Even if you clean your place regularly, there are some places that we often need to pay more attention to. However, these places require deep and thorough cleaning to avoid dust, mildew, mold, and other unpleasant substances.
Many people are making the same home cleaning mistakes a lot of them realize they’re making.
So, when starting your cleaning routine, don’t forget to clean these seven essential yet often ignored areas in your home. That way, you’ll know how to deal with these awkward spaces:
1. Air Vents
Air vents tend to gather dust and filter them out. However, dust can also get stuck on the grates. They’re either tucked away or up in the ceiling, so it’s easy to overlook these areas when cleaning.
Also, ensure that you regularly wipe and change the filters so that your space will not only look cleaner but the air you’re breathing is also cleaner.
2. Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture tends to weather everyday elements. Thus, they quickly gather dust and dirt over time.
We suggest you hose outdoor furniture with water and use a dishwashing liquid and microfiber cloths to remove dirt.
3. Ceiling Lights and Wall Sconces
Cleaning ceiling lights and wall sconces depends on how simple or complicated the fixtures are. So, give yourself time to do the job properly if you have light in many delicate places.
To clean them, make sure that you remove the bulbs first. Then wipe them using a soft cloth. The next thing that you should do is disassemble different parts of the light.
Next is to soak them in soap water for at least half an hour, then clean off the soap using a wet cloth and dry them immediately. Finally, using a damp cloth, wipe the base of the light or sconce. Then, after you’re done, reassemble the pieces.
4. Handles, Knobs, and Switches
A number of dirty hands grab door knobs, handles, and switches. Although one would think they’re regularly disinfected, most places tend to be overlooked. It would be best if you addressed these areas accordingly.
At Planet Maids, (house cleaning NYC), we tell clients that since germs could easily spread in these areas, to make sure to use an anti-bacterial cleaner to disinfect and polish these surfaces regularly.
5. Refrigerator, Washing Machine, and dryer
Most people clean the insides of their fridges regularly. However, cleaning under and behind it is also another story.
Many food particles, dust, and dirt tend to gather in these areas, making your kitchen less clean than it is. The same thing goes for your washing machine and dryer.
So, make sure you take time moving these appliances and regularly cleaning the under and behind.
6. Window Blinds
Window blinds can also be a pain to clean. However, regularly cleaning them can make a big difference in your place’s overall cleanliness.
These areas tend to gather dust, so you must wipe them regularly. Make sure you individually wipe eat slats from top to bottom, ensuring they’re spotless.
7. Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal tends to get smelly quickly. But you can easily freshen it up by pouring a half cup of baking soda into it, along with one cup of vinegar, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
The next thing you need to do is to switch it on, running it with hot water. Then, rinse out the cleaning agents you’ve used. Finally, use some citrus rinds. You can grind them up.
8. Trash Bonus
Although they contain smelly, messy garbage, trash bins also need to be cleaned every once in a while. Otherwise, odors and traces and spilled garbage can make them enticing insects and animals.
If you want to thoroughly clean your trash bin, lay it on the side, and use a high-pressure hose to rinse it out. You can use an all-purpose cleaning solution and an extended brush to clean the insides. Finally, rinse it with the hose again after you’re done, and let it air dry.
9. Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are one of the biggest offenders when gathering layers of dust and dirt. When you turn them on, it gets redistributed back into the air, which can be very unhealthy in the long run.
Make sure you grab a ladder and wipe them at least once a month or every couple of months. Your lungs and sinuses will thank you in the long run!
Over to You
So there you have it. Although no one wants to spend all their time cleaning, the extra effort you put in on these hard-to-reach areas will leave you with a healthier home.
So, ensure you follow these cleaning tips on the overlooked spots in your cleaning list. That way, your place will be sparkling clean in no time!