Must-Clean: Forgotten Areas at Home

Cleaning your home thoroughly is not only about aesthetics but also about creating a healthy and comfortable living environment. While you may focus on the visible surfaces and high-traffic areas, several overlooked spots deserve your attention. Let's delve into these must-clean areas to ensure your home stays sparkling clean from top to bottom.

Kitchen Cleaning

Behind Appliances

One of the most neglected areas in the kitchen is the space behind appliances such as the refrigerator and stove. Over time, dust, grease, and food particles can accumulate in these areas, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and pests. To tackle this hidden dirt, move your appliances and thoroughly clean the floor and walls using a vacuum cleaner and damp cloth.

Inside Cabinets and Drawers

While you may wipe down your kitchen countertops regularly, the insides of cabinets and drawers often go untouched. Take the time to empty these storage spaces and wipe them down with a mild detergent or disinfectant spray. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where crumbs and spills can accumulate.

Kitchen Sink Drain

The kitchen sink drain is another area that tends to be overlooked during regular cleaning routines. Over time, food debris, grease, and soap scum can build up in the drain, leading to unpleasant odors and even clogs. To keep your sink, drain clean and odor-free, pour boiling water down the drain once a week and use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break up any stubborn buildup.

Dishwasher Filter

Many people forget to clean the dishwasher filter, assuming that it cleans itself with each cycle. However, food particles and debris can get trapped in the filter over time, affecting the dishwasher's performance and leaving dishes less than sparkling clean. Remove the filter regularly and rinse it under running water to remove any buildup.

Bathroom Cleaning

Shower Curtain and Liner

The shower curtain and liner are often overlooked when cleaning the bathroom, but they can harbor mold, mildew, and soap scum if not cleaned regularly. To keep them clean and fresh, machine wash the curtain and liner in hot water with a mild detergent and hang them to dry thoroughly.

Base of the Toilet

The base of the toilet is another area that tends to collect dirt and grime but is often overlooked during cleaning. Use a disinfectant cleaner and a scrub brush to clean the base of the toilet thoroughly, paying special attention to the area where it meets the floor.

Showerhead and Faucets

Mineral buildup can occur on showerheads and faucets over time, affecting water flow and quality. To remove this buildup, soak the showerhead and faucets in a mixture of vinegar and water overnight, then scrub them with a toothbrush to remove any remaining residue.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan

The bathroom exhaust fan helps remove moisture and odors from the air, but it can also become clogged with dust and debris over time. Remove the cover and vacuum out any dust or debris, then wipe down the fan blades with a damp cloth to keep it running smoothly.

Bedroom Cleaning

Under the Bed

Under the bed is a notorious dust trap that often gets neglected during cleaning. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to reach under the bed and remove dust, dirt, and pet hair. Consider using storage bins or organizers to keep the area tidy and prevent future buildup.

Mattress and Pillows

Your mattress and pillows may not be visible, but they can harbor dust mites, allergens, and sweat stains if not cleaned regularly. Vacuum your mattress and pillows regularly, and wash your pillowcases and mattress cover in hot water every few weeks to keep them clean and fresh.

Behind Furniture

Dust and dirt can accumulate behind furniture, especially in areas that are hard to reach. Move your furniture periodically and vacuum or sweep behind it to remove any buildup. Don't forget to dust and polish the furniture itself to keep it looking its best.

Closet Shelves and Floor

Closet shelves and floors are often overlooked during cleaning but can quickly become cluttered and dusty. Take the time to declutter your closet regularly and wipe down shelves and rods with a damp cloth. Vacuum or sweep the closet floor to remove any dust or debris.

Living Room Cleaning

Behind Electronics

The space behind your TV and entertainment center can accumulate dust and debris, affecting the performance of your electronics. Dust behind electronics regularly and use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any buildup.

Lampshades and Light Fixtures

Lampshades and light fixtures can collect dust and cobwebs over time, affecting the quality of light in your living room. Use a lint roller or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust from lampshades and light fixtures regularly.

Upholstery and Pillows

Upholstered furniture and throw pillows can harbor dust, pet hair, and spills if not cleaned regularly. Vacuum upholstered furniture and pillows regularly, and spot-clean any spills or stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in.

TV Remote and Coffee Table

The TV remote and coffee table are often touched frequently but rarely cleaned. Wipe down your TV remote with a disinfectant wipe regularly and use a damp cloth to clean spills and stains from your coffee table.

Dining Area Cleaning

Chair Cushions

Chair cushions can harbor crumbs, spills, and stains if not cleaned regularly. Remove chair cushions and vacuum them thoroughly, and spot clean any spills or stains as needed.

Tablecloth and Placemats

Tablecloths and placemats can collect crumbs and spills during meals, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Shake out tablecloths and placemats after each use, and machine wash them regularly to keep them clean and fresh.

Baseboards and Corners

Baseboards and corners in the dining area can collect dust and pet hair over time, affecting the overall cleanliness of the space. Use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from baseboards and corners regularly.

Dining Room Chandelier

The dining room chandelier may not be on your regular cleaning checklist, but it can collect dust and cobwebs over time. Use a microfiber cloth or a duster with an extendable handle to regularly remove dust from the chandelier.

Entryway Cleaning

Doormat and Shoe Rack

The doormat and shoe rack in your entryway can quickly become dirty and cluttered if not cleaned and organized regularly. Shake out the doormat and wipe down the shoe rack with a damp cloth regularly to keep them clean and tidy.

Inside Shoe Baskets

The inside of shoe baskets can collect dirt, dust, and debris from dirty shoes if not cleaned regularly. Empty out shoe baskets periodically and wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any buildup.

Coat Closet

The coat closet in your entryway can become cluttered and disorganized if not cleaned out regularly. Take the time to declutter your coat closet and organize coats, jackets, and other items to keep the space tidy and functional.

Front Door and Handle

The front door and handle are the first things guests see when they enter your home, so it's important to keep them clean and well-maintained. Wipe down the front door and handle regularly with a disinfectant wipe to remove dirt and germs.

Regularly cleaning these forgotten areas in your home is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. By paying attention to these often-overlooked spots, you can ensure that your home stays sparkling clean from top to bottom. Incorporate these cleaning tasks into your regular routine to keep your home looking its best year-round.