We all know the well-worn cleaning routine. It’s vacuuming carpets, wiping down surfaces, and scrubbing toilets. Despite this, there are hidden germ havens that often get overlooked. These unsuspecting areas can harbor dust, dirt, and even mold, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Let’s delve into the commonly forgotten spots in your home that deserve a regular cleaning to become true champions of your cleaning routine.
Mattress
Dust mites, microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments, love to call mattresses home. These mites can trigger allergies and asthma. So it’s crucial to give your mattress a refresh every few months.
Pillows
Similar to mattresses, pillows accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells, and sweat over time. These allergens can irritate your skin and respiratory system, especially if you suffer from allergies. To keep your pillows fresh and allergen-free, wash them in hot water (at least 55°C or 130°F) every 3-4 months. Check the care label on your pillows for specific washing instructions, as some may require special handling.
Ceiling Fans
Think about all the dust circulating in your bedroom. As the ceiling fan spins, it pulls dust from the air and deposits it on the blades. Dust can accumulate on the fan. This reduces its efficiency and potentially blows dust back down into the room. To prevent this, use a microfiber cloth or a long-handled duster to reach the blades and remove accumulated dust at least once a month.
Light Switch Plates & Doorknobs
Light switch plates and doorknobs are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in your home. Every time someone enters or leaves a room, they come into contact with these areas. This constant touching transfers germs and bacteria, making them breeding grounds for illness.
Garbage Disposal
Don’t let food scraps fester in your garbage disposal. It creates a nasty odor and attracts unwanted pests. To keep your garbage disposal fresh and functioning properly, grind ice cubes with lemon wedges once a week. The ice cubes will help sharpen the blades, while the lemon wedges will deodorize the disposal and leave a pleasant scent.
Microwave
Microwaves are convenient appliances for quickly heating food. However, food splatters and spills can easily get neglected inside. Over time, these spills can harden and become difficult to remove. If you want to keep your microwave safe from baked-on grime, it’s important to clean it regularly.
Appliance Exteriors
We often focus on cleaning the inside of appliances, However, the exteriors can get just as grimy. Stainless steel appliances are sleek and modern. However, your fingerprints and smudges can easily show on them. To keep your stainless steel appliances looking their best, use a microfiber cloth. These clothes will pick up fingerprints and dust without leaving streaks or scratches.
Pantry Shelves & Cabinets
Pantry shelves and cabinets are prime real estate for crumbs, spills, and forgotten snacks. This food debris can attract pests like ants and roaches, creating a nuisance and a potential health hazard. Regularly wipe down shelves and drawers to prevent infestations. Pay close attention to corners and hidden nooks where crumbs might accumulate.
Under Appliances Area
Your oven and fridge seem like permanent fixtures. However, trust us, there’s a whole lot of dust underneath them. A little effort can help you remove these unwanted guests. Carefully pull your appliances forward – be gentle with those electrical cords and gas or water lines. A long-handled vacuum cleaner is your best friend here, reaching those forgotten corners with ease. If you don’t have one handy, a trusty damp rag will do the trick, wiping away dust
Remote Controls
We use our remote controls constantly to change channels, adjust volume, or stream our favorite shows. However, these devices rarely get cleaned, despite the numerous hands that touch them every day. Wipe down your remote controls with disinfectant wipes or a solution of equal parts water and vinegar on a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to clean the battery compartment as well, as dirt can accumulate there and potentially corrode the batteries.
Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are often missed out when it comes to cleaning. Dust buildup on light bulbs and shades can dim their output, making your rooms feel dull and gloomy. This affects the ambiance of your home. Cleaning dirty lightbulbs and fixtures can boost lighting output by 10%.
To ensure your light fixtures provide optimal brightness, use a stepladder or a long-handled duster to reach them safely. For intricate fixtures with crystals or pendants, remove the bulbs and gently wipe down the components with a damp cloth.
Shower Curtain Liner
The damp environment of a shower is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially on your shower curtain liner. These slimy growths look unsightly and can also trigger allergies and respiratory problems. While some liners can be wiped down to remove surface mold, it’s often more effective to replace them entirely every few months. When choosing a new liner, opt for a mildew-resistant one for easier maintenance.
Showerhead
Over time, hard water deposits can build up inside your showerhead, clogging the nozzles and reducing water pressure. This can make showering an unpleasant experience and can also decrease the efficiency of your shower.
To remove mineral buildup, unscrew the showerhead according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Soak it in a solution of water and vinegar for a few hours. Then scrub the nozzles with a toothbrush to remove deposits. Rinse the showerhead thoroughly before reattaching it. Regular cleaning of your showerhead will ensure a powerful and refreshing shower experience.
Toothbrush Holder & Soap Dish
Your toothbrush holder and soap dish are constantly exposed to moisture and toothpaste or soap scum. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to flourish.
To prevent the spread of germs, wash your toothbrush holder and soap dish regularly with hot, soapy water or disinfecting wipes. For stubborn soap scum buildup, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and scrub the affected areas. Consider replacing your toothbrush holder and soap dish every 3-4 months. This will help maintain a hygienic bathroom.
Vacuum Cleaner
The very tool you rely on to clean your home needs cleaning itself. Just like any other appliance, your vacuum cleaner accumulates dust and dirt over time. To ensure optimal performance and prevent clogging, empty the dustbin after every use. This will prevent dust from accumulating inside the vacuum and recirculating back into the air. More importantly, the filter should be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and reduce suction power.