The One Thing You’re Forgetting to Clean, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
With 2020 underway, now is the perfect time to strategize new cleaning resolutions. Why not renew your focus on an area of your home you tend to neglect? Not only will your cleaning efforts elevate your space, you’ll also grow a bit in self-awareness along the way.
To help you figure out what to zone in on, here’s what you’re most likely forgetting to clean, based on your astrological sign.
Aries: Oven grates and racks
Let’s face it: Aries isn’t exactly known for patience and probably can’t handle the soaking process required to get that cooked-on grime washed away—but it’s time. To make the job less painful, just fill a tub with hot water and add a 1/2 cup of dishwashing soap (or 3/4 cup laundry detergent). Let your racks sit overnight, and voilà! A fresh oven.
Taurus: Throw blankets & pillows
Comfortable, sensual Taurus loves to cozy up under a blanket—but when was that throw last washed? Elevate your comfy zone by putting a few drops of lavender or sandalwood essential oil on a wool laundry ball and tossing it in the dryer with your blanket. Your senses will thank you
Gemini: Your phone
For all that time Gemini spends texting and browsing on their phone, it probably needs a little cleaning. Make a priority of sanitizing all your devices often. For a simple-yet-effective clean, grab a microfiber cloth, dip the corner in a solution of 25 percent water and 75 percent rubbing alcohol, and wipe the screen and phone, steering clear of the camera and speaker.
Cancer: Picture frames
Emotional Cancers definitely surround themselves with photos and inspirational artwork. But picture frames—on the shelf and on the wall—can collect tons of dust. Keep your aesthetic on point and invest in a hand duster for basic cleaning. For a more rigorous clean, use a damp microfiber towel on the frame, and a lint-free cloth or paper towel with a spritz of Windex on the glass.
Leo: Trash can
Regal Leo might be turned off by such a menial task as wiping down the bin, inside and out, but it’s got to get done—especially if you want to avoid smells in your kitchen! Just take out the trash bag, spray the inside of the can with disinfectant, and use a scrub brush to remove the grime. To prevent a stinky garbage can, try a few spoonfuls of baking soda at the bottom of a new garbage bag.
Virgo: The vacuum (& other cleaning tools)
There’s not a lot that escapes Virgo’s “clean freak” nature. But your cleaning supplies need to be cleaned, too—especially since you use them so much. After taking a damp, slightly soapy microfiber cloth to your vacuum’s canister and replacing the filter, remove the base plate and clean the beater bar with a grout brush, then wipe it down with a dry cloth. (You can also try giving parts of your vacuum a spin in the dishwasher, if you’re feeling bold.)
Libra: The floor or rug under the sofa
In a desire for harmony, Libra is the least likely sign to be moving their furniture out of place when they vacuum. But who knows what’s accumulating under the couch? At least once a month, move your couch and chairs out of the way and sweep or vacuum beneath. Things may feel a bit chaotic along the way, but you’re on your way to a much cleaner living room.
Scorpio: Your mattress
Not saying Scorpio’s a freak, but not not saying that. Clean your mattress! First, strip the sheets (and go ahead and wash them), then vacuum the surface to remove hair and dust mites (ew). Once the debris is gone, spray a cloth with a few spritzes of enzyme cleaner and rub away any stains. (Avoid spraying directly on the mattress.) Lastly, sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress surface to absorb scents. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then vacuum again.
Sagittarius: Shower curtain liner
Sagittarius is always mentally, if not physically, in outer space—so they probably haven’t noticed how funky the curtain liner gets in their shower. To prevent mold and mildew (and to make your bathing experience more enjoyable), toss your plastic liner in the washer with a few towels, adding a 1/2 cup baking soda to your detergent during the wash cycle followed up a 1/2 cup vinegar during the rinse cycle.
Capricorn: Ceiling fans and light fixtures
Earthy, grounded Capricorn knows how to get things done—but when was the last time you looked up? That ceiling fan is probably grody. Prevent a bigger mess in your room by using a pillow case to dust each fan blade. It’s easy: Take an old pillow case, put it around one of the blades like you would a pillow, then wipe the dust off, allowing it to fall into the pillowcase as you go. Turn and repeat!
Aquarius: Air vents
There’s really only one tedious way to clean air vents—wiping them down, blade by blade—and Aquas hate that. It feels old-fashioned to even have to try. Luckily, it’s not a frequent job. Once a month, vacuum any residual dust off the vents with your dusting brush attachment. A few times a year, remove the vent covers and soak them in the sink with hot, soapy water, scrubbing where necessary. (Tip: You’ll end up cleaning your air vents less if you stay on top of your air filters!)
Pisces: Hair brushes and toothbrushes
With their spacey mind always focused on a higher purpose, Pisces is likely to stop seeing the mess that’s caking on to the grooming tools they use every day. To sanitize your toothbrush, soak the head in antibacterial mouth wash for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse. While you wait for your toothbrush, de-hair your hair brushes. Good as new!