Back to: Jss1 Home Economics (PVS)

Maintenance of The Family House

The Maintenance of the family house refers to the upkeep and repair of a home or dwelling place where a family resides. This includes a range of activities such as cleaning, repairing, and replacing various parts of the house to ensure that it remains in good condition and is habitable for the family.

Some examples of maintenance activities that may be required for a family house include:

• Regular cleaning and upkeep of the interior and exterior of the house, including floors, walls, windows, and doors
• Repairing or replacing damaged or broken appliances, fixtures, or furniture
• Fixing leaks, replacing damaged pipes, or repairing the roof to prevent water damage and ensure a dry and safe living environment
• Painting or repainting walls, doors, and window frames to maintain their appearance and protect them from damage
• Maintaining the garden and yard, including mowing the lawn, trimming trees and bushes, and removing weeds and debris

Materials Needed for Household Maintenance

1. Broom: A broom is a long-handled cleaning tool with stiff bristles used for sweeping floors, patios, and other outdoor spaces. It is a versatile tool that can be used to sweep up debris, dirt, and dust from hard floors, carpets, and even walls and ceilings.
2. Brushes: Brushes come in various sizes and shapes and are used to clean different surfaces. For example, a toilet brush is used to clean the inside of a toilet bowl, while a scrub brush is used to clean tiles or other hard surfaces.
3. Dusters: Dusters are used to remove dust and dirt from surfaces like furniture, shelves, and windowsills. They can be made from different materials like microfiber or feathers and can be handheld or attached to a long pole.
4. Mops: Mops are used to clean floors and other large surfaces. They can be made from various materials like cotton, microfiber, or sponge, and can be used wet or dry.
5. Dust pans: A dustpan is a flat, shallow container used to scoop up dust, dirt, and debris that has been swept up with a broom or brush.
6. Dust bins: A dustbin is a container used for storing household waste until it can be disposed of properly. It is usually made of plastic or metal and comes in different sizes.
7. Pails: A pail is a small, usually round container with a handle used for carrying water or other liquids.
8. Buckets: A bucket is a larger container with a handle used for carrying larger amounts of water or other liquids. It can also be used for cleaning floors or washing cars.
9. Carpet sweeper: A carpet sweeper is a manual device used to clean carpets and rugs. It uses brushes or rollers to lift dirt and debris from the carpet fibres.
10. Vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner is an electric device used to clean floors, carpets, and other surfaces by creating suction to remove dirt, dust, and debris. It can come in various sizes and types, including cordless, handheld, upright, and canister.

General Guidelines for Household Maintenance

1. Set aside time for daily, weekly, and seasonal cleaning: It’s important to have a cleaning schedule to ensure that the house is always clean and well-maintained. Daily cleaning involves tasks such as doing the dishes, wiping down counters, and sweeping the floors. Weekly cleaning involves a more thorough cleaning, such as dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. Seasonal cleaning includes deep-cleaning tasks like washing windows and cleaning gutters.
2. Use the correct cleaning materials: Different surfaces require different cleaning materials or agents. For example, using abrasives like vim on delicate surfaces like marble can cause damage. Always read the labels of cleaning agents before use to ensure that they are safe and suitable for the intended surfaces.
3. Use cleaning equipment properly: Cleaning equipment like mops and brooms should be used properly to ensure maximum efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
4. Store cleaning equipment and materials properly: To ensure the safety of household members, cleaning equipment and materials should be stored outside of the reach of children and pets. They should also be stored in a clean, dry place to prevent damage.
5. Give each surface the correct cleaning treatment: Different surfaces require different cleaning treatments. For example, wooden surfaces require special care to prevent damage, while glass surfaces require a different cleaning agent to avoid streaks.
6. Dispose of household waste properly: To maintain a clean and healthy household, it’s important to dispose of waste properly. This includes sorting waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials and disposing of them in the appropriate bins.
7. Keep the surrounding area clean: The area surrounding the house should be kept clean to prevent the accumulation of debris and stagnant water, which can attract pests and cause health hazards. Regularly cutting grass and trimming hedges can help to keep the surrounding area clean and well-maintained.

Daily Cleaning of The Sitting Room

1. Open the doors and windows to air the room: This is important because it helps to circulate fresh air into the room, which is beneficial for your health and also helps to reduce the build-up of unpleasant odours.
2. Sweep the floor and reach under all pieces of furniture: Sweeping the floor removes dirt, dust, and debris that may have accumulated since the last cleaning. Reaching under furniture ensures that any dirt or debris that may have accumulated there is also removed.
3. Empty the waste paper basket: This ensures that the waste paper basket is not overflowing with trash, which can be unsightly and unpleasant. It also prevents bad odours from developing in the room.
4. Dust all surfaces, doors, windows and furniture: Dusting removes any dust that may have accumulated on surfaces, doors, windows, and furniture. This helps to improve air quality in the room, making it a more pleasant and healthy environment to be in.
5. Tidy up the cushions and arrange arms and headrests on the chairs: Tidying up the cushions and arranging arms and headrests on chairs helps to make the room look more organized and neat. It also ensures that the cushions are not in disarray and that the chairs are comfortable to sit on.
6. Arrange furniture, newspaper, magazines and other items properly: Rearranging furniture, newspapers, magazines, and other items helps to ensure that everything is in its proper place. This makes the room look more organized and neat.
7. Put fresh flowers in the vase if necessary: Adding fresh flowers to the room can help to improve its ambience and make it more welcoming. It also adds a touch of natural beauty to the space.

Daily Cleaning of The Dining Room

Daily cleaning of the dining room involves several tasks that ensure the space is clean and organized. Here are some of the tasks involved in cleaning a dining room:

1. Clean the table and remove any pieces of food: This involves wiping the table with a damp cloth to remove any food spills or stains. Any leftover food on the table should be removed and disposed of properly.
2. Clean the table mat and put them away: If the dining table is covered with a mat, it should be wiped clean and put away if not needed.
3. Clean the table, dirty tables attract flies: The dining table should be cleaned daily to avoid the accumulation of dirt, which attracts flies and other pests.
4. Sweep off the pieces of food on the floor: Any pieces of food or crumbs on the floor should be swept up and disposed of properly. This helps to keep the dining area clean and hygienic.
5. Dust the chairs and other pieces of furniture: Dust tends to accumulate on chairs and other furniture in the dining room. Therefore, dusting the furniture daily helps to keep the space clean and tidy.
6. Arrange the chairs neatly: The chairs in the dining room should be arranged neatly around the table to create an organized and welcoming space.
7. Put fresh flowers: Adding fresh flowers to the dining room adds a touch of elegance and freshness to the space. They also help to mask any unpleasant odours that may linger in the room.

Daily Cleaning of The Kitchen

1. Open the windows to air the room: This allows fresh air to circulate in the kitchen, reducing any unpleasant odours and improving air quality.
2. Sweep down cobwebs and dust from ceiling and walls: Cobwebs and dust can accumulate in corners and on high surfaces. Removing them regularly keeps the kitchen clean and prevents dust from settling on food and surfaces.
3. Sweep the floor: Sweeping the floor removes dirt, crumbs, and other debris.
4. Wash any dirty plates and utensils: Dirty plates and utensils can attract pests and create unpleasant odours. Washing them immediately after use prevents the build-up of bacteria and keeps the kitchen hygienic.
5. Clean the sinks, draining board and the wall around it: These areas can easily accumulate food particles, grease, and other debris. Cleaning them regularly prevents the build-up of bacteria and keeps them hygienic.
6. Wipe the stove or cooker: The stove or cooker can accumulate food debris and grease, which can cause a fire hazard. Wiping it down after each use prevents the build-up of grime and keeps it clean.
7. Dust other surfaces in the kitchen e.g. cabinet, table, refrigerator: Dusting surfaces removes dust and other debris, making them look cleaner and preventing the accumulation of grime.
8. Mop the floor: Mopping the floor after sweeping removes any remaining dirt and ensures that the floor is thoroughly clean.
9. Arrange the utensils: Keeping utensils organized makes it easier to find what you need when you need them and reduces clutter on work surfaces.
10. Empty the dust bin or wastebasket: Emptying the dust bin or wastebasket prevents them from overflowing and creating unpleasant odours.
11. Sweep out the inside of the bin or basket using a stiff broom or brush: Sweeping out the inside of the bin or basket removes any remaining debris, preventing the build-up of bacteria and unpleasant odours.
12. Clean the broom or brush and put it away properly: Keeping cleaning tools clean and stored properly ensures that they are hygienic and in good condition for the next use.

Daily Cleaning of Bathroom & Toilet

1. Sweep the floor with a special broom: Use a broom with soft bristles to sweep the floor of the bathroom and toilet. Make sure you get into all the corners and around the base of the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet: This is the first step in cleaning the toilet bowl.
3. Remove debris, including bits of sponge: Pick up any debris or bits of sponge from the floor or toilet bowl and dispose of them in the bin.
4. Draw the shower curtain if in use: If you have a shower curtain, make sure to draw it to one side so you can access the tub and clean it properly.
5. Wash the bathtub and wash the hand basin: Use a mild cleaning solution and a scrubber or cloth to clean the bathtub and wash the hand basin. Rinse them thoroughly with water and wipe them dry.
6. After each use, rinse the bathtub and mop up any water splashes on the floor: This will help keep the bathtub and floor clean and prevent mould and mildew from forming.
7. Lift the seat of the W/C and sprinkle toilet cleaner such as “Harpic” inside the bowl: Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the toilet cleaner and use gloves to protect your skin.
8. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush, and flush again: Scrub the inside of the toilet bowl with a toilet brush, making sure to get all the way under the rim. Flush the toilet again to rinse away any remaining cleaner.
9. Wipe the outside of the bowl, seat and cover using a suitable cloth: Use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the outside of the toilet bowl, seat, and cover. Don’t forget to clean the hinges and any other areas that might collect dirt.
10. Mop the floor: Use a mop and a cleaning solution to clean the bathroom floor. Make sure to get into all the corners and around the base of the toilet.
11. Supply fresh toilet paper if necessary: Check to see if there’s enough toilet paper and if not, supply fresh rolls for the next user.

Daily Cleaning of The Bedroom

Open the windows and draw the curtains to air the room: This step involves opening the windows and drawing the curtains to allow fresh air and sunlight to enter the room. Airing the room helps to eliminate any stale air or odours that may have accumulated, and also helps to reduce the humidity levels.

Take up the mosquito net and adjust it neatly, if it is in use: If there is a mosquito net in use, it should be taken up and adjusted neatly to ensure that it is covering the bed properly. This step is particularly important in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent and can prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.

Dust the bedroom furniture: This step involves using a duster or a cloth to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated on the surfaces of the bedroom furniture such as the nightstand, dresser, and wardrobe. Dusting the furniture regularly helps to keep the room clean and free from allergens.

Sweep the floor and brush the floor covering: Sweeping the floor and brushing the floor covering helps to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on the floor. This step is particularly important if the room has carpeted floors, as it helps to prevent the accumulation of dust mites and other allergens.

Make the bed: Making the bed involves straightening out the sheets and blankets, fluffing the pillows, and arranging them neatly. This step helps to give the room a tidy and organized appearance.

Arrange the dressing table: If there is a dressing table in the room, it should be arranged neatly. This step involves arranging any items on the table, such as a mirror, brushes, and cosmetics, in an orderly manner.

Clean the duster and put away neatly: After completing the cleaning process, the duster should be cleaned and put away neatly. This step helps to ensure that the cleaning supplies are organized and easily accessible for future use.