Ten new year household chores for a fresh start to the year
I know I know. It’s the New Year and probably not something at the top of your ‘to-do’ list after all the celebrating and down-time you’ve been enjoying over the holiday season, but it is actually a great time of year to get your home set up for a fresh start to the New Year.
It’s amazing how quickly the days and months go by in a year and no doubt many of these chores will get forgotten or moved down the ‘to-do’ list throughout the year so let’s do something different this year and check off these household chores early in the year so you don’t have to think about them again until 2022!
Below are 10 necessary but often forgotten chores to get on top of this New Year. And of course, if you need help attending to any items on this list our friendly and professional teams would love to help you out.
Simply contact the Sistabilty customer service team and request to have these chores added to your upcoming service/s and we’ll ensure your mattresses are turned, your rugs are aired and any items for charity are packed up ready to be donated.
Rotate mattresses
Many mattress companies recommend you rotate your mattress every 3 - 6 months but how many times did you do it in 2020? Once is better than none right?! This January, it’s time to rotate your mattresses 180 degrees so that your head is now where your feet go. This will promote even wear on your mattress and extend its usable life.
Wash your pillows
Yep, you read that right! You can and SHOULD wash your pillows. Feather, down, and synthetic pillows should be washed at least once a year to eliminate oils, residue, dead skin, and dust that inevitably settle in the pillows and make them sag. Most pillows can be machine-washed (unless the car tag says otherwise) on a gentle cycle with regular clothes washing detergent and warm water. Dry them in your clothes dryer on a moderate heat setting with (clean) tennis balls to help fluff them up.
Note that your pillows may need repeated cycles to ensure they are fully dry before putting back on the bed - never put pillows back on the bed while they're damp, as it can lead to mould and mildew.
Air out your rugs
UV rays (aka the Sunshine) are an excellent (and green and free) source of disinfectant. Take rugs outside and rest over a clean railing or on a clean surface and give them a few hours in direct sunlight to air out and kill and bacteria.
Replace old toothbrushes
It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three months so if you can’t remember when you last changed your toothbrush, then it’s time for a new one!
Replace, repurpose or give away worn towels, bedding and liners
It’s a good time of year to take stock what’s in your linen cupboard and either replace, repurpose or give away any worn, ripped, stained or otherwise unused items collecting dust.
Tip: Old bath towels can be reused as beach towels or pet bath towels, and old sheets included mismatched sets that you don’t use anyway, can be cut up and turned into cleaning rags, dishcloths or even napkins.
Refresh closet sachets or make some new ones!
Most drawer or closet sachets lose their scent and their effectiveness within three to four months so it’s always a good idea to replace them regularly. Feeling crafty? You could always make your own sachets using herbs, rice and essential oils. Find out how, here!
Donate unwanted household items
Gather up your unused canned goods, ill-fitting clothes, outgrown toys, obsolete electronics, and recent unwanted gifts and drop them off at the appropriate food banks, charities, second hand-stores, or electronic recycling centres.
Tip: To make this task easier for next year, designate a bin in your closet or garage for collecting the goods, and throw them in there throughout the year. If you don't find yourself rifling through the bin again for that item, you'll know it's no longer needed — and that bin is ready for its trip to Goodwill next New Year.
Clean out your receipt drawer
Clean out your receipt drawer to make room for new receipts. Throw away any that don't apply to your tax deductions, and digitize the ones for major purchases (such as computers) for insurance purposes.
Tip: Look into software or apps such as Wave Receipts that let you instantly snap a photo of the receipt with your smartphone and file it away virtually, making your receipt drawer much less intimidating next year.
Spin rugs near windows and doors for even sun fade
Rugs placed near windows and doors will eventually fade from bright, hot rays of sunshine streaming in (even if it’s indirect light) so it’s a good idea to spin them around 180 degrees and expose the other side to the sun for even fading.
Clean and oil your wooden cutting boards and implements
When was the last time you gave your cutting boards a good clean? And have you ever oiled them after purchasing them? Well now is the time to give your boards an application of mineral oil to prevent your cutting boards from becoming dry and brittle, which can cause a cracked board. Boards that are treated with oil prevents liquids from penetrating them, which is often the source of germs and bacteria.
