5 places you're forgetting to clean
House cleaning tips and tricks to address household surfaces that are often overlooked.
5 places you're forgetting to clean
House cleaning tips and tricks to address household surfaces that are often overlooked.
When it comes to housekeeping, the possibilities of what gets missed can seem endless. But if we take a moment to consider the last time we had to move to a new home and prepare the place for new residents, it becomes easier to remember some of the spots that are often overlooked. There is an old English proverb: “A stitch in time saves nine.” Creating ways to address these sticky, neglected or hard-to-reach places in the house more frequently makes good sense, and actually saves time and effort in the long run. With these things in mind, here are some tips to help you streamline the nitty-gritty details of household cleaning to get you into an easier cleaning routine.
To get started there are a few tools and cleaners you will need that you should already have around the house.
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Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
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A coil cleaning brush
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A clean, unused toothbrush
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Microfiber cotton cloths or sponge
- Dish soap, white vinegar or another gentle cleaner of your choice
1. Appliances
Appliances often get overlooked when it comes to cleaning because the task can feel daunting. Remember that in general, giving your appliances and their surrounding areas a bit of extra T.L.C. will help tremendously in extending their life.
- The refrigerator. Throw out expired food, take out shelving and drawers and wipe thoroughly with hot soapy water or an antibacterial cleaner. Dry with a clean towel. You should also unplug it, pull it from its place and clean its coils and the space in which it rests about every three to four months.
- Ovens. They should be well-cleaned regularly, but for deeper cleaning, every other week or more is recommended. Burner plates can be pulled out and washed either by hand or in the dishwasher, and coils should be wiped clean. For glass stovetops especially, use only non-abrasive cleaners and cleaning cloths.
- Washing machines. Washers with gaskets can get funky when moisture and mold build up, so it's important to keep them clean so your clothes stay fresh. Run an empty, hot cycle with two cups of white vinegar to remove and prevent bacteria growth. Scrub the inside of the machine with a cloth sprayed with a non-abrasive multi-surface cleaner, and then wipe dry with a soft, dry cloth. You can use a microfiber cloth to clean the agitator, and in some cases, a toothbrush can come in quite handy to get to the finer areas.
2. Tops of hard-to-reach shelves and cabinets
Vacuum the area first, to get rid of as much dust as possible before wiping down. Next, if you find that there are areas in which grease has built up (this can happen over time when cabinet tops get neglected), you may need a putty knife along with a strong, deep-cleaning, degreasing spray cleaner. Spray down your surfaces and scrape them clean before wiping them for effective and thorough cleaning.
3. Baseboards
Although they are in plain sight, baseboards still tend to get overlooked. By simply making them part of your weekly floor cleaning routine, you will save yourself time in the long run. Vacuum them first with a brush attachment to grab hair and loose dirt. To clean, use a sponge, rag or even an old sock with warm water and a gentle soap, vinegar and water or your favorite Bona Wood Floor Cleaner. You'll add a brilliance to your room that you didn't even know was possible!
4. Underneath hard-to-move furniture
Again, this may seem pretty basic. It’s just a matter of getting to the area that’s the challenge, but it needs to be done every so often –– experts recommend every 3-6 months to maintain a clean and healthy home environment. For heavier furniture items, find someone to help you do the moving. Never lift things that are too heavy for just you, as you may injure yourself. More than one person is usually sufficient to lift heavy furniture, one foot at a time, onto slides or furniture rollers (recommended for wood or stone floors). Once they are moved aside, they area can be vacuumed or mopped.
5. Windowsills, window frames and door jambs
Similar to baseboards and cabinet tops, these spots are often omitted from the weekly to-do list. Never fear, since these are usually easy places to get to, with perhaps the exception of higher windows that require a ladder to reach. Get them on your list at least once a month. Vacuum the excess dust, then give them a wipe down with your cloth and multi-surface cleaner.
