Even if you’re not a neat freak, there’s probably nothing quite as satisfying as walking into your house after it’s just been cleaned. While you might tackle dusting and vacuuming your bedroom and lounge, and scrubbing the bathroom, when last did you consider the ceiling fan, washing machine or your pillows?
Here are five places you probably didn’t know need a clean:
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Coffee machine
How often do you deep-clean your coffee machine? You may throw out the leftover coffee and rinse it with water every day, but that is not enough. To get rid of pesky stains, give your machine a thorough clean once a week.
Cleaning tip: Run a brewing cycle with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar mixed into the water content, followed by a couple of cycles of clean water in your drip coffee maker. You’ll enjoy that next cuppa joe so much more knowing your machine is sparkling from the inside out.
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Ice maker
Take a very close look at your ice machine – when was the last time you gave it a good scrub? You may not realise it, but a dirty ice maker affects the taste of your water you pour into it. It’s a best to clean this appliance at least twice a year.
Cleaning tip: Unplug your refrigerator and take out the ice bin. Empty the container and clean it with dishwashing liquid and warm water. (You can substitute the soap with 2 tablespoons of vinegar if you’d prefer). Once you’ve cleaned your machine, plug the fridge back in and push the button to make a fresh batch of ice. Remember to check your filters at least once a month and replace them every six months.
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Pillows
Our pillowcases are regulars in the washing machine, but we often neglect to clean our pillows. That trusted pillow you rest your head on every night could be a breeding ground for bacteria – think sweat, saliva and even oils. Yuck!
Cleaning tip: Read the cleaning instructions on the label before you attempt to wash a pillow. If your washing machine has a gentle wash cycle, throw the pillows in and run them in for a wash complete with detergent. Hang the pillow up in the sun or pop them in the dryer with two tennis balls. (The tennis balls will prevent the filling in the pillows from clumping.)
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Ceiling fans
They keep us cool during summer and can add a decorative touch to a room – but how often do you clean your ceiling fan when it’s not in use? Before you turn on your fan the next time the temperature rises, stop and take a look at the top of the blades. You may just find they are covered in sheets of dust!
Cleaning tip: Slip a pillowcase over each blade to lightly wipe off the dust (this is a clever trick so the dust won’t go flying). Dip a microfibre cloth in all-purpose cleaner mixed with warm water and wipe again. Ensure that the fan is completely dry before switching it on. Now you can enjoy a dust-free breeze!
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Washing machine
Even though we use our washing machine to clean our dirty laundry, we often forget to clean out the inside of the washing machine itself (ironic, we know). Failing to clean your washer can lead to a build-up of dirt, grime and bacteria that can filter into your clothes. You should give your machine a good clean at least once a month.
Cleaning tip: Add four cups of white vinegar to the drum or pour it into the slot where you add your detergent. Set your machine to the 90°C and let it run through a full cycle. Add half a cup of baking soda and let it run for another cycle. Once finished, wipe the inside with a damp microfibre cloth. After this, your machine will be as clean as a whistle (and your clothes).
