Keeping your home clean is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Though you may think you are thorough with cleaning your house, there are still some places that most people forget to clean.
These places can harbor germs and dirt, which can lead to various health problems. In this blog, we will be discussing 13 places you forget to clean in your home.
13 Places You Forget to Clean in Your Home
Window Tracks
When cleaning your windows for a clear view, don’t forget the windowsill. It’s important to open the window and thoroughly clean the track and the area where the window meets the frame. Ben Root, E-Series product manager for Andersen Windows, based in Minnesota, suggests using a soft bristle brush to remove pine needles, dust, and bugs.
It’s also worth checking the area around your window lock and the space between the window and screen. By cleaning out the hardware, not only will your window operate better, but it will also last longer. After removing debris, you can give your windows an additional cleaning using a mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive materials as they can damage window surfaces.
Baseboards
To maintain a clean and presentable living space, it is important to go beyond basic floor cleaning. In addition to regular vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping, attention should be given to the often overlooked baseboards. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the baseboards, resulting in a dingy appearance for the entire room.
If dust accumulation is the primary concern, a dry rag can be used to effectively brighten up the baseboards. However, for more stubborn marks and scuffs, a simple solution of water and soap can be employed to not only clean the baseboards but also improve the overall appearance of both floors and walls. By incorporating these additional steps into your cleaning routine, you can ensure a thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained living space.
Door Frames, Thresholds and Walls
After completing the cleaning of your window tracks and baseboards, it is important to extend these tasks to your door area as well. Over time, dirt, leaves, gravel, and dead insects can accumulate around your doorway, leading to unsightly scuffs and dirt smears along your door frame, especially on rainy days.
Therefore, by giving equal attention to your door, you can maintain a clean and pristine appearance throughout your entire living space.
Under Appliances
To ensure proper cleanliness and maintenance, it is important to periodically move your oven and refrigerator despite their immobility. Over time, crumbs and other debris find their way under these appliances, often forgotten.
Taking the time to pull out the major appliances gently, being cautious with electrical cords and gas or water connections, can reveal hidden build-up.
A long-handled vacuum is a helpful tool to reach behind the appliances, effectively eliminating dust and food particles. Additionally, a damp rag can be utilized to thoroughly clear the area, ensuring optimal cleanliness.
Range Hood and Vents
When considering your kitchen, don’t overlook the often-forgotten spots that are not regularly touched. These include your range hood, microwave filters, and vents, which accumulate residue over time.
It’s not only important to clean them for hygiene purposes but also to minimize potential safety hazards in the future. Removing grease and food particles will ensure a cleaner and safer kitchen environment.
Washing Machine and Other Appliances
Many household appliances, such as washing machines and ovens, offer a convenient self-cleaning option to effectively remove debris and maintain their performance. To find the most suitable cleaning method for your appliance, refer to the appliance’s manual. Regular cleaning not only ensures optimal functioning but also helps eliminate unpleasant odors.
In addition to using the self-cleaning function, you can enhance the cleanliness of your washing machine and dishwasher by running a cycle with a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda.
For cleaning the interiors of your oven, refrigerator, and microwave, it is recommended to use baking soda or vinegar solutions, which are safer alternatives to toxic chemicals that may come in contact with your food.
Curtains and Throw Pillows
Throw pillows, whether placed on your bed or couch, often attract dust, dirt, food particles, dead skin, and other debris. While some pillows are machine washable, others require special care. To keep them fresh and clean, start by vacuuming up dust and dander.
For stains, use a sponge or cloth to spot-clean the affected areas. Additionally, you can use baking soda or an odor-eliminating product to eliminate any unpleasant odors.
Furthermore, don’t forget to apply the same cleaning techniques to any fabric curtains you may have. These curtains tend to collect dust, which becomes airborne each time you open or close them.
Bed Frames and Under Beds
To ensure a cleaner sleep environment with reduced dust and allergen exposure, it is important to go beyond the regular sheet change routine. Additionally, it is recommended to thoroughly clean your headboard by wiping or vacuuming to remove any accumulated dust or pet hair.
Moreover, consider pulling out and wiping down any items stored under your bed, paying attention to surfaces as you progress. Lastly, don’t forget to vacuum the floor beneath your bed for a thorough cleaning. By following these steps, you can create a more hygienic sleeping space.
Shower Curtain
If you are faced with the issue of dirty shower curtains accumulating mildew, dirt, or soap scum, there is a simple solution. Rather than tolerating the dirt, you can effectively clean the stains off your shower curtain by running both the liners and curtains through a washing machine.
For optimal results, consider mixing your curtains and liners with towels, detergent, and a cup of baking soda. By following this process, you will be able to restore your shower curtains to their former glory and maintain a clean and fresh bathroom environment.
Trash Cans
Properly addressing unpleasant odors emitted from your trash can goes beyond simply taking out the trash. Leftover food and used bathroom products, for instance, can contribute to foul smells that linger inside the garbage bag. To effectively combat these odors, it is vital to implement a thorough cleaning routine for your trash can.
This may include scrubbing the interior of the can, rinsing it out with water or a hose, and regularly applying disinfectant spray. By diligently following these steps, you can ensure that your trash can remains clean and odor-free.
Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
It is recommended to continue dusting after completing bookshelves and tabletops. Extend your reach using a sturdy chair or stepladder to clean the blades of ceiling fans and light fixtures, as advised by Peterson. Additionally, it is important to vacuum the floor beneath once you have finished dusting, as dust can fall to the ground during the process.
Toothbrush Holder
When cleaning your bathroom, it is important to not overlook your toothbrush holder. This often neglected item is a hot spot for germs, so be sure to give it a thorough rinse or wipe it out with a damp cloth and soap on a regular basis. Taking the time to clean your toothbrush holder will help maintain overall cleanliness and hygiene in your bathroom.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants, whether real or silk, have a tendency to accumulate a considerable amount of dust over time. For live plants, it is beneficial to give them a quick rinse under the showerhead. In the event that the plants are too large to move, they can be wiped down using a microfiber cloth or a disposable duster, ensuring each leaf is thoroughly cleaned.
Preserved blooms and silk plants also require regular cleaning. Preserved flowers, such as the Venus ET Fleur Eternity Roses, can be lightly dusted using a microfiber or feather duster. Silk plants can be taken outside and gently blown off using a hairdryer set on cool to remove any accumulated dust.
To revive individual stems of silk greenery or blossoms, you can place them in a paper bag with an ample amount of table salt or baking soda. Shake the bag well, and you will find that most of the debris remains trapped in the salt or baking soda. Finally, use the cool setting on a hairdryer to remove any remaining residue before displaying the plants.
Final Words
In conclusion, it’s vital that we clean each and every nook and cranny in our homes. These 13 places we forget to clean are important and can harbor harmful germs and bacteria. Make a conscious effort to ensure these areas are clean, and your home will be a healthier and happier place to stay.