Keeping a clean home is important for maintaining a healthy and inviting environment, especially when hosting guests.
However, there are often overlooked areas in the house that can accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria, leading to unpleasant surprises for visitors.
Baseboards
Baseboards accumulate dust and dirt over time, especially in corners and along the floor. Use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove built-up grime and maintain a clean appearance.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are notorious for collecting dust on their blades, which can then be dispersed into the air when the fan is turned on.
Wipe down fan blades regularly with a microfiber cloth or use a duster with an extendable handle to reach high ceilings.
Behind Appliances
Areas behind large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines are often neglected during cleaning. Pull out these appliances periodically to clean up dust, food crumbs, and pet hair that can accumulate in these hidden spaces.
Air Vents
Dusty air vents can circulate allergens and pollutants throughout your home. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a damp cloth to remove dust and debris from both the vents and the surrounding areas.
Light Fixtures
Dusty light fixtures can dim the brightness of your home and create an unclean appearance.
Use a duster or microfiber cloth to gently clean both the fixtures and the bulbs, being sure to turn off the power before cleaning to avoid accidents.
Inside Cabinets and Drawers
The interiors of cabinets and drawers can accumulate dust, crumbs, and spills, especially in areas where items are stored less frequently.
Empty out cabinets and drawers periodically to wipe down the surfaces and organize the contents for cleaner and more functional storage space.
Door Knobs and Handles
Door knobs and handles are high-touch surfaces that can harbor bacteria and germs. Disinfect these areas regularly with a cleaning solution or disinfectant wipes to help prevent the spread of illness-causing pathogens.
Remote Controls
Remote controls are frequently handled but rarely cleaned, making them hotspots for germs and bacteria. Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean remote controls regularly, paying special attention to the buttons and crevices.
Trash Cans
If not cleaned regularly, trash cans can become breeding grounds for bacteria and odors. Empty and clean trash cans with soap and water, then sprinkle baking soda at the bottom to neutralize odors and keep them smelling fresh.
Shower Curtains
Shower curtains can develop mold and mildew due to constant exposure to moisture. Machine wash fabric shower curtains according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or clean plastic shower curtains by wiping them down with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Underneath Furniture
Dust and pet hair can accumulate underneath furniture, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with a vacuum cleaner. Use a duster with an extendable handle or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to clean underneath sofas, beds, and other furniture pieces.
Blinds and Curtains
Dusty blinds and curtains can detract from the overall cleanliness of your home. To keep them clean and fresh, dust blinds with a microfiber cloth, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, and launder curtains according to the care instructions.
Doormats
Doormats can trap dirt, mud, and moisture from shoes, preventing them from being tracked into your home. Shake out and vacuum doormats regularly, and machine wash them periodically to remove built-up grime and keep them looking their best.
Pet Accessories
If pet bowls, toys, and bedding are not cleaned regularly, they can harbor bacteria and odors. To maintain a clean and hygienic living environment, wash pet bowls with soap and water daily, launder pet toys and bedding weekly, and vacuum pet hair from furniture and floors.
Light Switches
Light switches are frequently touched but often overlooked during cleaning routines. Disinfect light switches regularly with a cleaning solution or disinfectant wipes to remove germs and prevent the spread of illness-causing bacteria.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.
