9.01.2024

September cleaning checklist as homes urged to 'stop attracting pests'

As September begins, it's time to say goodbye to the summer season and prepare for fall.

Despite the impending change of season, the summer heat will continue and pleasant evenings, social gatherings and garden barbecues are still in sight.

Clear It Waste, a junk removal company, has shared some practical tips on how to effectively prepare your home for the changing seasons, including which items need to be cleaned more frequently in hot weather. Experts warn that if the litter box isn't changed, harmful bacteria and parasites could build up.

Bedding

Given September's above-average temperatures, it's no surprise that people sweat more on hot summer nights, reports the Daily Record .

It is advisable to clean the bedding in your home every one to two weeks as sweat can promote the growth of bacteria, harmful parasites, odors and dust mites.

Additionally, warmer periods can worsen problems like hay fever and pollen allergies, both of which can lead to an increase in bed allergens and congestion. It is recommended to wash the bed linen at 60°C to ensure that all dust mites are removed during washing.

Toilet and cistern handle

When the sun is shining, many of us invite friends and family over, but that also means the number of guests needing to use the bathroom increases. With this in mind, it is important to disinfect your bathroom areas more often.

Put on a pair of yellow rubber gloves to protect your skin from harmful chemicals and coat the entire inside of the toilet bowl with a cleaning and disinfecting product.

Use a toilet brush with the cleaner to remove unsightly stains from the inside of the toilet bowl, let the formula sit for five minutes, and then flush the toilet. Don't forget to also clean the toilet seat by thoroughly washing both sides of the seat with the cleaner.

Don't forget to clean the toilet tank handle as this area can be very dirty. Use a disinfectant spray or antibacterial wipe and allow to dry.

Baking soda and white vinegar are recommended alternatives for cleaning the toilet and removing stubborn stains if you prefer to use more natural ingredients.

Outdoor water fountain

If you have a bird bath in your garden, you should change the water at least once a week to keep it fresh, as the water can be valuable for birds in the warm months.

If your birdbath turns red or green due to algae, remove the debris with a hose and brush. Mild disinfectants can also be used, but be sure to rinse the fountain well afterward.

It is important to regularly maintain the areas around water sources. Outdoor faucets, gutters and buckets, and other water sources can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects during the summer months.

Air conditioning and vents

For those lucky enough to have air conditioning in their home, it is important to clean the vents more often. This improves the air quality in your home, which can help relieve allergy symptoms.

If you spot any dust or dirt in your vent, use a vacuum cleaner with a small brush to remove it. If more thorough cleaning is required, remove the vents and place them in warm, soapy water.

Grilling

As soon as the sun comes up, many of us want to light up the grill. Therefore, grills and outdoor cooking equipment should be cleaned more frequently in the warmer months.

Grills collect grease, food particles and debris. To prevent food contamination and keep your grill running smoothly, it is recommended that you clean the grates and exterior of your grill after each use and perform a thorough cleaning at least once a month.

While the grill is still hot, carefully scrape off any remaining food without touching the metal, as this is the easiest time to remove burnt food. Once the grill has cooled, use a mixture of dish soap and warm water to remove any food particles.

It is important to dry the grill immediately after cleaning to prevent rust. Instead of traditional methods, household items such as onions, coffee, and aluminum foil can be used to clean the grill.

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