Buzz
Photo Credit: Getty ImagesDo you aim for a spotless home? Even the most dedicated cleaners can overlook a few areas. Despite cleaning every corner, nook, and cranny, there are some spots that may still be forgotten. Here are seven places in your home that you might be missing while cleaning.
Light Switch Plates
We frequently touch our light switches throughout the day, yet we often forget to clean them. These high-contact areas can quickly accumulate grime if not cleaned regularly. It's essential to wipe down light switches every few days—or more often if someone in the household is sick.
Be cautious with your cleaning methods, as a soaked rag and electricity don’t mix well. The safest choice is to use disinfecting wipes for cleaning this area.
Air Vents
Noticing your home isn’t heating or cooling as efficiently as before? It might be because your vents are clogged with dust and dirt, obstructing airflow. Remove the covers and soak them in soapy water for a thorough clean. Be sure to replace any dirty filters with fresh ones as well.
Ceiling Trim
When it comes to achieving a truly clean home, sometimes you need to look up. While you likely clean your baseboard moldings regularly, you might be overlooking the ones on your ceiling. Thankfully, cleaning them is easy. Skip the ladder to stay safe—use an extendable mop instead.
Range Hoods
Even if you’re meticulous about cleaning your kitchen, Katrina Green, founder of Badass Homelife LLC and ADHD organizing expert, says your range hood might still be neglected. “Dirt, dust, and grease build up in this area whenever you cook,” she explains. “Over time, this leads to a greasy film that needs to be cleaned.”
She advises wiping down the exterior of the range hood with a microfiber cloth or paper towel soaked in a vinegar and water solution. “Next, clean the filter,” she suggests. “I usually take mine out and let it soak in hot water with dish soap and baking soda for about ten to fifteen minutes.”
Washing Machines
Have you ever noticed how your white T-shirt seems to look a bit more worn out, or how your freshly laundered clothes aren't coming out as clean as you expected? It might be due to a dirty washing machine. This can happen when detergent, fabric softeners, and stain removers build up. According to Green, "To clean your washing machine, I use cleaner tablets. Simply run a regular cycle with hot water [if your machine doesn’t have a dedicated tub clean cycle] and drop the tablets in."
Dryers
Even though your dryer may be filled with clean laundry, the interior can still get dirty. Dryer sheets, in particular, can contribute to excess build-up. Be sure to periodically inspect your dryer and wipe the inside down with a water and vinegar solution.
Always remember to clean the lint trap every time you use your dryer. Not only does lint accumulation pose a fire risk, but it also hampers your machine's efficiency and causes your clothes to take longer to dry, which can ultimately raise your energy bill.
Use a Swiffer Duster to reach the hidden lint in and around your dryer, or try vacuuming it up with a hose attachment for a more thorough cleaning.
The Inside of Your Closet
You may regularly declutter and organize your wardrobe, but have you thought about cleaning the inside of your closet? At the very least, vacuum or mop the floor while you're tidying up the rest of the room.
Additionally, be sure to wipe down the closet rod, the top of the hangers, and any shoe organizers with a damp cloth to keep everything fresh and clean.
