Sometimes it seems like you could clean your countertops every day and still never keep them shiny. Luckily, though, there are a few household chores you can do only once per year and still enjoy maximum results.
Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have whipped up a perfect to-do list of 10 annual tasks, some of which we’ve never even thought to do in the first place. Tackle them in fall to prep your home for a long, cozy winter ― starting with the three below, then the other 7 listed at Good Housekeeping.
1. Clean your lightbulbs.
Yup, dusty lightbulbs could be making your home significantly dimmer. Turn them off, let them cool, unscrew, and wipe with a damp cloth.
2. Wipe down window frames.
Good Housekeeping recommends sweeping away dirt with a brush, then using multipurpose cleaner to rub off grime. You’ll be surprised how much neater your windows look afterward! For bonus points, de-gunk the metal tracks beneath sliding glass doors and windows.
3. Empty your gutters.
All it takes is a brush or small shovel and hose to clear your gutters of fall leaves, preparing them to handle winter snow and rain.
For more chores you’ll only have to do once per year, visit Good Housekeeping.
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