Spring cleaning can be the perfect reason to finally refresh your home and take on those areas that are so often overlooked when it comes to daily cleaning. Obvious tasks such as dusting, vacuuming and scrubbing are the general focus when cleaning. However, there are many spots we tend to forget about.
If you intend on spring cleaning thoroughly, you need to make sure you focus on these most commonly overlooked spots. Have no fear though, as we’ve laid out a list of some of the key areas that are skipped over or put aside as they’re considered menial.
1. Baseboards and Trim
Baseboards and bed trims are regularly overlooked, but when you think about what can gather in these areas, you may quickly change your mind. Pet hair, dust and dust mites make these the perfect hiding spot. To spring clean these areas, a damp cloth or microfiber cloth and a little gentle detergent can easily solve this problem. You can use an old toothbrush to get into those hard to reach areas too.
Tips:
- Start from the top of the baseboard and work downward to avoid spreading dirt.
- A vacuum with a soft brush attachment is useful for removing loose dust beforehand.
2. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Often overlooked when spring cleaning, ceiling fans and light fixtures may need a good dusting. over time, dust and cobwebs form and ceiling fans in particular may spread around dust when turned on after accumulating dirt. Chandeliers and light fixtures become grimy over time and this could dim the light too.
You can pick up special ceiling fan dusters or simply use a microfiber cloth to remove the dust and dirt build up. A damp cloth can easily be used to gently remove grime and dust from light fittings – you could even remove bulbs and gently wipe them down.
Tips:
- Always turn off the fan or light before cleaning and use a step stool or ladder for safety.
- Use a vacuum with an extension hose for hard-to-reach fixtures.
3. Window Tracks and Sills
Window sills and tracks can accumulate lots of dust and dirt over time, sometimes even mold as they are hotspots for humidity. Often overlooked, it may be time to tackle these areas as they are essential to a healthy home. A small vacuum attachment may come in handy here or even a small brush to loosed caked up debris. Then you can simply wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth. Vinegar diluted in water works well for these areas.
Tips:
- Use cotton swabs or an old toothbrush to reach tight corners.
- Dry the area thoroughly after cleaning to prevent moisture buildup.
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4. Behind and Under Furniture
As they say – ‘out of sight, out of mind’ BUT the dust remains. Common areas such as under furniture are one spot you could find quite a dust collection, pet hair and possibly even food crumbs. Shot over furniture like chairs, couches and dressers to vacuum and wipe away the remaining dust.
Tips:
- Use a broom or vacuum with an extension hose for tight spaces.
- Furniture sliders can make heavy pieces easier to move.
5. Air Vents and Ducts
Ducts and air vents are common areas that harbor dust and allergens and my be due for a spring clean. This not only affects the air quality and your HVAC system, but poses a risk to people who suffer from allergies. Vacuuming and wiping down the airvents will relieve this problem. However, if they haven’t been cleaned in years, you may want to consider hiring a professional instead.
Tips:
- Use a vacuum hose attachment to clean vent covers.
- Replace air filters to improve air circulation.
6. Appliance Exteriors and Handles
We regularly clean inside our refrigerators, microwaves and ovens, but have you ever wiped down their buttons, exteriors or handles? Smudges, fingerprints and greasy deposits can accumulate over time – but these are easy to see to. Wiping down these areas with some detergent and a microfiber cloth is a breeze.
Tips:
- Use a stainless-steel cleaner for shiny, streak-free appliances.
- A quick wipe after cooking can prevent grease buildup.
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7. Trash Cans and Recycling Bins
One can only imagine the amount of grime and harmful bacteria that builds up over time in trash cans, bins and other rubbish removal vessels. The odor alone should be enough to motivate you to give these a good spring clean. When cleaning them, wash thoroughly with hoy, soapy water and use a good quality disinfectant thereafter or diluted bleach to keep germs at bay.
Tips:
- Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of trash cans to absorb odors.
- Use well-fitted liners to prevent spills and leaks.
8. Showerheads and Faucets
Soap scum and mineral deposits take over faucets and shower heads over time due to the composits in our water. This slowly reduces water flow can leave your bathroom looking dingy. You can simply unscrew showerheads and soak them in a tub or plastic bag filled with vinegar for roughly an hour, scrum them down and then rinse them off in clean water. You can simply use a diluted vinegar solution to wipe down faucets.
Tips:
- For stubborn deposits, use a baking soda paste for scrubbing.
- Regular maintenance can prevent buildup.
9. Door Handles and Light Switches
Light switches and door handles are the most frequently surfaces in one’s home. This makes them prime spots for fingerprints and germs, especially considering how many people touch them regularly and one can never be sure of what they touched that day or their hygeine habits. Disinfectant on a cloth will suffice as a regular modus, but if really dirty, a gentle cleaner can be used as well for a spring clean.
Tips:
- Clean both sides of door handles and light switches.
- Use a disinfectant suitable for the material (e.g., wood, metal).
10. Mattresses and Pillows
We all know the horror of what can be found in a mattress. The same can be said about your pillows. They collect allergens, dust mites and bacteria and should be vacuumed regularly and thoroughly. You can use a mild detergent to wipe down any stains and follow the washing instructions on your pillows’ labels.
Tips:
- Rotate your mattress every few months for even wear.
- Use pillow protectors to extend their lifespan.
A Thorough Spring Clean
All of these overlooked areas like ceiling fans, baseboards, and air vents are the perfect reason to spring clean. Giving these areas some extra attention will ensure a fresh, healthy and clean home at just the right time. Don’t forget about these dirt hotspots – your family and own health will thank you.
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