• Chores help both kids and adults alike develop a sense of responsibility. Your home is your castle and should be maintained on a regular basis, but there are a few areas that some people neglect when it comes to household duties. You should perform a few important chores around the house besides the basics of vacuuming, dishes and laundry to keep your home in tip-top condition.
  
  

Disinfect and Deodorize

• Several germs in the home can cause illness, like E. coli and staphylococcus, to your doorknobs. It is important to check around your house regularly to disinfect certain areas that you may have overlooked. The bathroom and kitchen sink drains are hot spots for bacteria and germs; spray it thoroughly with bleach at least once a week. Your sponges and dishcloths are also full of germs. Throw them in the microwave for 20 seconds just as often. Grab a container of two-sided cleaning and sanitizing wipes (like the ones now offered by Lysol) and use them to wipe down your doorknobs, desk and counter tops, remote controls, phones, faucet handles, stair case handles and any other surface that you grab or touch frequently.
  
  

Dust Your Wall and Ceiling Fixtures

• Most people do not look up when they are cleaning. If you have light fixtures or ceiling fans above your head, these commonly hold dirt and must be dusted and wiped down regularly. The dust particles that sit on the surface contain bacteria and allergens that can make people sick. The dust can be reintroduced into the air at any time. So make it a point to walk around your home with a step ladder at least once a month to reach those fixtures that are high on your wall or on the ceiling.
  
  

Pet-Related Chores

• If you own a pet, you know they can sometimes leave surprises on your carpet. Some pet stains are not visible to the naked eye, but you can see the problem if you turn off your lights and switch on a black light. Walk around your carpeting with the black light and a bottle of an enzymatic cleaning solution. Spray any bright spots that show up on the carpet to neutralize the odor (your pet may be the only one who smells it) and clean up the mark with a paper towel.