4 Areas You Didn’t Know You Needed To Clean
Keeping up with all the areas we need to clean in our homes can be overwhelming. So we decided to help demystify the cleaning process by outlining some of the most overlooked spaces to clean. Below we’ve highlighted 4 often-forgotten areas in your home that deserve your attention next cleaning day.
Dishwasher Filter
Noticing a difference in your dishwasher’s ability to clean your dishes? Still having left over food, grit, and grime even after running a cycle? Sounds like it’s time to deep clean your dishwasher filter using the following steps:
- Remove the filter from the base of the dishwasher
- Rinse away gunk and debris
- Spray with your favorite cleaner or Dawn Dish Soap and gently scrub away any remaining grime stuck on the filter
- NOTE: Do not use a wire brush or scouring pad as those may damage your filter
- Place the filter back in the unit and you’re done!
- Repeat this process monthly to maintain the quality of your dishwasher’s performance
Washing Machine Filter
Did you know that grime can build up inside your washing machine leading to contamination of future loads and even staining? Lots of dirt and debris can get stuck in your washing machine’s drain pump filter. Follow these steps to ensure your washing machine stays clean and clear:
- Remove your filter (have a cup or bucket handy to collect the water that will pour out from the small drain)
- Pull off any debris like hair, lint, etc.
- Soak the filter in vinegar for 10 minutes
- While the filter is soaking, scrub the inside of the canal with a little bit of dawn dish soap and water or a paper towel soaked with vinegar
- Scrub with a cleaning brush
- Rinse off and add back to the machine
- Clean your drain pump filter around once a month for optimal results!
Check out our blog on Cleaning Tricky Areas to learn more about deep cleaning your washing machine!
AC Filter
Regularly cleaning your air conditioning filter is essential for efficiency, lower energy bills, and a longer system lifespan. It improves airflow, enhances energy efficiency, and maintains good indoor air quality. Follow the steps below to keep your air fresh:
- Remove your filter
- Scrap off any thick sheets of dust that have collected
- Spray your filter with a gentle cleaning spray and rinse away additional debris
- Allow to air dry in a sunny spot until completely dry
- Wipe away any dust or hair stuck in the slats of the machine before placing filter back into the unit
- Clean around once a month to avoid allergy triggers and keep your air fresh!
Dyson Vacuum Filter
Let’s face it, we put our vacuums to WORK! They need some TLC too to ensure they continue to work efficiently. Follow these steps to clean the Dyson V8 vacuum filter
- Center Filter:
- Empty the contents of the vacuum into the trash by lifting the read lever
- Pinch the purple circle in the center of the vacuum and pull toward you
- Tap the filter over the trash can (pinched part facing down) until a large portion of the dust is out
- Run under warm water, continuing to tap the bottom of the filter (pinched part) on the base of your sink to get out excess dust.
- When the water runs clear, gently squeeze the water out of the filter
- Allow to air-dry in a sunny spot until completely dry (at least 24 hours!)
- Top Filter:
- For the top portion of the filter, turn the purple top to the right to release from the machine
- Tap over the trash to remove excess dust
- Run under warm water, tapping to release additional dust as you go
- Once the water runs clear, allow the filter to air-dry in a sunny spot until completely dry (at least 24 hours!)
- NOTE: Make sure to gently touch the internal slats to ensure they are fully dry before screwing your filter back onto your vacuum.
- Clean once a month to ensure a long life for your machine!
Checkout your vacuum’s brand website if you have a different model or type of vacuum to learn how to clean those specific filters!
We always recommend prioritizing organizing your space before embarking on a deep cleaning journey. Once everything has a home, it is infinitely easier to keep your space clean and tidy! Horderly has plenty of resources on our blog, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok to help you get started! If you’re looking for a more hands on approach, we offer in-home and virtual organizing services to help you create the organized home you deserve!
For more information on all things Horderly- including lots of great tips, tricks, and other #HorderlyHabits- check out our blog or reach out for more information!
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