11 Everyday Items You Shouldn’t Bother Cleaning in December
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Life is busier than a mall on Black Friday when the holiday season arrives. With the planning of festive meals, shopping for gifts, and hosting guests, there is literally no time to keep up with the basics, let alone deep cleaning. The best way to stay sane sometimes is by deciding what you really need to pay attention to and what you can let slide.
Some household items don’t need to be cleaned as frequently as you might think in December, believe it or not. Whether it’s because they’re less likely to accumulate grime or they’re better left until after the holiday chaos, these items can take a backseat while you focus on what truly matters.
Shower Curtains
If your shower curtain isn’t visibly dirty or has a funky smell, there’s no need to clean it this month. Most shower curtains are designed to repel moisture and most of the grime washes away during normal use. If you’re worried about hygiene, give it a quick rinse with the showerhead and call it a day. Avoid deep cleaning until the holiday rush is over.
Baseboards
Baseboards will, of course, gather dust, but nobody is really going to see it unless you have guests crawling on the floor (and if you do, you’ve got bigger problems). For now at least, they can be kept presentable with a quick sweep or vacuum. You can deep clean them when you have the gusto you need to tackle your resolutions at the New Year.
Outdoor Windows
December is a tough month for window cleaning if it’s raining, snowing, or freezing. Also, outdoor grime won’t have a profound effect on your indoor view. According to research by the International Window Cleaning Association, most homes only need windows washed twice a year, so do yourself a favor and save your energy for another sunnier season.
Throw Pillows
Your festive throw pillows are for show, not for heavy use, you don’t have to linger here. Well, if you’re worried about dust or allergens, a quick shake outside will fix that. Cleaning pillow covers is a spring cleaning task, not December’s hustle and bustle.
Ceiling Fans
If you don’t live in a warm climate where fans run 365 days a year, they’re all probably sitting idle right now. They aren’t actively spreading particles, so dusting them can wait. They will be brought back to their gleaming glory with a post holiday cleaning spree.
Bookshelves
You might be tempted to dust every nook and cranny of your book shelf, but nobody, not even you, is going to check out your collection unless you’re hosting a book club. The exposed surfaces can get a light dusting and that is good enough for now.
Garage Floors
With muddy boots and dripping snow, the garage floor will get messy in winter anyway. Deep-cleaning now is like shoveling snow while it’s still coming down, pointless right? A quick sweep is all you need to keep you from tracking dirt into the house.
Inside the Dishwasher
Do dishwashers need cleaning? Yes, but not every month. Experts suggest cleaning using vinegar or store bought cleaner every few months. Your dishwasher can go a little longer unless it’s reeking really bad.
Pet Beds
The pet beds get a lot of love and fur. If you’re vacuuming them regularly, you can chill a bit on that. For the most part, they can go a couple weeks between washes. You can skip this chore as long as they’re not smelly, obviously dirty, and your pet is fine, until the post-holiday cleanup.
Car Interiors
Your car is going to get dirty with the salt and snow anyway, and winter is messy. There’s no sense in doing a deep clean in December, as you will be backtracking every single time. Wait for the weather to improve and keep the windshield clear, then get the inside all nice and scrubbed.
Behind the Fridge
Let’s be honest: For most of us, cleaning behind the fridge isn’t a regular chore, and December is not the time to start it. You are asking for trouble trying to move heavy appliances during the busiest month of the year. Instead, tackle this hidden area during your spring cleaning binge.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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