While many chores may be on your “To-do list”, they are possibly not on your “Want-to-do” list. So, you postpone it and then afterward feel guilty. Perhaps there is no need to feel bad about it as you could be taking extra effort to complete the chore. Some chores only demand attention once a year. By spreading the word, you will feel a sense of accomplishment, keep your house look good, and have more free time with you. Here is a list of household chores that you need to do once a year.
Household Chores That You Need to do Once a Year
Drapes, shades, and curtains
Although they are hanging vertically, drapes, shades, and curtains still attract dust and odour molecules and must be cleaned once a while. Curtains that are hanged in food preparation areas may have oil residue and the bathroom curtains may have drops of cosmetics and hair spray.
When you take down the curtains, you must check the panels and read the care instructions. This is also the right time to clean the hardware and rods. Most of the lined curtains need dry cleaning for removing all kinds of stains and heavy odours. If they are just dusty, toss them in the clothes dryer to refresh. After this, use a clothes steamer for removing wrinkles. Most of the curtains can be machine-washed by following the care label instruction. You must avoid high heat in the dryer.
Chimney and fireplace
Once the winter gets over, it is time to clean the fireplaces. When you are sure that ashes are cold, make use of a shop vacuum to remove them. The interior of the fireplace, andirons, and other fireplace tools must be wiped down with a mix of water and distilled white vinegar to remove the smoke odours. During this time, you can fix an appointment with a chimney sweep for removing the soot and check if there are any obstructions in the chimney.
Outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture maintenance is another important task on The Ultimate Household Chores List and usually needs to be done once a year, provided stains are regularly removed from cushions and fabric pillows. The best time for a deep clean is early spring, when the furniture is taken out of storage.
Wooden, plastic, and wicker furniture can be cleaned using a mild solution of warm water and liquid dish detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dirt and stains, then rinse with a light water spray. Choosing a sunny day helps the furniture dry quickly and prevents moisture buildup.
Fabric cushions and patio umbrellas should be vacuumed and cleaned thoroughly so they are fresh and ready for the warmer months.
Mattresses
Throughout the years, mattresses have improved dramatically but they still require attention. Once in a year, you must clean your mattresses thoroughly and move it. Even if you use a cover for your mattresses, dust gathers over it. Take out the cover and wash it in hot water. In order to clean the mattress, vacuum well the sides and top of the mattress. And, yes, don’t forget to clean the box springs. Check if the mattress has any spots or stains. If any, treat them with a solution made of water and mild dish detergent.
Blocked gutters
Cleaning your home’s drainage system is one of the most essential tasks on The Ultimate Household Chores List and should be done at least once a year. Clogged drains can lead to moisture damage, roof issues, and even interior leaks if left unattended.
The ideal time to clean drains is after autumn, once most leaves have fallen. However, homes surrounded by evergreen or pine trees may require more frequent cleaning, as needles shed throughout the year. Installing gutter guards can help reduce debris buildup and minimize maintenance.
If you plan to clean the drains yourself, always use a sturdy ladder and have someone assist you for safety. Alternatively, hiring a professional service is a convenient and reliable way to ensure the job is done properly.
Cleaning the Oven
If you use your oven most of the time, then you may need to clean it often. But if you are among those occasional bakers who use an oven some days, then an annual washing is the right way. Switch on the self-cleaning cycle if your oven has one or clean yourself by wearing rubber gloves and using an oven cleaner to make the interior shine.
Brighten the windows
It is better to clean your windows during the spring, before you start opening the windows for fresh air. Choose a cloudy day to clean the windows. Use a newspaper to clean the windows. Crumple it and add some vinegar-based cleaning solution to it and clean the panes using this solution. It will make your window shine.
Upholstered furniture and carpet
As summer activities wind down and before anyone moves to indoor activities, it is the right time to have the upholstery and carpets deep cleaned for removing pollen, pet dander, and dirt. You can do this yourself by using a cleaning machine and the right solutions from a home center or contact a professional. If you plan to handle this care yourself, choose a day when there is not much foot traffic. Make sure to treat the stains prior to cleaning. Move your furniture off the carpet or tie plastics under the legs to avoid staining.
As far as upholstery is concerned, test the cleaning solutions in a hidden spot to ensure that they do not discolor the fabric. Take special care not to oversaturate upholstery with a cleaning solution. Too much moisture can cause mildew and mold to develop in the cushion fillings.
Kitchen Cabinets, Pantry, and Drawers
Clean the drawers, food pantry, and kitchen cabinets before the holiday season. Take any section of the cabinet and empty any one of them completely. Wipe down the shelves and put the shelf paper if required. Have a look at every item before you put it back again. It is the right time to get rid of mismatched pieces, items that you never use, and strange items that have found their way to the kitchen. This is mainly important for the “junk drawer” that seems to collect everything.
When you handle the food pantry, check for any kind of insect infestation like roaches or weevils. Throw anything that looks suspicious and which is outdated. Take an inventory of the basic supplies you require and restock it in a fresh and clean pantry.
Linen closet
Just once in a year, empty your linen closet and clean it thoroughly. Take enough time to clean dust and spiderwebs and reline the shelves. Give each item a critical eye before you put it again back to the closet. Donate or throw any unused clothes. You might need to do some washing or send some heavy bed sheets for dry cleaning. Organize the shelves as per the type of linen or as per the seasonal items. Keep bedsheets together and ultimately, spend some time in folding the bed sheets properly.
Files and documents
Though we are moving towards a paperless society, there still seems to be some paper that collects during the year. If you have not been organized as you planned to be like the previous year, now is the time to organize electronic files as well as papers. To keep all the items together, you can use an expandable file or file folders. As you sort out and throw unnecessary papers, you will be set for the tax season prior to time.
These are some of the household chores that you don’t have to do regularly. To ease the process, before you start the cleaning process, make a list that includes all these chores that you need to do occasionally.
So, before you start the cleaning process, make a list of household chores that you need to do once a year. This will ease your job.