For most of us, finding ways to cut down on cleaning time, while still keeping an orderly and hygienic home, is welcome information. Believe it or not, there are things or places in your home that you might be cleaning too often (surprising, we know, considering you probably think the opposite). So put down that sponge or drop the broom (at least for now) and take that time you used to spend cleaning to just relax and enjoy yourself!
Clothes
If you seem to spend most of your free time in the laundry room, you are probably washing your clothes too often. Unless you have a really dirty job, sweat profusely, or are a slob and drop food everywhere, most clothes can be worn more than once.
There are exceptions, of course. Underwear, socks, workout gear, and anything worn close to the body should be washed after every wearing.
But just think how many fewer loads of laundry you could be doing if every person in your house didn’t toss a shirt in the hamper after just trying it on or you took the time to hang up your clothes after wearing so they don’t end up in a daunting pile on your floor or chair, which inevitably almost always ends up in your laundry. You’ll have free time and save money on electricity, water, and laundry products.
Dirty Dishes
Skip sink duty after a meal. You are wasting time and water if you rinse dirty dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You may even end up with dishes that aren’t clean at the end of the dishwasher cycle.
Dishwasher detergent powders, liquids, and tablets contain enzymes that attach themselves to food particles to dissolve the mess and then allow the spray action of the water to flush them away. When you prerinse the dishes, the detergent can’t cling and is just wasted.
Think of all that water you use to pre-rinse dishes. We bet you leave the faucet running during the entire process. That can waste more than 6,000 gallons of water per year.
It is important to scrape away large amounts of food before loading dishes into the dishwasher. And you shouldn’t leave dirty dishes sitting in the sink or dishwasher for days. If you only have a half-full dishwasher and you want to wait until the next meal to complete a wash cycle, run a ‘rinse only’ cycle. You’ll still save time and water.
Bedspreads, Quilts, and Comforters
Bedcoverings are a hassle to clean because of their size. So, unless you live in your bed or have lots of pets that do, no need to wash them weekly. Clean them at the end of every season instead.
Check the fabric care tag because most bedding can be washed. If you don’t have a large, front-loading washer, take the big items to a laundromat. For just a couple of dollars, you’ll have clean linens in less than an hour.
If you and your pets do live in your bed, cover heavy bedding with a sheet that can be tossed in the washer. Spot clean any spills or pet accidents on bedding immediately.
Bed Pillows
Bed sheets and pillowcases need to be washed weekly because they come in direct contact with our skin and body soil. But bed pillows only need to be washed every three to six months. Washing more often will wear them out quickly.
Almost all bed pillows (feather, polyester-filled, or foam) can be washed at home. Just be sure to allow enough time for pillows to dry thoroughly before bedtime!
Source: The Spruce
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