Next Up

30 Things You Don't Have to Clean as Often as You Think

Seems like there’s always an expert telling us we need to do more cleaning. Enough! We’re going to cut you some slack and tell you about the things you’re cleaning too often.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
1 / 31
Photo: Roger Davies. From: Lindsay Chambers.

What to Clean Less Often

Maintaining a clean home is important for your health as mold and bacteria love to harbor in damp places, dirt and dust collect in high traffic areas, viruses can linger on high-touch surfaces and pets and so many other factors affect indoor air quality. But while some things must be cleaned frequently, you may be surprised that not everything in your home requires daily or weekly cleaning. A lot of household items only need cleaning every month, season or every year. Read on to see which spots you can go ahead and cross off your to-do list.

clean these items regularly

More photos after this Ad

2 / 31
Photo: Sarah Dorio. From: Tiffany Brooks.

Bed Comforter

You should change your sheets weekly, but your comforter can go weeks, even months, between washings, since it doesn’t come in contact with your skin. It will last longer with fewer washings, too. But, if you share your bed with a pet who sleeps atop your comforter, you may need to wash it more often, or at least hit it with a sticky link roller to get the dog hair off.

clean your bed completely

More photos after this Ad

3 / 31
Photo: Jeff Herr. From: Terracotta Design Build.

Oven

You don’t need to clean the oven every week, or even every month. You only need to deep clean it three or four times a year. Your food doesn’t touch oven surfaces directly, so it doesn’t have to be sanitary. And the heat of the oven will keep germs from colonizing between deep cleans. Also, if it’s got a self-cleaning option, use it, and be sure to wipe down spills as they happen.

how to clean your oven

More photos after this Ad

4 / 31
Photo: AnikaSalsera

Carpets

Less is more when it comes to cleaning your carpet. You should vacuum it weekly but only steam-clean it once a year. The chemicals, water and equipment used by professional carpet cleaners can wear down the fibers in your carpet, damaging it and making it get dirtier faster. Carpet stains happen, especially if you have kids or pets, but spot-cleaning is the better way to go.

our editors' favorite carpet cleaners

More photos after this Ad