You’re probably aware of the importance of washing towels and sheets, but what about less obvious items such as stovetops and coffee pots? Many things tucked away in your closet and pantry also need attention. So, it’s a good idea to invest some time in cleaning your home thoroughly. It’s time for a deep dive into house cleaning.
Ceiling fans
Occasionally, it’s essential to not only clean what’s within reach but also what’s above you. Jacqueline Janus, a cleaning expert and owner of the cleaning company Two Chicks and a Broom, advises in Reader’s Digest, “Ceiling fans need regular cleaning. You might not notice the dust up there, but it accumulates over time, even if the fans are in use. An extendable microfiber duster is ideal for this task.”
Prepare outdoor furniture
Even during freezing temperatures outside, it’s important not to overlook outdoor furniture. Jennie Varney, Brand Manager for Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company, advises in Reader’s Digest, “Bring out your outdoor furniture from storage and give it a thorough cleaning in preparation for warmer weather. Mix a mild solution of dish detergent and water to clean umbrellas and cushions, and for glass tables, combine 1 gallon of water with ½ cup of vinegar, ½ cup of rubbing alcohol, and a few squirts of Dawn.” Here are 95 unexpected household uses for vinegar you might not be aware of.
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Window screens
There are certain household items that often escape our cleaning radar, and window screens fall into that category. David Flax, Vice President of Operations for Window Genie, a Neighborly Company, explains to Reader’s Digest, “Many people aren’t aware that rain itself doesn’t dirty your windows. Instead, it’s the rain passing through dirty screens that carries debris onto your windows, causing splotches after a shower. Over the winter, screens tend to accumulate dust, dirt, and other contaminants. To prevent recurring dirty windows, make sure to include thorough cleaning of your screens during your first window cleaning of the spring season.”
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reddit
House trimmings
Many household items often go unnoticed when it comes to cleaning, including trimmings. Jacqueline Janus emphasizes, “Trimmings such as baseboards, wall moldings, doors, and wall switch plates are frequently touched and can accumulate grime over time. It’s important to wipe them regularly to prevent build-up.” Janus suggests using a damp microfiber cloth or a Magic Eraser for heavily soiled areas. Alternatively, you could utilize a Baseboard Buddy for more efficient cleaning.
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reddit
The kitchen sponge
The responsibility of cleaning cutlery, dishes, and various kitchenware typically falls to the kitchen sponge, a task often overlooked and underappreciated. However, instead of effectively cleaning, the solution may be to simply discard the sponge and replace it with a new one.
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reddit
Dust blinds
At times, the most neglected areas in your home that require cleaning are surprisingly the most conspicuous. Fortunately, dusting blinds is a straightforward task. According to Varney, “Simply close the blinds and utilize a microfiber cloth, a fresh pair of cotton gloves, or a clean old sock to run your hand along each slat, starting from the top and working downwards to pick up dust. Then, reverse the direction of the blinds and repeat the process.”
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reddit
Outside of kitchen appliances
When preparing dinner or baking a cake for a friend’s birthday, it’s easy to overlook cleaning the front of the microwave or the knobs of the oven. However, these areas can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Jacqueline Janus notes, “These items often collect dust, cooking residue, and build-up from oils. Make sure to clean the front, sides, and top of appliances, especially the fridge, as it tends to get quite grimy up there.”
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reddit
Coffee maker
“Coffee makers can accumulate dirt inside just like any other appliance, and if you’re not using distilled water every time you brew, the buildup from hard water can become problematic,” explains Janus. “To tackle this, mix a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water, pour it into the water reservoir, and start the brew cycle. I suggest repeating this process twice, followed by running the coffee maker with just water 2-3 times to thoroughly flush out the vinegar.” Be aware of these 7 ways you might unintentionally shorten the lifespan of your coffee maker.
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Credit cards
While you might focus on cleaning up your credit, don’t forget about the physical credit cards themselves. Jennie Varney notes, “People often overlook cleaning items inside their wallets like credit cards, bus passes, library cards, and debit cards, despite them quickly accumulating germs.” To clean, simply wipe them down with a damp towel or antibacterial wipe. For the magnetic strip, use a rubber eraser to remove excess grime.
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Cleaning the floor under furniture
You’ve likely heard the idiom “sweeping something under the rug,” but you may have actually done this literally. Jacqueline Janus points out, “A considerable amount of dirt, debris, and grime accumulates under items like tables, chairs, and couches.” It’s essential to move anything that can be easily slid aside to vacuum and mop when cleaning your floors. For larger items, you can use the wand or hose feature on your vacuum cleaner.
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Vacuum cleaners
Vacuum cleaners are indeed efficient tools for cleaning your home, but it’s crucial to handle them properly. Always remember to unplug the vacuum cleaner before performing any maintenance tasks, and don’t forget to empty the bag if your vacuum has one.
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Refresh the fridge
When you reach for your milk carton for your morning coffee, it’s a good opportunity to perform a quick check on the contents of your fridge to determine what’s still good and what needs to be discarded. According to Varney, “Cleaning out your refrigerator not only increases efficiency and saves money but also prepares you for fresh ingredients.” Start by clearing out old food and defrosting your freezer if necessary. Then, use a sponge and a baking soda solution to wipe down the inside of both your freezer and refrigerator.
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reddit
Inside of appliances, cupboards, and drawers
While it’s convenient to place a clean plate from the dishwasher directly back into the cupboard, it’s important to remember that the cupboard itself needs to be cleaned as well. Jacqueline Janus suggests removing everything from inside the cupboards and wiping down the interior before putting items back in place. Additionally, it’s a good practice to discard any expired items you come across during this process.
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reddit
Shower curtains
Taking a shower not only cleanses your hair and body but also often sparks great ideas. However, it’s essential to remember that your shower itself requires cleaning as well. Jennie Varney recommends a method for cleaning a dirty shower curtain: “Place it in the washing machine with two bath towels on the gentle cycle. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your detergent during the wash cycle and 1/2 cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle. Avoid putting the curtain in the dryer; instead, let it air dry.”
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reddit
Gutters
Often, homeowners prioritize cleaning the interior of their homes during spring cleaning, but after enduring a long, harsh winter, it’s equally crucial to assess the condition of the exterior. Gutters should be a top priority. Ensuring they are clean and free from any clogs is essential before the notorious April showers arrive. Clogged gutters can lead to various issues throughout spring, including water damage, mold, and rotting of your roof and siding. Additionally, they provide nesting areas for squirrels, birds, and mosquitoes.
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reddit
Bedroom pillows and pillowcases
It might not be pleasant to consider, but if you’re not regularly washing your pillowcases and pillows, you could be sharing your bed with around 1.5 million dust mites. While experts suggest washing pillows a few times a year, the frequency ultimately depends on how often you wash your pillowcases, which ideally should be more frequent.
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Toothbrush holders
While you’re likely aware of the importance of brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, there’s another item often overlooked at the kitchen sink: the toothbrush holder. Jennie Varney points out, “People usually remember to clean their toothbrush, but what about the holder where it’s stored?” Fortunately, cleaning it is quite simple. “Rinse the holder with hot water and use a clean cloth to wipe down the outside. Then, fill the toothbrush holder with an antibacterial mouthwash, allowing it to sit for two minutes. Rinse it thoroughly under running water and let it air dry.”
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reddit
Your car
Indeed, maintaining a clean car is essential even during winter. Consider how frequently you enter and exit your vehicle, whether it’s commuting to work or running errands like grocery shopping. Moreover, accidents like stepping in puddles or spilling coffee can easily occur. When washing your car outdoors in colder weather, it’s crucial to exercise extra caution. Angie’s List advises waiting until the temperature is safely above freezing, ideally at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, to ensure a proper and effective car wash.
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Earbuds
The days of casually popping in your headphones and forgetting about them are gone. According to Wirecutter, it’s recommended to clean your earbuds at least once a week using a soft cloth and soap and water. However, after each workout, it’s advised to wipe down your headphones more frequently to maintain cleanliness.
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reddit
Cell phones
On a related topic, it’s crucial to clean your phone more frequently than you might realize. While it might be difficult to grasp, you should ideally be cleaning your phone as often as you wash your hands. Considering the fact that you take your phone everywhere with you, it’s exposed to various germs in different environments.
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Baby bath toys
While we understand that children enjoy playing outdoors, it’s crucial to acknowledge that indoor baby bath toys can harbor more dirt than you might imagine. Debra Johnson, a home cleaning expert at Merry Maids, advises NBC, “At the end of each bath time, we recommend soaking all your child’s bath toys in a tub of warm water and mild liquid dish soap for several minutes, then rinse well with cool water. Once dry, store them in a basket or storage bin outside of the bathroom.”
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reddit
Microwave
When food spills over while heating in the microwave, it’s common, but cleaning the microwave should extend beyond just addressing spills. Here’s a tip: place wet paper towels in the microwave and heat them for a few minutes. The steam generated will help break down food residue on the inside of the microwave. Afterward, you can easily wipe down the interior with a towel.
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reddit
Dishwasher
It’s crucial to remember that the appliances in your home responsible for cleaning need to be maintained as well. Jacqueline Janus emphasizes, “Items like your washer or dishwasher require upkeep to ensure they clean effectively.” There are specialized tabs available that can be run through your washer and dishwasher to remove grime and eliminate odors. This is why incorporating white vinegar into your dishwasher routine can be beneficial.
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reddit
Shoes
From high heels to suede shoes, it’s essential not to let your footwear gather dust in the closet. Instead, clean them using the appropriate products. Some sneakers can even be safely washed in the washing machine.
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reddit
Toilets
You should aim to clean your toilet at least once a week, especially considering how many people share the space.
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Dryer vents
To ensure your clothes dryer functions efficiently and safely, it’s essential to maintain a clean dryer vent. This involves cleaning the dryer filter after each cycle and periodically cleaning the dryer drum.
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reddit
Mirrors
The most effective method for cleaning a mirror is to use a microfiber cloth in an “S” motion. Contrary to popular belief, simply moving a cloth back and forth can merely redistribute dirt within the same area.
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reddit
Pet water bowls
Pet bowls can harbor a surprising amount of dirt and bacteria. To ensure your furry friend stays healthy, it’s essential to establish a regular cleaning routine for your pet’s bowl.
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Silver
Indeed, it’s important to bring out and clean silver cutlery more frequently than you might realize. If you’re planning to use it in the near future, it’s recommended to clean it three days before you intend to use it.
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reddit
Laptop
In today’s digital age, handwritten letters and manual homework assignments have largely been replaced by online activities. We spend significant time touching the keyboard of our computers for various tasks. However, among other reasons, it’s crucial to clean your laptop promptly, as you could potentially get sick from it.
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reddit
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