It is crucial to keep your house clean and tidied up for your comfort as well as your health.
However, there are things you should pay attention to that may cause issues in the future.
There are many areas and objects in your house that need cleaning, including food that has expired and spices that are gathered in the pantry.
Cluttered spaces are known to cause stress, so it is best to get rid of the following items in your house as soon as possible.
1. Expired Food and Spices in the Pantry
Why it’s important:
Cleaning is often forgotten to be done, especially when it comes to the pantry, but expired food is hazardous due to potential bacteria and mold.
It is easy to get expired goods, especially if they are hidden by other products or are kept in messy drawer organizers.
What to do:
You should check your pantry and throw away any food that has expired, including:
- Canned goods
- Grains
- Snacks
- Spices
This will help you arrange your pantry so that the old things are at the front and the new things are at the back, and also ensure that you can get whatever you need with ease.
2. Used Clothes and Shoes in Closets
Why it’s important:
Sometimes, clothes and shoes no longer worn often should not be kept in the closet as it reduces the space. Having a cluttered closet will limit you when trying to get what you need and also make you feel overwhelmed.
What to do:
- You should either give away clothing and shoes you have not worn for a year or two.
- You may also want to consider giving your used clothes away or exchanging them with your friends to reduce the number of used clothes.
3. Dust and Dirt in Hard to Reach Places
Why it’s important:
Dust can accumulate in the gaps and corners of your house, including behind the furniture, on the shelves, and in the vents. It may seem like it is hidden, but it is still a source of allergens in your home.
What to do:
Wipe or mop areas that are hard to reach using a vacuum cleaner with an extension hose or a microfiber cloth, including:
- Ceiling fans
- Air vents
- Tops of cabinets
You should have a scheduled plan of deep cleaning these areas every few months before they become a mess.
4. Unused Electronics and Cables
Why it’s important:
Old electronics and a mess of cables are not only clutter but can also be a fire hazard if not managed properly.
Used devices like old phones, chargers, and cables take up space and make the place look untidy.
What to do:
- You should clean out your electronics drawer or storage area and donate old devices that are no longer useful to you.
- Sort out the cables and cords and put them in a cable organizer to prevent them from getting tangled and mixed up.
5. Incompatible Tupperware Containers
Why it’s important:
Tupperware containers are popular and can easily be worn out, especially if the lids and bases do not match or are broken.
This not only makes your kitchen look untidy but also makes it difficult to look for the lid that fits your food when you are packing leftovers.
What to do:
- It will only take a few minutes of your time to go through your Tupperware set and dispose of all the containers with no lids or broken containers.
- Try using stackable containers to save space and keep your kitchen neat.
Pro Tip:
You should mark your containers with a permanent marker so that you can tell what lid goes with what container when you are looking for a lid.
6. Expired Medications and Supplements
Why it’s important:
Expired medications are not only useless but could be dangerous if ingested.
It is crucial to check your medicine cabinet for expired or unused medications from time to time.
What to do:
- Sort through your medicine cabinet and get rid of any expired medications or supplements that you may have.
- Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of the medicines or search for the nearest medication collection point.
7. Old Magazines and Paper Work
Why it’s important:
Storing magazines, books, catalogs, and old papers will make the area look cluttered and chaotic.
These junk piles are not just unsightly; they can also contain personal information that can be used to steal your identity if not disposed of properly.
What to do:
- Recycle anything that you do not need, including:
- Magazines
- Catalogs
- Bills
- Old medical records
Pro tip:
- Shred any paperwork that has information that can be used to identify you.
- Digitize content you wish to keep to reduce the number of papers in your collection.
8. Grimy Bathroom Items
Why it’s important:
The presence of water in bathrooms creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive.
Having dirty towels, bath mats, and shower curtains in your bathroom is quite frustrating.
What to do:
- Replace old, worn-out towels, bath mats, and shower curtains.
- Clean your shower and toilet on a regular basis so as not to allow soap scum and mildew to form.
- If you have a mold problem, use a cleaning product specifically for removing mold and mildew.
9. Forgotten Pet Items
Why it’s important:
Pet toys, beds, and other accessories can also build up over time and become unclean or torn.
Pet hair and dander can also cause your home to smell and can also cause allergies in the house.
What to do:
- Check your pet’s belongings for wear and tear, and wash any dirty pet beds or blankets you own.
- Replace broken toys, and do not give your pet new toys that are dangerous.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment for routine cleaning of floors and furniture, eliminating pet hair and allergens from your house.
10. Old and Broken Furniture and Decor
Why it’s important:
Old or broken furniture, furniture, decorations, and accessories just take up space and make you feel like you cannot fully enjoy your home.
Keeping things that are useless only increases the feeling of being overwhelmed.
What to do:
- Check through your furniture and decor and toss anything that is either unusable or in poor condition.
- You can also donate or sell things that are still functional but no longer meet your aesthetic needs.
- Repair or replace broken items to make your space look new again.
Reducing Clutter for a Cleaner and Healthier Home
It is essential to eliminate the things that are useless or required in our lives as it helps keep our house clean and uncluttered, avoiding health issues.
It is recommended to take some time to check your pantry, closet, electronics, and other parts of your house to make sure there is no clutter in your living space and that it is safe.
Enjoy a Fresh, Clean Space with NW Maids
If you need help cleaning your house, look no further than NW Maids.
We have a team of professionals who will ensure that your house is cleaned to your specifications.
Contact us today, and let us assist you in scheduling your service.
Related Posts:
- How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home Like a Pro
- Why a Clean Home Matters for Mind and Body
- How Cleanliness Affects Your Emotions and Well-Being
- Simple Steps to Keep Your Home Hygienic and Healthy
