How Often Should I Clean That?

Answer: Once a week

Machine wash in warm water. Tumble-dry according to label instructions and (pro tip!) ten minutes before the drying cycle is over, take them out. This helps minimize wrinkles. Iron your sheets while still damp. Our go-to for this is the Rowenta Eco Intelligence Steam Iron, which has a 25 percent energy savings and ensures crisp, clean edges.

Answer: After every use

Thoroughly rinse and wring them out, and keep them in an open dish where air can circulate so that they dry thoroughly. Additionally, you should replace them every two weeks.

Answer: Once a week

Vinyl, synthetic, cotton, and hemp shower-curtain liners can generally be laundered in the washing machine using hot water and a mild detergent. Afterwards, let it air-dry or further smooth out wrinkles and bacteria with a thorough steam-cleaning. Pull the shower curtain closed when not in use, so water can't sit in the folds.

Answer: Once a week

Dusting lightbulbs can make rooms much brighter. Gently wipe away dust with an inexpensive paintbrush.

Answer: Once a week (AND a month)

Once a week, flush the drain with boiling water. Then monthly, flush drain with a cleaning mixture of vinegar, boiling water, and baking soda. This helps break down the accumulation of debris and deodorize the pipework of odors at once.

Answer: Every 3 to 6 months

Most pillows are machine washable—they should be tossed into the laundry seasonally to remove mold, bacteria, and odors. Pillowcases should be laundered every week, and protectors should be laundered once a month. For smoothing out wrinkles, you can use a low-heat iron or a steamer like the Rowenta Steam 'N Press (this offers both).

Answer: Once a week

Even if you have a no-shoes policy for your home, dirt builds up in your entryways. Protective mats and rugs will have different cleaning specifications depending on the material but, generally, you should should vacuum and clean machine-washable throw rugs and runners with your weekly load of laundry.

Answer: Once a month

Grout is porous and absorbs oils from shampoos, conditioners, and soaps, which can lead to mildew growth that can spread to the tiles it surrounds. Clean mildew with a mix of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach and a soft-bristled brush. Follow up with a pH-neutral cleaner to remove the bleach solution.

Answer: Once a year

Hire a chimney sweep annually. Spring—after the winter season has ended—is the prime time to prepare for the coming year. Clean the firebox (the area of the fireplace in which the grate sits and the fire is built) after each fire, especially if you use it only occasionally; air currents in the room can draw out ash, spreading dust and grime into your home.

Answer: Once a week

Clean it with a sponge or cloth and a mild abrasive. (Never use a brush inside the tub; it can damage the surface.) Extra tip: An acidic cleaner such as white vinegar will cut through soap scum. That said, you will need to wear gloves when cleaning with acid, then rinse well since the residue can etch surfaces if left on too long.  

Answer: Every day

Your approach depends entirely on the material. Granite should be wiped down with a damp cloth using a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Stainless steel calls for a mild abrasive. And tile ought to be wiped with a soft cloth dampened in mild dishwashing liquid. In the end? Keep a kitchen golden rule: Wipe down surfaces as you use them.

Answer: Once a week

To keep up with the dirt being tracked in, it's important to frequently sweep and vacuum high-traffic areas like entranceways, stair steps, and the landing. Wipe down handrails and in-between banisters with a damp cloth.

Answer: Twice a year

If they're machine washable, pretreat stains while they're still on the furniture (so you can see trouble spots better) then wash in cold water on the gentle or permanent-press cycle, opting for a "extra rinse" setting. (Don't overload the machine.) Promptly transfer to the dryer, again choosing the aforementioned setting. When damp but nearly dry, replace on the chair or sofa; let dry overnight.