What to Clean When You’ve Cleaned Everything

Your surfaces are sanitized and the doorknobs are disinfected, but there’s always more cleaning to do around your home. Aside from the weekly Sunday sweep, there are bigger projects to tackle and our MasterCare Team is here to walk you through the process.

From maintaining your mechanical and ventilation systems to cleaning your appliances and outdoor spaces, this article pinpoints what to clean when you’ve already cleaned everything.

This includes your:

• heat recovery ventilation (HRV) unit and air filters;
• kitchen appliances such as the fridge and the oven;
• bathroom walls, sinks, tubs, and the toilets; windows, vent covers, and fans; and
• garage, porch, deck, and the exterior of your home.

Mechanical Components and Appliances

There are 5 main mechanical components and appliances that need to be cleaned: the oven, fridge, HRV unit, duct system, and dishwasher.

1. Oven and stove top—before cranking up the heat on the self-cleaning option, eliminate the risk of fire and smoke by cleaning out food debris from inside. When wiping down the stove top, using warm water and soap or an oven cleaner is effective, and replacing or cleaning the filter in your range hood exhaust fan has a big impact on the cleanliness of your home.
2. Fridge and freezer—don’t wait until you smell rotting food before cleaning out the refrigerator; clear everything out, toss old leftovers in the garbage, and give the inside a complete wipe down. Don’t forget to clean crispers, condiment shelves, and the seal along the inside of the door.
3. Dishwasher and sink—a clogged dishwasher or kitchen sink can lead to costly repairs that aren’t covered under your MasterCare Warranty. It’s best to clear out the drain and run a cleaning cycle once or twice a month, and don’t pour grease down the sink!
4. Ventilation ducts—while it’s recommended to clean your ducts once every 3–5 years, routinely cleaning vent covers will improve the quality of air in your home. Take them off when possible; otherwise, wipe the covers with a damp cloth or duster to remove dirt and hair.
5. HRV unit—let a professional handle any major maintenance to the system, but we advise cleaning or replacing the filter every 3–6 months. The air filter is easily located behind the lower panel.

The number one way to make cleaning your mechanical and appliances easier is to stay on top of it. To prevent the tasks (and the dirt) from piling up, create a cleaning schedule and stick to it.

Put some elbow grease in your deep clean

Nobody likes to deep clean their house, but if your toaster oven triggers the smoke alarm, your carpet smells like a dog, and you’re embarrassed by the water stains on the bathtub, it’s time to bust out the elbow grease.

When choosing a cleaning solution, always read the instructions. Some products shouldn’t be used on specific surfaces—for example, certain countertop cleaners are harmful to hardwood flooring.

It’s also important to wear rubber gloves when handling disinfectants and ensuring proper ventilation in smaller spaces such as the bathroom. Strong cleaning chemicals are damaging to your skin and lungs—we suggest using environmentally-friendly products whenever possible as such.

When doing your deep clean, don’t forget to tackle the:

• Microwave and toaster oven—be sure to remove crumbs and other food scraps
• Carpets and curtains
• Windows and windowsills
• Vent covers, floor fans, and ceiling fans
• Sinks, tubs, and toilets—remember to clean the base and behind the toilet as well

To keep your house spick and span, check out Molly Maids’ Deep Cleaning Checklist.

Keeping your home clean—inside and out

Now that you’ve conquered the indoors, it’s time to clean your outside spaces including the exterior of your home. This includes wiping down the outside windowpanes and ledges; decluttering the porch and backyard deck; and sweeping the garage floor and removing any unwanted items.

Rodents and pests can create havoc in your garage if you aren’t proactive—keep your garbage cans tidy and secure, and be sure to take them out on the collection day in your community.

It’s recommended to clean your home’s exterior at least once a year. Not only does it keep your house looking new, but it helps you identify any areas of concern before they turn into massive repairs. A power washer is the quickest and safest way to clean your siding.

One of the easiest ways to prevent damage to the outside of your home is to keep your eavestrough clear of debris—clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof, the walls, and even the foundation. When cleaning the eaves, be mindful of ladder safety or hire a professional to prevent personal injury.

For more information on maintaining your Minto home, including how to protect your property from damage not covered under warranty, contact the MasterCare Team today.