Home maintenance: Expert tips for monthly cleaning and baseboard care

Experts recommend monthly cleaning routines for specific household items that are often overlooked. One critical area is ceiling fan blades; dust accumulation on these blades can circulate through a room when the fan is in use, potentially aggravating allergies. To clean them, the power should be disconnected, and blades should be wiped with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.

It is also essential to maintain cleaning tools themselves. Microfiber cloths, mops, sponges, and brushes should be inspected monthly. Dirty cloths can simply redistribute grime, so items like mop covers and cloths should be laundered, while sponges that are worn or retain odors should be replaced. Cleaning buckets should be washed and dried before storage.

For maintaining baseboards without bending over, several techniques are suggested. Using a vacuum with a long brush attachment is an efficient first step to remove loose dust. Alternatively, a microfiber cloth can be attached to a mop head to wipe surfaces. For light maintenance, long-handled dusters or a broom wrapped in a cloth can effectively manage dust in corners and along wall junctions.