‘Tis the season to think about decluttering, putting away seasonal clothes and all that jazz. But today we’re going to dive deeper into some lesser-known areas that homeowners may have neglected to clean. I have put off some of these areas myself in the past. But now that we’re almost in spring cleaning mode, let this serve as a helpful guide for all of us to tackle cleaning before problems arise!
Range Hood
Full Kitchen Sources
I looked at our hood the other day, and there were drops of grease hanging from the back. I thought to myself “Awful. Get your life together, Chris.” So often we look down at our cooking food and not look up. But here’s why it’s important: Your range collects airborne grease, oil, smoke and fumes every time you heat the pan. A quick clean with warm water and a strong degreaser can do wonders.
Don’t forget the filter. Metal mesh filters should be cleaned regularly (depending on use). Be sure to turn off the power to the range hood, then remove the mesh filter and check for holes or corrosion. Replace if you see any damage. Otherwise, wash the filter in a sink of warm water with degreasing dish soap. If your hood filter has disposable charcoal filters, you’ll need to replace them once or twice a year, according to Bosch. You will find them between the fan and the intake assembly. Most assemblies snap onto the fan, so you can open them by unzipping them. If it’s been a while (like years) since you’ve serviced it, you may need to clean the fan, air intake and inside of the hood with degreaser or dish soap. Dry everything before reassembling.
Faucet aerators
Sink | Faucet | Dish Towel
Another insidious area that benefits from cleaning is the faucet nozzles in your house. These bathroom and kitchen aerators can get really clogged with mineral deposits over time, which can affect water pressure. Simply unscrew the aerator counterclockwise by hand or with pliers to lock the channel. (Go gently and add masking tape to the jaws of the pliers for extra caution against scratches). Disassemble the aerator with a toothpick, paying attention to the assembly sequence. Clean any larger deposits with a paper clip or sewing needle. Soak all parts of the aerator in vinegar overnight or if it is very dirty, lime-dissolving solution to dissolve mineral deposits. Use a toothbrush or cloth to wipe. If you see rust on the screen, you will need to replace the part (or the entire assembly). Reassemble the parts in reverse order and screw the aerator clockwise back onto the faucet spout. If the water seems to be leaking, just tighten it slightly with pliers.
Water filter
The dreaded “replace the filter” light on the fridge comes on more than it should, am I right? I guess it just means we’re staying well hydrated (or maybe eating too much pasta – if there is such a thing). Whether you have a unit in the fridge, a reverse osmosis system or a classic Brita jug, you will need to change those filters often. A great tip is to buy two filters the next time you order, so you have one to replace now and one ready to use. Or sign up for a subscription and save option based on how often you usually change them, maybe quarterly.
Dyer Vent
Complete Laundry Sources | Bradley Teal/Teal rug
Did you know that unclean dryer vents are a leading contributor to dryer fires? The National Fire Reporting System says that 31% of clothes dryer fires are down to that simple fact. Terrible! Although cleaning the lint filter is a fairly familiar task (it should be done every time!), the dryer vent is often overlooked. You should have them cleaned once a year by a professional or you can do it yourself with a vent brush if you have the know-how. If your clothes are taking longer to dry than usual, the reason could be a clogged dryer vent.
Dishwasher filter
You’re not alone if you’ve only ever thought about cleaning up when your dishwasher stops working properly. But fear not, this one pays off quickly. The dishwasher filter really only needs to be washed. It is a filter that is built into the dishwasher, but it can be removed quite easily. Our dishwasher will beep to remind me to do this or clear the prompt. But once I just kept deleting the notification over and over and the dishwasher didn’t drain properly. Water was pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher. So don’t let it happen to you. I’ve started cleaning ours about once a quarter so there’s no more pesky buildup.
Air filters – calendar reminder
Many new homeowners don’t realize that air filters should be changed every 60-90 days for the best air quality, according to the EPA. These air filters protect your HVAC system, which because of the cost, you don’t want to degrade any faster than it does. You’ll find your air return in either the ceiling or wall of your home — there’s usually at least one per HVAC system. Simply open each air return, grab the size of the filter on the current filter and throw it away. Then the next time you’re at a hardware store or a big box retailer like Wal-Mart, grab a multi-pack so you’re ready for the next quarter as well. You can keep a note of the sizes on your phone, then set a calendar reminder — say, the first of the month — to buy more. There are even subscription services for air filters that make it really easy.
Bonus tip: Consider the MERV rating (or air filter’s mesh weave impermeability) before purchasing. Too high and you’re taxing your HVAC system. Too low and you’re letting a lot of dust and allergens into your air. The EPA recommends a MERV rating of 13, which is toward the high end for residential use and suitable for most modern HVAC systems. Our pleated air filters help clean out pet dander and cut dust – all essential for spring cleaning.
Oven Window
Cleaning the outside of the oven window is as easy as a quick wipe down with glass cleaning spray and some stainless steel cleaner (if you have a stainless steel oven, of course). But the “fun” starts when you get to the inside of the oven. . The best homemade solution for an interior window is a paste of baking soda and water, with a few drops of degreasing soap (such as Dawn). Apply the paste to the glass and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then you can clean it with a non-abrasive sponge and dry it. A microfiber cloth can help achieve that smudge-free shine. It’s great to do it 1-2 times a month if you cook a lot.
If you don’t see any progress with the stuck sprays, I have a trick that has worked in the past. Use a single blade razor blade (they also make oven scrapers) and wet the glass with the water or solution above. Then just scrape the flat edge in overlapping rows until you can see clearly (rain — ahem, gunk — gone). It works wonders when all else fails.
Your turn!
The key is not to try to solve all of this in one weekend. Spread them out, play some music, enlist your significant other or roommate to introduce themselves. Create quarterly reminders to help you stay on track with cleaning. All of these can help keep your home and appliances running and avoid potentially expensive repairs (or worse).