When it comes to cleaning, even the most dedicated cleaner left some corners or places behind. Mostly, we focus on vacuuming the floors, wiping down countertops and shelves, and scrubbing the bathroom. However, we overlooked areas in our residents and workplaces that accumulate grime and dust, like cabinet shelves. These spots might not be as visible, but neglecting these areas may impact your health and the overall cleanliness of your beautiful space. This festive season is the right time to share some tips and tricks for identifying those often-overlooked spots.
Let’s look at some of the of the most common areas that people forget to clean and why you need to pay attention to these areas.
1. Light switches and door handles
Switches and door handles are the prominent areas; we touch them multiple times every single day. However, when it comes to cleaning, we often ignore these spots, resulting in the accumulation of grime, dirt, and bacteria. A study from Penn State University found that millions of bacteria live on doorknobs, and a single doorknob can spread germs throughout buildings, offices, and homes within hours. Hand sanitizers do not always completely kill those bacteria, so it’s better to clean the door handles and switches with disinfectants.
2. Fans and vents
Table fans, stand fans, air vents, and ceiling fans are the insidious dust builders. Moreover, if air vents are left uncleaned, they can become clogged with dust and dirt, affecting air quality. Fans are often overlooked because the ceiling fans are especially out of your eye sight, and neglecting these appliances can compromise the indoor air quality and exacerbate respiratory issues. Each time you turn on the fan, the dust particles circulate in the air, resulting in dust allergies and many more respiratory issues. Use a microfiber cloth or an extendable duster to wipe down the blades and remove the debris.
3. Bed headboards, behind and under furniture
When we are cleaning the living area and our bedrooms, we often follow the mantra, ” Out of sight, out of mind.” Changing the bed sheets and wiping the couches or sofas are not enough. It is also important to wipe down headboards or bed frames with a damp cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to keep them dust-free. Fortnightly vacuum cleaning the area under your beds, study desks, TV unit, and couches not only takes out the hair, dust, and dirt and keeps you away from the health issues.
4. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Regular maintenance of your humidifiers and dehumidifiers is significant cleaning your home to ensure optimal performance and safety. Replace the filters and water tanks according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Clean the humidifier every 72 hours and dehumidifier once a month to prevent the growth of mould and reduce the risk of allergens and respiratory issues.
5. Remote controls and gaming controllers
In our hectic and fast-paced lives, mutitasking while watching TV has become the norm. Imagine all the food particles, germs, and grime that have been spread on your remotes and gaming controllers. Remote controls are among the most commonly handled items in our homes, yet they’re rarely cleaned, they harbour germs, microorganisms, and bacteria from frequent use. Make a point to regularly disinfect your remote controls by wiping them down with a sanitising wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget to clean the AC remote too.
6. Vent hoods, filters and backsplashes
The focal points of our kitchen are backsplashes and vent hoods, but we ignore them. They are the easiest to clean with easily available dish soap, a non-scratch sponge, and a microfiber cloth. Moreover, the best kitchen cleaner that removes all the grime without putting in much effort is Mr. Muscle kitchen cleaner. Submerging the filters in a kitchen sink with hot water by adding soapy dishwashing liquid or baking soda and squeeze lemon in to it and leave it for 10 minutes and repeat fortnightly. This process removes all the greasy residue and helps in the longevity of your hoods and filters.
7. Windows, shower curtains and liners
The best-loved area by mould, resulting in colds, coughs, sore throats, and many other health issues is windows and bathroom. Use a 1:1 solution of water and distilled white vinegar to clean the dirty window casings and tracks. A window sill brush cleaning set that also has a few other handy cleaning tools is best for cleaning window sills and door tracks. Shower curtains and liners are exposed to moisture daily, which makes them a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Many people overlook washing them, but it’s essential to clean your shower curtains and liners regularly to prevent mould buildup. Most fabric curtains can be machine washed, while plastic liners can be scrubbed down or replaced.
8. Underneath kitchen appliances
The kitchen may be the heart of your home, but it also has the highest concentration of germs. Everything, from the coffee maker to the oven mitts, is easily overlooked. Areas underneath your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher can collect crumbs, spills, and even pests. These spots are often forgotten simply because they’re difficult to reach. However, neglecting to clean under appliances can lead to a buildup of muck and unwanted odours. Make an effort to clean beneath these areas at least a couple of times a year.
9. Inside the dishwasher and washing machine
Although cleaning is a primary function of washing machines and dishwashers, it also needs some attention. Over a period of time, food particles, grease, lints, debris, and soap scum can accumulate in dishwashers and washing machines, reducing their efficiency and leading to unpleasant odours. Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar once a month to keep it in top shape. Scrub your washing machine’s door gasket and dispenser drawers. Also, remove the agitator and clean it with soapy hot water or a solution of 2 cups vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup water.
10. Tops of cabinets and shelves
The tops of kitchen cabinets and high shelves are prime tough grease and dust collectors, yet many people forget to clean them because they’re hard to see. Use a step stool or ladder to dust these areas regularly. Use diluted vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda to remove the tough, greasy material. You can also place wax paper or wall paper on top of cabinets to make cleaning easier in the future and just replace the lining every few months.
Why these areas matter?
While the above mentioned areas may seem hidden or minor, keeping them clean is significant for maintaining a hygienic and healthy home or office. Dust, grime, and dirt accumulation can affect air quality, increase allergens, respiratory issues, and create a breeding ground for bacteria, and pests.
It’s easy to overlook certain areas during routine cleaning, but paying attention to these spots can make a big difference. You’ll not only improve the appearance and vibe of your home or office but also create a healthier, fresher environment for everyone by just incorporating these areas into your regular cleaning schedule.
If you’re looking for help with those hard-to-reach or easily forgotten areas, contact Eagle Eye today. Our team of professionals ensures every corner of your space is thoroughly cleaned and maintained, so you can enjoy a spotless environment year-round.