Lesson 11: Weekly Maintenance Cleaning – Detailed Steps

Task 1: Dust All Surfaces and Vacuum

1. Dust All Surfaces:

   • Prepare Tools:
     • Use a microfiber cloth, feather duster, or an electrostatic duster for general surfaces.
     • Use a vacuum with a brush attachment for textured or hard-to-reach areas.
   • Start High and Work Down:
     • Begin dusting at the highest points, such as shelves, mantels, and ceiling fans, so dust falls to lower surfaces.
   • Wipe Furniture and Decor:
     • Dust furniture surfaces, picture frames, lamps, and decorative items. For stubborn spots, dampen the cloth slightly with water or a wood-safe cleaner.
   • Clean Electronics:
     • Wipe TV screens, remotes, and other electronics with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
   • Detail Corners and Edges:
     • Use a small brush or cloth to dust corners, baseboards, and windowsills.

2. Vacuum Floors and Rugs:

   • Prepare the Area:
     • Remove lightweight furniture, toys, and other items from the floor.
   • Vacuum Thoroughly:
     • Use a vacuum cleaner with appropriate settings for carpeted areas and hard floors.
     • Focus on high-traffic zones, under furniture, and along edges and corners.
   • Spot Clean Rugs:
     • If rugs have stains, use a spot cleaner or damp cloth to treat them before vacuuming.

Task 2: Change Bed Linens

1. Strip the Bed:

   • Remove the old sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.
   • Place them in the laundry hamper or washing machine for cleaning.

2. Clean the Mattress (Optional):

   • If needed, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb odors.
   • Vacuum the mattress with a clean attachment to remove the baking soda.

3. Replace with Fresh Linens:

   • Put on clean, crisp sheets, starting with the fitted sheet. Tuck it tightly around the mattress.
   • Add a top sheet, blankets, and comforter, smoothing out wrinkles.
   • Replace pillowcases with clean ones and fluff the pillows for a refreshed look.

Task 3: Mop Floors

1. Prepare the Area:

   • Clear the floor of furniture, rugs, and any other obstructions.
   • Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose debris and dust before mopping.

2. Prepare the Mop and Cleaner:

   • Fill a bucket with warm water and an appropriate floor cleaner:
     • Wood Floors: Use a wood-safe cleaner.
     • Tile Floors: Use a mild detergent or tile-specific cleaner.
     • Laminate Floors: Use a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damage.
   • Use a clean mop suitable for your flooring type (e.g., microfiber, sponge, or string mop).

3. Mop in Sections:

   • Start at the farthest corner of the room and mop toward the exit to avoid stepping on wet areas.
   • Use smooth, back-and-forth motions to evenly clean the floor.
   • Rinse the mop frequently in the cleaning solution to avoid spreading dirt.

4. Dry the Floor:

   • Allow the floor to air-dry naturally, or use a dry mop or towel to speed up the drying process.

Pro Tips for Weekly Cleaning

• Establish a Routine: Choose a specific day each week for these tasks to make them a consistent habit.
• Use Quality Tools: Invest in effective cleaning tools like a good vacuum, microfiber cloths, and a sturdy mop to make the process easier.
• Multi-Task: While laundry is running, you can dust or vacuum to save time.

By performing these weekly tasks, you’ll maintain a cleaner, healthier living space and reduce the effort required for deeper cleanings.