Although most people believe they live in clean houses, studies have shown that most homes are packed with allergens and dust mites among other parasites and dirt agents. The problem lies in how cleaning is done as opposed to how many times it is done. Although cleaning is done in most households, it is hardly thorough. It’s easy to overlook certain areas in the house because of many factors such as time constraints or lack of effective cleaning products and equipment. Here are 15 places you may be overlooking when you clean the house.
1. Curtains
Most people forget curtains when deep cleaning their homes yet curtains accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, and mold faster than furniture given they are found on dust entry points like windows. The mere fact that curtains are largely meant to stop dust makes them prone to dirt. Curtains should be vacuumed during deep cleaning and washed often since most are made using materials which are machine washable and dryable.
2. Door Frames
Dust tends to collect on high-up spots that are out of sight like door frames. You can use a feather duster to wipe the dust off your door frames when you deep-clean the house.
3. Ceiling Fans
Like door frames, ceiling fans are other high-up spots that tend to be forgotten. Ceiling fans collect a thick layer of dust over time that can be removed easily by passing a cloth over the fan blades. To have an easy mess-free cleaning experience, use a pillowcase. Put a pillowcase over the blades and wipe the dust off ensuring it falls inside the pillowcase.
4. Door Knobs, Handles, and Light Switches
How many times have you wiped your switches, handles, and knobs, yet you use them countless times daily? Wiping all door handles, switches and knobs regularly with a damp cloth is crucial for eliminating the spread of bacteria and germs.
5. Baseboards
Like curtains, baseboards collect dirt all day long from foot traffic, pets and furniture. Baseboards tend to be overlooked since they don’t appear to be dirty at a glance. However, they need to be cleaned as often as you clean your floor. Running a damp cloth should do the trick.
6. Remotes
TV remotes and controllers are also used hundreds of time daily by everyone in your home yet they are rarely cleaned. You should clean your remote on a weekly to monthly basis with a disinfectant to get rid of the dust and bacteria that accumulate on the buttons with time.
7. Coffeemaker
Rinsing your coffee pot doesn’t count as effective cleaning. Classic coffeemakers should be cleaned daily with warm water and soap. Your coffeemaker also needs deep cleaning. You can do this by running a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar before rinsing with cycles of water only. Doing this prevents mold growth, detoxifies the machine and eliminates funny odor.
8. Under Appliances
When cleaning your coffeemaker, don’t forget to wipe under the appliance and all other appliances in your kitchen. All refrigerators and stoves tend to accumulate dust and food particles underneath. Although most people know these spots need cleaning, they tend to be forgotten which leads to accumulation of dust, dirt, and grime. A damp rag and detergent should get the job done.
9. Dishwasher
We clean dishes using dishwashers but tend to forget that they also need to be cleaned. You should clean your dishwasher filter and run cycles of a mixture of hot water and white vinegar on the dish rack to get rid of soap scum, hard-water deposits, and clogged food debris.
10. Trash Can
Trash cans can be filthier than your trash if you rarely clean them. You should empty and rinse out your trash can using a disinfectant and a strong jet of water from your garden hose.
11. Shower Curtains and Bath Mats
The moist nature of bathrooms makes shower curtains, and bathroom mats havens for mildew, soap scum and dirt. You should wash your shower curtains and bath mats with detergent and baking soda at least once monthly to keep them clean and fresh.
12. Toothbrush Holder
All those food particles and toothpaste that get stuck in your toothbrush find their way into your toothbrush holder making it a breeding ground for germs. You should clean your toothbrush holder weekly to avoid germ buildup which is inevitable if you overlook cleaning.
13. Cleaning Supplies
We tend to forget that cleaning supplies also need cleaning. The brooms, sponges, toilet brushes and cloths you use to clean the house are packed with germs after cleaning episodes so they must be cleaned using water and a disinfectant.
14. Pet Bed
When washing your pet, don’t forget to wash your pet’s bed as well. All the treat-gnawing and snuggles leave pet beds smelly. The bed should be cleaned with appropriate pet cleaning agents to keep them clean and free of odor and parasites.
15. The Soles of Your Shoes
When was the last time you cleaned the bottom of your shoes, yet we walk on dirt and germs daily? An effective way of keeping your shoe soles clean is investing in a boot scraper and positioning it at the door. You should also scrub the soles of your shoes often with water and soap.
The above information is an adequate guide/reminder when you want to do thorough cleaning. However, cleaning your home spotlessly can still a daunting task if you don’t have the time or energy. Luckily, you can always seek the services of a professional home cleaner to clean every aspect of your home thoroughly.
