You opened your water bottle and—ewww! Mold! Keeping your home and daily use items clean can feel like a never-ending battle. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to make your cleaning schedule manageable and maybe even a little fun. Let’s dive in!

Phone

• Make it a habit to wipe down your phone screen and around the case at least once a day. It’s a great way to keep those smudges and germs at bay.

• Every few days, remove your phone case and give the back of your phone a good wipe. Clean the inside and outside of the case as well.

• While you don’t need to clean out the ports daily, make sure to do it about once a week. It’ll help keep your phone in good working order and prevent gunk from building up.

Water Bottle

• If you use your water bottle for anything other than water, clean it daily. 

• Rinse the bottle with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry. 

• Even if you only use your bottle for water, it should be deep cleaned once a week.

  How to:

• Fill the bottle with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda or vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Scrub with a bottle brush, rinse well, and let it air dry. Make sure it is entirely dry before recapping. Germs need a moist location to grow.

Windows

Clean your windows at least twice a year. Ideally in the spring and fall.

How to:

• Start by dusting the window frames and sills.

• Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar.

• Wipe one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. If streaks form, you'll know which side they’re on.

Air Conditioning

Depending on the type of filter, change it every 1 to 3 months. Pleated filters can last up to 90 days.

How to:

• Turn off the air conditioning unit.

• Locate the filter (usually behind a vent or inside the unit).

• Remove the old filter and insert the new one.

• Turn the unit back on.

Bathroom

Deep clean your bathroom every 1-2 weeks to prevent mildew and other buildup.

How to:

• Scrub the shower, tub, sink, and toilet with a bathroom cleaner.

• Use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas and grout.

• Wipe down all surfaces and mirrors.

• Mop the floor and clean the trash bin.

Oven

To maintain efficiency and avoid buildup that affects food taste, clean your oven every 3 months.

How to:

• Remove the racks and clean them separately.

• Use a store-bought oven cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the interior surfaces and let it sit overnight.

• Scrub with a sponge and rinse thoroughly.

• Wipe down the oven door and replace the racks.

Linen

Change and clean your towels and bed sheets every week to maintain hygiene.

How to:

• Wash towels in hot water with a good quality detergent. Add a bit of vinegar to remove any odors.

• Remove the sheets and pillowcases from your bed and wash them in warm water and a quality detergent. Dry thoroughly to avoid mildew.

• TIP: Avoid using fabric softener on towels to keep them absorbent. Consider adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the rinse cycle for a fresh smell.

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your home (and phone) sparkling clean with ease. Go forth and conquer that cleaning schedule like the boss you are!