preparation for Winter: A thorough autumn clean can prepare your home for harsher winter conditions. Removing dust and grime prevents allergens from festering and ensures a healthier environment throughout the closed-up winter months.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Dust, pollen, and other allergens trapped in the house are more problematic during winter when we keep the windows closed most of the time. Autumn cleaning helps eliminate these irritants, improve air quality, and reduce respiratory issues.
• Preparation for Festivities: Autumn marks the beginning of exciting festivities like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A clean, organised home sets the stage for festive cheer and effortless entertaining.

Check also: 6 Ways to Keep Your Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Deep Cleaning Your Way to a Cosy Winter Haven

Now that we have outlined the importance of preparing your home for winter, let’s list the tasks to include in your autumn cleaning routine:

During the winter months, the sofa typically takes on a central role in the house.

Upholstery Cleaning 

Summer months often lead to increased sweating, leaving unsightly stains on your sofas, armchairs, and upholstered headboards. Autumn is the perfect time for deep cleaning of upholstered furniture to remove:

• Sebum Stains: These oily residues from sweat can leave your furniture dull and unclean. Professional upholstery cleaning removes these stains, restoring the fabric’s fresh look and feel.
• Allergens: Dust mites and various allergens can accumulate in upholstery over time. Deep cleaning eliminates these allergens, creating a healthier environment for everyone in your home.
• Stubborn Stains: Don’t let spills and accidents ruin your furniture. Autumn cleaning allows you to tackle stubborn stains before they become permanent.

Read also: 9 Questions About Stain Protection Treatment for Carpets and Upholstery

A clean bed ensures a healthy winter sleep.

Mattress Cleaning

A well-maintained mattress is the base for a good night’s sleep, especially during colder winter when we spend more time in bed. Here’s how to ensure your bedding stays clean and comfortable:

• Launder Your Bedding: Wash all bed linens, including mattress pads, pillows, duvets, blankets, and comforters, at high temperatures. A proper laundry routine helps remove allergens, dust mites, dead skin cells, and sebum that accumulate in the bedding.
• Deep Clean the Mattresses: There are a few things you can do to take care of your mattress by yourself. However, hiring a cleaning company ensures a truly deep clean. Professional mattress cleaners use powerful equipment to remove stains and deeply settled dirt and leave your mattress almost dry, allowing you to use it the same night.

Check also: 6 Questions About Your Mattress Answered By a Professional Cleaner

Clean carpets mean less bacteria, allergen and better air quality in the house.

Carpet Cleaning

Don’t underestimate the importance of clean carpets! Dirt and debris embedded deep within fibres can deteriorate the carpet, making it look worn out. Here’s why professional carpet cleaning is crucial:

• Improves Air Quality: Regular vacuuming is a must to remove surface dirt, but professional cleaning is necessary to remove allergens and dust mites trapped in the carpet.
• Reduces Wear and Tear: Deep cleaning removes embedded dirt, prevents damage to the carpet fibres, and extends the lifespan of your carpets.
• Deters Pests: Some pests, such as bed bugs and moths, seek warm environments to shelter in during the winter. Although your rug may not be their first choice, accumulated dirt can provide them with a food source and a place to nest. A thorough cleaning before winter ensures your carpets are hygienic for the upcoming cold months.
• Professional Expertise: Professional carpet cleaners’s powerful cleaning methods remove deeply settled dirt, dust, and allergens that a simple vacuum cannot reach. Also, you should consider getting stain protection treatment to make sure your carpets will stay fresh throughout the holidays

Read also: What Is the Best Time of the Year to Have Your Carpets Cleaned?

NB: Consider booking a carpet cleaning service until the end of November. December gets very busy, and you might be unable to hire a good cleaning company. Also, it’s better to cross this task off your autumn cleaning list and make time for shopping, end-of-term school events, decorating your home and other holiday preparations.

Curtains often accumulate dust in summer, so washing them is a key part of autumn cleaning.

Washing Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes not only add a decorative touch but also play a crucial role in regulating temperature and light control. Here’s how to take care of them during autumn cleaning:

• Wash Curtains and Sheers: Thin curtains and sheers trap dust and dirt throughout the year. Washing them removes these allergens and allows for better light penetration during the shorter winter days.
• Hang Thicker Drapes: As temperatures drop, thicker drapes become essential for insulation. Autumn cleaning is the perfect time to swap out your lightweight curtains for heavier ones that will help retain heat and create a cosy atmosphere.

Check also: The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Christmas Stains

Deep clean your oven before the holidays for stress-free cooking.

Deep Cleaning the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a clean and organised kitchen is essential for functionality and hygiene. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Appliances: Clean your oven, refrigerator, and extractor fan to ensure they work efficiently and safely. Make sure to check our detailed guides on how to clean a heavily soiled oven and how to maintain a self-cleaning oven.
• Cabinets and Pantry: Organise your cupboards and pantry and discard expired items. Rearrange your kitchen cabinets for better accessibility, especially baking supplies, pans, and all your holiday cooking equipment.
• Countertops: Clean and disinfect your blender, toaster, and coffee maker. Remove unnecessary appliances and clean the countertops under them to remove accumulated crumbs, spills, and bacteria and prepare more space for holiday cooking.

Check also: How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge

Clean windows will let more natural light during the dark, short winter days.

Window Cleaning

Clean windows not only improve the appearance of your home but also allow for more natural light, which is especially important during the shorter winter days. Here’s how to clean your windows:

• Remove Curtains and Blinds: Take down your curtains and blinds for a more thorough cleaning.
• Wash Windows: Use a glass cleaner and a soft microfibre cloth to clean the inside and outside of your windows.
• Clean Frames, Sills, and Tracks: Don’t forget to wipe the window frames and window sills to remove any dust and fingerprints. Gen the vacuum and remove all dirt trapped in the window tracks to prevent it from getting inside.

You might also like: 7 Ideas for Dealing with Mould at Home

Leaves and dirt trapped in the gutters can lead to serious leaks and water damage.

Outdoor Maintenance

While the focus of autumn cleaning is primarily indoors, there are also some outdoor tasks to consider:

• Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris trapped in your gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. If you want to avoid doing this chore over and over, you can get Hedgehog Gutter Brush protector*. This inexpensive product works wonders in preventing leaves from getting stuck in gutters and drains.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Prune any dead or overgrown branches to prevent damage during storms and improve the appearance of your outdoor space.
• Take Care of Outdoor Furniture: If you have garden furniture, clean it and store it in a dry place for the winter to protect it from weathering.

*We’re not affiliated with this product in any way, but based on our experience, we can confidently recommend it.

Check also: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On How Often to Clean Everything Around the House

You don’t need to buy expensive things to make your place appear more homely.

Making Your Home More Cosy

Sometimes, it’s the little things that help us turn our home into a more enjoyable and comfortable space for the winter months. Here are some additional tips to help spruce up your space:

• Declutter and Organise: Store the items you won’t need in winter to make your home look calmer and more spacious. 
• Layer Soft Furnishings: Add throws, cushions, and blankets to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Change the Lighting: Opt for warmer LED bulbs and place a few floor and table lamps strategically to improve the ambience.
• Add Seasonal Decor: Create a festive atmosphere by incorporating seasonal decorations like candles, garlands, and festive centrepieces.

Follow our autumn cleaning tips to transform your home into a cosy and inviting sanctuary for the winter months. Enjoy creating a clean and healthy living space, and relish the peace of mind that comes with a well-prepared home.

5 Factors to Consider Before Cleaning Your Watch

In general, cleaning a watch is not complicated. However, there are a few important things to take in mind before you get started to help you do an excellent job and protect your precious watch from damage. Here are the factors you need to consider when cleaning your watch at home:

Water Resistance

Water resistance is the most crucial factor when it comes to cleaning your watch. If your timepiece is not water-resistant (most vintage watches fall in this category), it requires different cleaning and care than most contemporary watches. Even if the tiniest amount of water or soap of water gets into the case of a timepiece with no water resistance, it can damage it.

Crown and Pushers

Even water-resistant watches can be damaged by water and cleaning products if the crown is not screwed or pushed completely; otherwise, the case might not be sealed. Always check if the crown is in a closed position and avoid working the pusher buttons when cleaning your timepiece to ensure no water will get into the case.

Read also: How to Care for Your Designer Togo Sofa

Age and Last Servicing Date

Knowing your watch’s age and last servicing date are as important as knowing its water resistance. Timepieces that are older models or have been used a long time without, and those that haven’t been serviced for several years usually have diminished water resistance. Gaskets age, dry and become brittle over time, and the risk of water ingress gets higher. If you have any concerns over the effective water resistance of your luxurious watch, we recommend you bring it to a reputable watchmaker for inspection and servicing.

Materials of the Watch

Different materials require different cleaning approaches, tools and products to do the job without scratching or damaging your timepiece. For example, you can clean stainless steel and titanium safely with a soft brush. However, if your timepiece has a gold or satin finish, brushing it can damage the metal, so it’s better to use a microfibre cloth. You should also check the material of your watch crystal. Sapphire is quite firm and durable, while acrylic and hesalite crystals can easily scratch when cleaning the watch. So before cleaning your watch, it is wise to know its materials. If you don’t keep the original user manual of your timepiece, check the manufacturer’s website or contact the seller to get detailed info about your watch. 

Set a Safe Cleaning Space 

Whenever you’re cleaning your luxury watch, you should make sure to do it over a protected surface. Watches can become quite slippery during the cleaning and fall out of your hands. To avoid damage, place a layered towel over a flat surface – it will catch any potential slips and also help soak any water splashes. 

You might also like: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Water-resistant watches like this Omega Seamaster are very easy to clean as long as you service them regularly.

How to Clean a Water Resistant Watch?  

If your watch has a water resistance of 50 meters and above, it can withstand being wet-cleaned. Also, if your watch’s strap or bracelet is made from a water-resistant material – like metal or rubber, you can keep it and clean the watch along with it. However, if the bracelet is made of leather or any other non-water-resistant material, you should detach it and clean it separately.

You will need:

• Dry towel to lay over your workspace
• Gentle liquid soap 
• Warm water
• Bowl
• A soft brush (a soft toothbrush will do) for stainless steel watches or microfibre cloth for gold watches
• Microfiber cloth for drying

Cleaning instructions:

1. Fill your bowl with warm water, add a few drops of soap and mix until you have a soapy solution.
2. Dip the brush into the solution, and gently brush the watch to remove the dirt. If your watch has a satin finish or a precious metal finish (such as gold), you will want to use a microfiber cloth or even just with your hands to avoid scratching its surface.
3. Gently rinse the watch with clean water. If your watch has a moderate water resistance (50 meters to 100 meters), you can quickly dip it in a bowl filled with clean water. Watches with excellent water resistance (100 meters and above) can be placed directly under a running water faucet. 
4. Dry your watch completely with a soft microfiber cloth.

You might also like: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

Vintage watches, dress watches, and timepieces like this pocket watch usually are non-water-resistant.

How to Clean a Watch with Little or No Water Resistance?

If your watch has little to no water resistance (30 meters or less), you’ll need similar tools and materials to clean it; however, the cleaning steps are quite different. You should avoid getting your timepiece wet and submerge it in water at all cost; otherwise, you risk significant damage. 

You will need:

• Dry towel to lay over your workspace
• Gentle liquid soap 
• Warm water
• Bowl
• Soft brush
• 2 microfibre cloths
• Dry, fluffy cloth

Cleaning instructions:

1. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away any dirt or debris that have accumulated on the watch face or band.
2. Use a mixture of mild soap and water to clean the watch. Dip a microfibre cloth into the mixture and wring out the excess water. The cloth should be slightly damp. Use it to gently scrub the watch, and be careful not to get water into the watch’s case and mechanisms.
3. Dry the watch thoroughly with a clean, soft microfibre cloth.
4. Use the dry, fluffy cloth to remove any moisture from the watch’s band, case and crystal.  

Suppose you are cleaning a vintage piece without any water resistance. In that case, we recommend brushing it only with a soft dry brush to remove any debris physically and then cleaning it with polishing cloths for fine metal. They will remove any dirt and polish the face and bracelet without scratching the surface. You can use such cloth on gold, silver and other precious materials; however, they are not suitable for cleaning watches with a satin finish.

You might also like: How to Care About Velvet Furniture the Right Way

Don’t forget to clean the strap or bracelet of the watch as this helps the timepiece maintain its overall look.

How to Clean the Watch Strap?

If either your watch or watch strap is water resistant, but not both, you should detach them and clean them separately. When cleaning the strap of your timepiece, you should consider its water resistance, age, material, construction, etc. All these factors matter if you want to clean the bracelet or strap of your watch safely and efficiently. 

Cleaning Water Resistant Straps and Bracelets

A lot of contemporary watches have steel, titanium or rubber straps or bracelets. These are very durable materials, and they are quite easy to clean. Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to remove dirt and debris built on the strap and clasp. Put the watch strap or bracelet under running water to rinse it. After that, dry the strap with a clean microfibre cloth. 

When it comes to bracelets made from precious metals, such as platinum or gold, as well as watches with a satin finish, it’s best to avoid using brushes as they might scratch the metal surface. Instead, you can use an extra soft microfibre cloth dipped in soap and water. Scrub the bracelet gently, then rinse it clean and dry it with a soft microfibre towel.

Cleaning Leather Straps  

The first thing you need to know when dealing with leather watch straps is never to use wet wipes, alcohol or soap, as these products will dry the leather and can even ruin it. Before cleaning the strap, it’s worth checking what type of leather it is made from. If you are still determining what type of leather you’re dealing with and how to care about it, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s website.

If the watch strap is made from leather or another water-sensitive material, you must apply a gentler cleaning process. Use a very slightly damp cloth on the strap to remove dust and dirt without scrubbing hard. This method is suitable for leather like grain calf, shark or alligator. 

However, super matte leathers and also straps made from nubuck or suede are more susceptible to absorbing oils and water. The safest cleaning approach for straps made from these materials is using a soft dry brush or dry microfibre cloth to brush the surface gently.

In the long run, it’s worth getting a leather care kit to keep the leather’s excellent appearance over the years. These kits usually contain all the products and materials needed to maintain the material’s beauty and durability.

Read also: What you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it!

Cleaning Fabric Watch Bands 

Many smartwatches, including the new Apple Watch Ultra, come with fabric straps. Most of them are made from synthetic materials because they are durable and versatile. To clean your fabric watch band, detach it from the timepiece and wash it using mild detergent and lukewarm water. You can also throw it in the washing machine; however, make sure to set the lowest temperature setting as high temperatures can shrink the synthetic material.  

By following these steps, you can keep your luxurious watch looking its best and ensure that it continues to function properly for years to come. It’s also a good idea to have your watch professionally serviced on a regular basis to ensure that it is running smoothly and to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

A cleaner fridge is not only a pleasant sight, but also helps improve the overall hygiene in your home.

There are some household chores that many of us are guilty of ignoring, especially in areas that are out of sight of visitors. As you want to maintain a clean home, you may prioritise vacuuming, mopping, and sanitising surfaces. Yet, you might be surprised to learn that germs can accumulate in places you might not expect, which can affect the air quality, odour, and health of your household. For example, a lot of people often forget to clean the fridge. If you are guilty of neglecting this chore, it is time to make things right, as the appliance can turn into heaven for germs and develop an unpleasant smell. Keep reading to find out why and how often you should clean your fridge.

Check also: The Best Infographic Cheat Sheet on How Often to Clean Everything in Our Home

Why Do You Need to Clean Your Fridge Regularly

At Cleaner Cleaner, we have been helping our customers enjoy sparkling clean homes for 14 years due to our professional cleaning services. When we ask how often people clean their fridges, most people will answer never. Yet, little do they know that they are adding germs into their fridge each time they buy food and place it inside the appliance. Keep in mind that when you buy any food from the supermarket, you’re not the only person handling it. Each item has passed through the hands of other customers touching the products, staff stacking the items on shelves, and warehouse employees packing the goods. This means that these products have a considerable amount of germs on them. When you put food in a fridge without cleaning the appliance nor the packaging, these microbes can stay in there for a long time. Plus, all bacteria and germs multiply over time and are not affected by low temperatures.  

Read also: The Ultimate Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

How Often to Clean the Refridgerator? 

To remove bacteria and prevent foul odours and mould growth, we recommend cleaning your fridge at least once every three months. The thorough disinfection of the appliance will help protect your property and health, as bacteria and mould can make you sick. Besides wiping the shelves, there are a few more things you can do to keep your fridge clean and germ-free.

You might also like: Ultimate Guide on How to Clean a Heavily Soiled Oven

Over-stuffing the fridge makes it harder to clean the appliance.

Avoid Overstuffing the Appliance

Although it is tempting to buy some items in bulk (especially at promotional prices), try not to store too many goods in the fridge. Less packed goods in the appliance will help minimise the bacteria inside. Also, fruits and veggies often have a short shelf-life, which is why you should use them within a few days of purchase. When storing less fresh produce, you will prevent it from rotting away. This also helps the fruits and veggies maintain their health benefits. If you don’t use fresh produce within a few days of purchase, the nutritional value drops to zero.

Read also: How to Clean and Maintain Your Self-Cleaning Oven

Keep Your Fridge Drain Clear

Every refrigerator features a drain, which must be free from obstruction at all times. It helps remove the condensed water and support evaporation. However, if the drain gets blocked, this leads to higher condensation inside the fridge, pooling of liquids, and increased bacteria and mould. For this reason and to ensure you and your household or office stays healthy, you must remove blockages and keep the drain free from any obstruction.

Check also: The Ultimate Autumn Cleaning Checklist to prepare Your Home for Winter

Deal With Bad Smells in a Safe Way

Fridges can develop unpleasant smells over time due to a build-up of dirt and germs. Regular cleaning of the refrigerator will minimise the unpleasant odours. Adding an air fridge freshener like Croc’Odor, for example, also draws nasty smells away. It will not affect your food’s safety, freshness, or taste, and it features a temperature indicator to protect it. Suppose you are a fan of simpler solutions – you can put a bowl with baking soda inside the appliance as it has strong deodorising qualities. If you are going away on holiday or your rental property is untenanted for a while, etc., you might want to save by turning your fridge off. In this case, it is good to make sure the door is left ajar because this can also lead to foul odours and mould growth.