For 2023, it’s time to think beyond the basics when it comes to at-home cleaning and home health in general. We’re shining a UV-light on those neglected areas of the house that really need our attention… and a good disinfectant spray.
![Brain Drain A clean kitchen sink](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1-sink-drain.jpg)
Brain Drain
Be it the kitchen sink, bathroom vanity or family bathtub, now’s the time to ease the strain on those drains. By regularly removing food particles, hair and soap scum (yuck), you’re ensuring bigger clogs — that cost big bucks to deal with — don’t happen down the road.
![Fan Out Cabin-inspired living room with bright white shiplap, faux wood beams and black metal and wood ceiling fan in Muskoka, Ontario, as seen on Scott’s Vacation House Rules on HGTV Canada](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2-what-to-clean-HGTV-ceiling-fan.jpg)
Fan Out
Fans are a godsend in the summertime and smart way to move around heat in the winter, but they’re also fantastic at flinging built-up dust, grime, pollen and other allergens around a room. Take the time to climb up and regularly wipe down the blades and body with a gentle disinfectant.
![Walled In Breakfast nook in with a feature wall with pink colour blocked shapes painted on as seen on Save My Reno on HGTV Canada](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3-what-to-clean-HGTV-walls.jpg)
Walled In
When a room isn’t properly ventilated and air flow is limited, it can lead to dust, dust mites and cobwebs really building up on the wall, which can affect allergies and asthma. Start regularly wiping them down with a sponge and a simple-yet-effective cleaning solution of warm water and clear dish soap.
![Turn Up the Base Beautiful hallway with vintage front doors with glass panes, wood floors, a black and white runner, exposed beams on the ceiling and a black art gallery wall as seen on Fixer to Fabulous on HGTV Canada](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4-what-to-clean-HGTV-baseboards.jpg)
Turn Up the Base
In a busy household, baseboards get a real beating, from muddy soccer cleats in the front hall to greasy spaghetti-sauce splashes in the kitchen. Once a month, get down on their level and give them a thorough wipe down. Not only will removing accumulated grime leave a healthier home, but it also gives a room a visual boost.
![Clear Views Clear Views](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5-what-to-clean-HGTV-shower-glass.jpg)
Clear Views
If you have glass shower doors, chances are you’re not cleaning them often enough. Squeegeeing them after each shower is a great start but, to prevent soap scum build-up and mould, these doors should be cleaned with glass cleaner every two days.
![Consider It Handled Woman disinfects door handle with spray bottle and cloth](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6-what-to-clean-HGTV-door-handle.jpg)
Consider It Handled
We’ve all become way more conscious of touching (or not touching) public doorknobs over the past two years, but are you taking the same consideration in your own home? Disinfect all door handles and light switches twice a week to help prevent the spread of viruses inside the house.
![Take Out the Trash Stainless steel garbage bin sitting on the floor of a kitchen](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/7-what-to-clean-HGTV-garbage-bin.jpg)
Take Out the Trash
Salmonella, Listeria, and E-Coli are just a few of the unpleasant bacteria that could be lurking inside your garbage bin. So when you take out the trash, be sure to sanitize the bin and let it dry before a new bag goes in.
![Machine Maintenance Pretty white laundry room with grey tile floors, a black and white striped rug, a white washing machine and dryer, wooden folding counter and open shelves with laundry soap and accessories as featured on HGTV Canada](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8-what-to-clean-HGTV-washing-machine.jpg)
Machine Maintenance
Water minerals, soap residue and detergent ingredients can all work together to create a bacteria-trapping film inside your washing machine. Once a month, use a washing machine cleaner or a solution of hot water and vinegar to wash away that buildup and keep your machine running smoothly.
![Wash the Washer Dishwashing machine with open drawer next to refrigerator covered in children’s fridge magnets](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/9-what-to-clean-HGTV-dishwasher.jpg)
Wash the Washer
Grease, wet food bits and soap scum create a breeding ground for germs, which is the last thing you want in an appliance that’s designed to clean the items you eat off of. If you’re using it daily, once a month you should clear out the drain and run a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack.
![Curtain Call A room with pink curtains](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/10-what-to-clean-HGTV-curtains.jpeg)
Curtain Call
While drapes, curtains and blinds are brilliant at pulling together a room design-wise, they also attract dust, dander and mould spores. The method of cleaning depends on the fabric, so be sure to follow the recommendations for each. (Although all fabric can benefit from a good shake and few hours in the bacteria-killing sunshine.)
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