Keeping your home clean can often feel like a never-ending challenge, and it’s easy to overlook certain spots. Giving these hidden spaces some extra attention can make a big difference in how clean and fresh your home feels.
Here are five commonly missed places you might be overlooking, along with some simple tips on how to keep them clean.
Light Switches and Door Handles
Light switches and door handles are among the most frequently touched surfaces in any home, yet they’re often left off the cleaning checklist. Each time they’re used, they collect oils from our skin, dirt, and germs, making them prime spots for bacteria to thrive. To clean these areas effectively:
- Wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a gentle cleaner. nsure you cover the entire surface of the switch or handle, including any edges or grooves where grime may accumulate.
- For door handles, don’t forget to clean both sides, as well as the surrounding area on the door, where fingerprints or smudges often appear.
Regularly cleaning these spots helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps your home looking polished.
Under Appliances
The spaces beneath your large kitchen appliances, like the refrigerator and stove, can be real trouble spots. Crumbs, dust, and even stray objects seem to find their way under there, creating a hidden mess that’s often forgotten about.
Move the appliances carefully, if you can, and clean the floor beneath them. Start by sweeping or vacuuming to pick up loose debris. For any stuck-on grime, a damp cloth or mop with a mild cleaner works wonders. While this isn’t something you need to do every week, tackling it every few months can prevent dirt from building up and becoming a bigger job later.
Ceiling Fans
With ceiling fans usually being above eye level, it’s easy to forget them. But dust gathers on the blades surprisingly quick, and when the fan is turned on, that dust gets scattered around the room.
To clean the blades, use a microfiber duster or an old pillowcase to gently wipe them down. The pillowcase method traps dust as you clean, keeping it from falling onto your furniture.
If the blades are particularly dusty, a slightly damp cloth can help. While you’re at it, check the light fixtures on the fan for cobwebs or grime.
Remote Controls
Remote controls are some of the germiest items in your home, but they rarely get the cleaning attention they need. Think about how often they’re touched by multiple people, and it’s easy to see why they should be cleaned regularly.
Start by wiping down the surface with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. For those hard-to-reach spaces between the buttons, use a cotton swab to remove dirt and grime. Adding this step to your cleaning routine helps keep germs in check.
Window Tracks
Windows are often cleaned as part of a regular routine, but their tracks tend to be forgotten. Over time, these tracks collect dirt, dust, and debris, which can become harder to remove the longer it’s left.
- Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment to remove loose debris.
- Then, take a toothbrush or a small brush dipped in soapy water to scrub away grime.
- Wipe it all clean with a damp cloth for a fresh finish.
Paying attention to window tracks not only improves their appearance but also helps the windows function more smoothly.