Is Your Home Really Clean? 8 Overlooked Spots You Need to Tackle
Whenever we think we are done with the cleaning, there’s always something left. There are spots in almost every room of the house that we don’t usually clean. Despite all our efforts to establish a complex cleaning routine, several places in our homes have been neglected for far too long.
Having a clean and organized home contributes a lot to our mood. If everything is shining and smelling good, we feel good and productive. But no matter how thorough we think we are, there are always those sneaky spots that manage to escape from our cleaning routines, and even the most meticulous around us have some neglected and dirty places in the house.
You might be thinking ‘Not me! I clean everything!’, but trust us, there are spots in your home that haven’t benefited from your attention at all. In this article, we want to show you the most commonly neglected places in a house when it comes to cleaning. This way, you will be able to see exactly where improvements need to be made. These hidden areas not only collect dust but also contribute to indoor air quality issues and unwanted allergens.
Did you know that even if you are not an allergic person, you can easily develop allergies if you are not careful with your living environment? We hope that this information will motivate you to pay more attention to the way you clean your house.
Let’s explore the often-overlooked places and why these are important to clean!
8 Places NOBODY cleans in their home
1. The top of the refrigerator
Be honest! When was the last time you cleaned the top of your refrigerator? If you are not exceptionally tall or have a good reason to store something up there, this space is often ignored. Even if we like it or not, we should regularly clean the top of our refrigerators because, over time, dust, grease, and grime can build on its surface. And… that’s not all! Considering that it’s usually placed in the kitchen, the top of the fridge can become sticky, because of the cooking oils. Let’s say that it doesn’t look unsightly because it can hardly be seen, the problem is that all that mess attracts pests.
You should reorganize your cleaning routine and at least once a month, incorporate the tackling of this spot. In order to clean the top of the fridge, you need to start by removing any items stored on top. You can use a step stool to reach the top comfortably. Use a microfiber cloth to dust off debris and then, for tougher grime, use warm water and dish soap. Wipe the surface thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth. That’s all! You don’t need a lot of time to do it. We all avoid cleaning that spot because we can’t see how dirty it is and we also need to put some extra effort in order to clean it.
2. Underneath large appliances
Have you recently moved your refrigerator? All the heavy appliances in our homes conceal huge amounts of dust and food particles. Neglecting these areas can attract pests.
You can’t do it by yourself so, make sure you ask a friend or a family member to help you move the heavy appliance. First, use a vacuum to remove all the debris, then follow up with a mop to remove any stuck-on grime. Before you move the appliance back into place, make sure that the floor is completely dry.
3. Inside the dishwasher
Most Americans assume that dishwashers have self-cleaning systems because it’s always filled with soapy water. However, food particles can accumulate in the filet, spray arms, and corners of the machine. These lead to significantly reduced efficiency and unpleasant odors. So, next time you clean the house, make sure to also clean the dishwasher.
You need to remove the filter and use a brush to scrub away any residue. Don’t forget to check the spray arms too because there may be blockages. Lastly, wipe down the interior with a clean cloth.
4. Behind the toilet
Given its location, it’s easy to see why it’s overlooked. However, you should definitely start to clean this area because it can harbor bacteria and grime, contributing to unpleasant odors.
The best for you would be to use a long-handled brush and start by applying disinfectant cleaner to break down any buildup. Scrub the area until everything is gone and rinse with clean water. Also, make sure to clean the base of the toilet, as this area can accumulate a lot of dirt.
5. The tops of ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are amazing for keeping our homes cool, but they can collect a lot of dust on their blades. It’s important to clean all ceiling fans regularly because they can look unsightly and circulate dust through the room when the fan is in use. Keeping them clean improves the air quality in your home, so you should start paying more attention to them.
You can use a step ladder to reach the fan bladders. Another great method is to place an old pillowcase over each blade and wipe it off to catch the dust inside the case. Then, follow up with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
6. Under the bed
When was the last time you cleaned the area under your bed? It’s easy for dust bunnies and forgotten items to accumulate there. Unfortunately, this area is often neglected because it can be hard to move the furniture, especially when discussing heavy metal or massive wood. However, it’s essential to incorporate this area into the standard cleaning routine. Sleeping with dust is not healthy at all and it can develop a lot of allergens, seriously affecting your health.
If you have any storage items, such as boxes under the bed, our advice would be to find another place for them. It would be better if the bed area remained free. This way, it would be easier to vacuum and mop and reach all the corners.
7. Door handles and light switches
Some of the most frequently touched surfaces in your home are the light switchers and the door handles. These areas can harbor a lot of germs and bacteria, especially during the cold season. All you need to do is wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe and make sure to clean all sides and any surrounding areas that may have been touched. You can significantly reduce the spread of germs if you regularly disinfect these surfaces.
8. The tops of door frames
Even though these areas can collect a lot of dust, contributing to indoor allergens, the top of door frames are out of mind for most people. So, make sure to wipe them down regularly and reduce the amount of dust in your home.
Microfiber clothes are essential in any cleaning process, so make sure to check out this pack of 12 which can be found on Amazon. It comes in different colors, the material is ultra-soft and highly absorbent, made of 85% Polyester and 15% Nylon. These cleaning rags can soak up water instantly, without streaks left behind.
Are you interested in learning more about cleaning? You should also read: Clean Your Home With Salt: 8 Easy Ways to Make It Sparkle!
