10 Overlooked Items In Your Home You Should Clean This Week
This is a Guest Post by Cora Gold of www.revivalist.com
Not everyone loves cleaning, but walking into a spotless home is an unbeatable feeling.
While you may diligently address the visible surfaces and common living areas, numerous nooks and crannies may go unnoticed. Cleaning these overlooked items should be part of your deep cleaning schedule.
Consider expanding your cleaning routine this week to include these overlooked items and improve your home’s cleanliness.
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1. Underneath (and Above) Large Appliances
When was the last time you moved your refrigerator, washing machine or microwave? While you may regularly clean your counters, the space beneath large appliances can become a hidden haven for dust, crumbs, spills and even those socks you lost months ago.
Take the time to pull out these appliances and give the area a thorough cleaning. Use a vacuum cleaner or a long-handled brush to reach those elusive corners. Clearing out the accumulated debris can also prevent dust from interfering with the mechanisms of your appliances.
You might also forget about the tops of appliances, which can be challenging to reach. Dust and grime can accumulate on these over time, affecting your home’s cleanliness. Grab a step stool or a study chair, and take a moment to wipe down the tops of your gadgets. Use a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner to remove any residue or sticky spots.
2. Clean Overlooked Items Like Throw Pillows and Blankets
While throw pillows and blankets provide comfort to your living space, they can also harbor dust mites, allergens, odors and stains if you don’t clean them frequently.
If pillows have removable covers, toss them in the washing machine following care instructions. For non-removable covers or decorative pillows, use a fabric-friendly cleaner or vacuum attachment to remove dust and debris. Fluff and rotate the pillows for an instant refresh.
If your blankets are machine washable, toss them in with a gentle detergent. Consider professional cleaning services for delicate or larger blankets requiring special care. The general rule of thumb is to wash blankets and pillows at least once a month to keep them fresh.
3. Air Vents and HVAC Systems
Air vents and exhaust fans are crucial for maintaining good air quality in your home, but you may forget about them during regular cleaning sessions. This week, pay attention to these often-neglected areas.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment to remove dust from airvents. For exhaust fans, unscrew the cover, and clean both the fan blades and the surrounding grille.
Make it a priority to clean your HVAC systems twice a year — during early spring and late fall — to promote better air quality. This simple maintenance task promotes better air circulation and prevents the buildup of dust and allergens that can circulate throughout your home when using these systems.
4. Mattresses are One of the Most Overlooked Items to Clean
Although you use your mattress every night, it’s easy to miss cleaning it. Over time, mattresses can collect dust mites, allergens, dead skin cells and sweat. To clean it, start by removing all bedding and vacuuming the surface thoroughly. Use the upholstery attachment to ensure you reach all the seams and crevices.
If your mattress has stains, spot-clean them with a mild detergent, or a mixture of water and baking soda. Consider sprinkling baking soda on the entire surface, letting it sit for a few hours and vacuuming it again to neutralize odors.
You should also rotate your mattress every few months to distribute wear and keep its shape. Make that part of your spring cleaning routine and do it in the fall too!
5. Blinds and Curtains
Blinds are a major dust collector, so close them while using a microfiber cloth or blind duster to remove it from both sides. If your blinds are especially dirty, you might need to take them down and wash them for a deeper clean.
Curtains are known for trapping dust particles, odors and allergens. Most are machine washable but always double-check first. Consider using a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to remove debris. Don’t forget to wipe down the rods and tiebacks, which can also collect dust. Keep these items clean by washing them every six months or more often if you have allergies.
6. Books
The items on your bookshelves likely aren’t getting the attention they deserve. Dust tends to collect on the tops of shelves and on the book covers themselves. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush to wipe off each book gently, starting from the top and working your way down.
Consider rearranging the books to prevent uneven wear and refresh the look of your bookshelves. If you have leather-bound volumes or special editions, use a mild cleaner suitable for the material.
7. Ceiling Fans
Take a moment this week to clean the blades of your ceiling fans using a microfiber cloth or a duster. One of my favorite cleaning supplies is the swiffer duster with an extending handle. Doing so helps maintain a healthier living environment but also ensures the dust doesn’t scatter around the room when you turn the fan on. Don’t forget to check its light fixtures for any accumulated dust as well.
8. Trash Cans
Trash cans are essential for keeping your home tidy, but they’ll quickly fill up with unpleasant odors and bacteria if you don’t clean them often enough. Start by emptying the bins and disposing of any lingering trash at the bottom. Wash the inside with a mixture of warm water and detergent, using a sponge to scrub away any residue. Pay attention to the areas around the rim and the bottom, where spills and leaks often occur.
Once cleaned, allow the bins to air dry before adding new liners. It’s best to disinfect your garbage cans at least once a month to prevent them from becoming unhygienic.
9. Inside Appliances
Remember to give the inside of your appliances some TLC, too. Remove any expired items from your refrigerator, and clean all drawers and shelves with a mild detergent. Wipe down the surfaces with a mixture of baking soda and water to get rid of any smells — do the same for your microwave.
The inside of your oven can accumulate grease, food splatters and residue over time, affecting its performance and cleanliness. If your device has a self-cleaning feature, follow the instructions for a convenient and thorough wash. Alternatively, spread a paste of baking soda and water over the interior surfaces and let it sit overnight. Wipe away the paste and residue with a damp cloth the following day.
Some stove tops also open for cleaning inside. If that’s the case don’t forget to do that too! It prevents fires and pests!
10. Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets often bear the brunt of splatters and food stains. Remove any items from the shelves and wipe them down.
Pay extra attention to the handles and knobs, as they can harbor dirt and grease. Organize and declutter the contents as you repack your items, guaranteeing a tidier and more efficient cabinet space.
A Cleaner and Healthier Home
Add these often-overlooked items to this week’s cleaning routine to create a visually appealing living space and a healthier environment.
Why is housekeeping important? Because by giving attention to these neglected spaces, you’re preventing the buildup of dust and allergens, as well as ensuring your appliances and furniture last longer and perform better.
Declutter for Easier Cleaning!
Do you still feel overwhelmed with the idea of cleaning your home?Do you need motivation to clean? Does it always seem to clean forever? What if I told you the problem wasn’t actually the cleaning process?
Your home may take forever to clean because you have too much stuff to move around as you try to clean. I promise, less stuff means less cleaning! If you want to declutter your home to make cleaning faster and easier grab my e-book to help you bust through the junk!
Meet the Writer:
Cora Gold is freelance writer who covers minimalism and green living. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Follow Cora on Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
