To keep your fridge’s water dispenser sanitary, aim to clean it once every three to six months. Routine cleanup will promote better water flow, cleaner water, and a well-functioning dispenser in the long run. Your dispenser may have an alert system that lets you know when it needs cleaning.

To maintain your mattress and keep it fresh, you should aim for a deep clean at least twice a year. However, if you have allergies, pets, or sweat heavily at night, you may want to clean it more frequently, such as every three to four months. In between deep cleanings, it's a good practice to vacuum the mattress surface regularly and spot-clean any stains as they occur. Using a mattress protector can significantly help by minimizing the buildup of allergens, dust mites, and bodily fluids, which can make your cleaning routine more effective. Remember to launder the protector regularly, as some dirt and sweat can still get through to the mattress.

A small amount of diluted bleach is okay to pour down a garbage disposal. As part of your weekly garbage disposal maintenance, use 1 teaspoon of bleach with your concoction of ice cubes and lemon peels. Turn on the disposal and run the water until the blades chop up the ice cubes.

Any more bleach in your disposal can harden oils and greases in your drain, which can cause problems. Always wear gloves when working with bleach, and know that you really don’t need bleach at all—vinegar, baking soda, salt, and ice should do the trick.

The answer to this question varies by the household, as well as by the room. For high-traffic areas in busier households, aim to mop your floors at least once a week or more as needed. Homes and rooms with less foot traffic can likely get away with mopping every two weeks. Keep an eye on your floors throughout the month and adjust this chore on your household cleaning checklist as necessary.