Are you sick of spending hours upon hours cleaning, only to find that your space is still filled with dirt and dust? Though we recognize the importance of frequently vacuuming carpets, scrubbing floors, and wiping down countertops, sometimes hidden areas are left untouched as they can easily be overlooked. To help keep your home free of dirt and grime, let’s look at eight forgotten cleaning areas in your home that have a tendency to accumulate junk. Don’t forget these dirt magnets during your next deep-cleaning session!
1. The Top of Picture Frames, Cabinets, and Doors
While you're tidying up, don't forget to glance upward from time to time. You might spot more dust than you'd expect since we tend to overlook things that are above eye level. Make sure to routinely clean the upper parts of door frames, kitchen cabinets, tall storage units, picture frames, and those high-up corners on the ceiling.
And while you're up there, take a quick look at the light fixtures and ceiling fans. The easiest tool to gather up lots of dust and spiderwebs is a disposable duster with a telescopic handle.
2. Under the Furniture
Usually, you'll find a few dust bunnies scurrying around under a bed or couch, and you can easily catch them with a vacuum or dust mop.
It's a good idea to vacuum or use a dusting wand underneath your furniture at least twice a year to get rid of spider webs, and their eggs, as well as dust and dirt buildup.
3. Fridge Drawers
Although the crisper in your refrigerator may look clean and transparent, it can surprisingly harbor a variety of bacterial strains. Since E. Coli can often be found on the surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables, it becomes crucial to establish a routine for cleaning out your refrigerator drawers. This practice will help ensure a safer and healthier environment for storing your food items.
4. Walls and Baseboards
To see how dusty your walls are, open the drapes or blinds and turn on the lights, especially if you have textured wallpaper.
Start from the top of the wall and work your way down with a good duster. Also, don't forget to clean around light switches and doorknobs.
Lastly, pay attention to the baseboards; they can accumulate quite a bit of dust. In humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms, use a damp cloth to wipe them down.
5. Air Filters
In homes with central heating or air conditioning, ductwork connects the system to the living spaces. Treated hot or cold air is distributed through vents and then circulates back into the air handling system.
However, if the air returning to the system isn't filtered to capture dust and pollen particles, they can simply blow back into your living areas, so it's important to replace or clean them regularly.
When you replace the filter, take a moment to clean the vent grates as well. This simple step will improve the air quality in your home, making it easier to breathe, and it will also help reduce dust buildup throughout your living spaces. Make sure to clean the filters and vents of the single window unit properly as well.
6. House Plants
Whether you have real or artificial indoor plants, they can accumulate a surprising amount of dust. Most plants can benefit from a quick spray to freshen them up. For larger plants that are hard to move, take the time to gently wipe down each leaf with a microfiber cloth or a disposable duster.
7. Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can accumulate unpleasant odors and germs over time, including pet and food stains. To keep them fresh, be sure to regularly wash the covers in the washing machine, ideally every other week or as needed. If your decorative pillows aren’t machine-washable, you can try a gentle hand-cleaning method using upholstery shampoo and hot water.
8. Door Knobs
Since our hands frequently come into contact with doorknobs and handles, it's essential to regularly clean them. To keep them looking shiny and hygienic, simply wipe them down with moist microfiber cloths and an all-purpose cleaner every now and then.
These are eight forgotten cleaning areas that you may be missing out on when tidying up your home. Don't let those hard-to-reach spaces get filled with dust and dirt—take the time once a month or so to ensure a totally clean home. Taking the time to make sure each corner is completely vacuumed, wiped down, and swept will leave your house feeling fresher than ever! Implementing this strategy into your normal cleaning routine will leave you seeing better results overall—now get out there and start tackling those forgotten spots!
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