House Digest recommends weekly dusting, floor cleaning, mattress and upholstery vacuuming to reduce dust and allergens, plus weekly humidifier and dehumidifier cleaning to prevent mold. Wash sheets weekly with pets or in warm climates; otherwise, wash within two weeks.
The article says doorknobs and light switches may warrant wiping at least twice a week; if that is not manageable, it advises leaving no more than a week between cleanings. A rubber rake can pull pet hair from area rugs. It also says the EPA recommends cleaning portable humidifiers about every three days. Some disinfectants require surfaces to stay wet for 10 minutes, so follow the product directions.
The article recommends a HEPA-filter vacuum to reduce dust released back into the room. Follow manufacturers’ cleaning guidance for mattresses and humidifiers or dehumidifiers; a deeper mattress cleaning is suggested about every six months.
