A rotation that gets done
Twelve weekends make a season, which means twelve small jobs instead of one lost Saturday. A workable rotation is the oven, the refrigerator, windows, pillows and bedding, curtains and blinds, under and behind the furniture, baseboards and vents, ceiling fans and light fixtures, the range hood filter, the dishwasher and washing machine, closets, and the mattress. Within any room, work from the ceiling down so dust lands on surfaces you have not cleaned yet.
Oven and refrigerator
The self-clean cycle heats the oven to 800 degrees or more and makes smoke and fumes. Take the racks out, wipe up loose debris first, open windows, and stay home while it runs. The gentler method is a paste of baking soda and water spread over the interior, left overnight, scraped out with a plastic spatula and wiped with a damp cloth.
For the refrigerator, empty it completely, discard what has expired, and wash the shelves and drawers in warm soapy water. Let glass shelves reach room temperature first, because cold glass can crack under hot water. Wipe the interior with two tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a quart of water, which cleans without leaving a scent that food absorbs. Once or twice a year, unplug the unit and vacuum the condenser coils behind or beneath it, since dusty coils make the compressor work harder and shorten its life.
Fabrics
Most down and synthetic pillows are machine washable, though the tag decides and solid foam never is. Wash two at a time to balance the drum, use a small amount of detergent, run an extra rinse, and dry on low with a few clean dryer balls until no dampness remains, which can take two cycles. A pillow put away damp will mildew. Many curtains tolerate a cold gentle cycle. Vacuum the mattress with the upholstery tool and rotate it head to foot.
The places nobody sees
Ceiling fan blades clean neatly if you slide an old pillowcase over each blade and pull it back, which traps the dust inside. Soak the metal range hood filter in very hot water with dish soap and baking soda for fifteen minutes. Wash windows on an overcast day, because direct sun dries the cleaner into streaks before you can wipe it.
Tip If you rent, photograph the oven, refrigerator and bathroom after each deep clean. Dated pictures of a well-kept apartment are useful evidence when the security deposit is being settled.
