So what happens if you over-wash your clothes? Washing some items too much can shorten the lifespan of the fabric and any elasticity. In addition, you may over-wash clothing by adding too much laundry detergent, which can cause problems in both the clothes and your washing machine. Newer HE (high efficiency) washing machines use less water and can’t handle oversudsing. If suds are not completely rinsed from your clothing, the residue can attract more dirt and odors. Ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures and ceiling fans can be dusted just once a month. If dust triggers asthma or allergy symptoms in you or anyone in your household, dusting once a week will be fine. Clean the overhead fixtures first, so that any uncaptured dust falls to the floor to be vacuumed away. Spot clean stains on coats and outerwear as soon as possible, hang coats properly after every wearing, and use a good clothes brush to remove dust and lint. It’s also possible to wash many types of winter coats at home, including those trimmed with faux fur. Check the fabric care tag because most bedding can be washed. If you don’t have a large, front-loading washer, take the larger items to a laundromat. For just a few dollars, you’ll have clean linens in less than an hour. If you and your pets do live in your bed, cover heavy bedding with a sheet that can be tossed in the washer. Spot clean any spills or pet accidents on bedding immediately. Curtains in kitchens and bathrooms should be washed more often (seasonally) because they catch grease particles and aerosol over-sprays. Ideally, carpets and upholstered furniture should be professionally cleaned just once a year using steam and the proper cleaning products. The annual cleaning is in addition to the task of vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture at least weekly. Regular vacuuming keeps dirt and dust from becoming embedded in the fibers. To clean toys monthly, mix 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Add the toys and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe down the surface of the toys and squeeze out any excess water. Wipe dry, then allow the toys to further air-dry. But almost all bed pillows (feather, polyester-filled, or foam) can be washed at home. Just be sure to allow enough time for pillows to dry thoroughly before you put them back on your bed. If you wipe up spills as soon as they happen, your oven can be cleaned just two or three times a year. Plan a thorough oven cleaning after (not before) holiday cooking sprees.
