Did You Clean That?

Things everybody uses. Almost nobody cleans.

Not a chore list. The stuff hiding behind the stuff, the parts that come apart, and the ten minutes that keeps you from replacing something expensive.

Clean ItNo. 01

Your Washing Machine

You clean everything WITH it. When did you last clean IT?

Detergent residue, moisture, lint and grime collect inside washing machines, especially around front-loader door gaskets and detergent dispensers.

Show me how

Maintain ItNo. 02

Dryer Vent

You cleaned the lint trap. Good. We're not finished.

Lint accumulates beyond the lint screen in the dryer exhaust system and restricts airflow. That means longer drying times and increased fire risk.

Check your dryer

Maintain ItNo. 03

Refrigerator Coils

Your refrigerator has lungs. Sort of.

Dust and pet hair collect around condenser coils or ventilation areas on some refrigerators, which makes the appliance work harder than it should.

Show me where

Maintain ItNo. 04

Your AC Air Filter

Your air conditioner is breathing through a dirty sock.

An air filter catches dust, dander and lint before it reaches your system. When it loads up, airflow drops, the system works harder, and the air in the house gets worse instead of better.

Show me how

Clean ItNo. 05

Pillows

You wash the pillowcase. What about the pillow?

Many pillows can be cleaned, but the instructions vary by material. Check the care label before anything goes near water.

Check your care label

Clean ItNo. 06

Reusable Water Bottles

The water is clean. The lid may have other plans.

The bottle gets rinsed. The lid gets a swirl of water and put right back on. The parts that need attention are the ones that come apart.

Clean your bottle

Clean ItNo. 07

Your Coffee Maker

The dirtiest thing in your morning routine might be making the coffee.

Water sits in the reservoir. Grounds sit in the basket. Everything stays warm and damp, and that is exactly what mineral scale and mold like. Here is the ten-minute version LaLa actually does.

Show me how

On the list

LaLa is coming for these next.

The series keeps going. If yours isn't here yet, ask her and it gets bumped up.

Dishwasher filterIce makerGarbage disposal splash guardCeiling fansBathroom exhaust fanRange hood filterVacuum filterHVAC return ventsShowerheadFaucet aeratorMakeup brushesHairbrushesMattressRefrigerator drip panToaster crumb trayHumidifierDehumidifierReusable grocery bagsPet bowlsToothbrush holderPhone caseRemote controlsWindow tracksOutdoor grillLawn mower deck

Ask LaLa™

What are we trying to figure out?

The list

Get smarter about your own damn house.

One useful thing from LaLa at a time. No nonsense.