The ugly truth is that no matter how often you clean your castle, also known as your home, there will always be areas which will remain out of your sight or will escape your attention. When seasons change is the ideal time to dive into those cleaning projects and pay attention to those tricky areas. We have compiled a list of the most neglected places in the house as well as a number of great tips to help you cross the finishing line as a winner. So roll up your sleeve and be prepared to put some elbow grease into these easy-to-neglect areas!
1. Blinds
Despite often being missed or intentionally neglected, blinds are some of the items people should deep clean on quite a regular basis. If you tend to neglect cleaning the blinds, you will soon notice how dust packs on, change the natural color of the blind and even starts blocking the sunlight. Then, it becomes so much harder to clean them.
For metal and plastic blinds, we recommend to wipe each of the slats with a cloth damped into a warm, soapy water. For vertical blinds, it will be easier for you if you first remove the slats to lay them and then wipe them separately. For wooden blinds, there is no need to use any soap so you can simply wipe them with a damp cloth.
2. Mattress
Not many people know it but mattresses should be deep cleaned at least once per every six months. If you do not think that you are able to clean the mattresses on your own or you are short on time, know that you can always turn to a professional cleaning company to ease the burden on you. However, if you are willing to do it on your own, you can follow the steps below.
- Remove the linen
- Vacuum the mattress
- If the mattress is stained, use a specialised cleaning product or make your own (baking soda + hydrogen peroxide + dish soap)
- Spray the solution on the stain and blot it with a damp cloth
- Once the stains are gone, sprinkle some baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for a couple of hours (baking soda is great for removing unpleasant smells)
- Vacuum the mattress again to extract the baking soda
3. Pillows
Just like the mattress, pillows should be washed once per every six months to get rid of the dead skin, grime and dust that has accumulated. The good news is that cotton and synthetic pillows can be washed directly in the washing machine, only using regular laundry detergent.
4. Windows and screens
Sadly, the quality of the windows deteriorates over time due to its age and the exposure to sunlight. Dust and grime can get below the surface of the glass which makes it look cloudy.
If you want to have sparkling windows, you need to clean them on a regular basis (at least once a season). Use white vinegar or water mixed with a bit of soap to clean the glass. To avoid streaks, do not clean the windows on a hot, sunny day. Yet if you do not think that you can tackle the window cleaning turn to a professional cleaning company.
5. Kitchen Cabinets
Do you remember when was the last time you gave your cabinets a good wipe down? If you do not, roll up your sleeves and let’s get busy cleaning. You will be amazed with how easily you can cut grime on the cabinets by using only dish soap and water. However, if the buildup is quite stubborn, you should consider professional-grade products containing orange oil.
Once the exterior is cleaned, let’s hit the inside. If there are any crumbs, you can collect them with a damp cloth. After that, use a cloth moistened with a water-soap solution to wipe the cabinet’s interior. Use a dry cloth or rag to remove any excess moisture and that is it. Professional cleaners advise cleaning the cabinets under the sink as well. Once the cleaning is done, you better leave the cabinets open for a couple of hours.
6. Fridge and freeze
At least once a season, it is recommended to make an inventory of the freezer and fridge, and throw away any expired goods. Take your time to remove the shelves and drawers so that it will be easier for you to clean them well. Soak them in a warm, soapy water. Meanwhile, wipe down the interior, paying attention to doors and edges as well. Instead of buying an expensive cleaner, you can make your own – just add two tablespoons of baking soda to hot water.
Then, vacuum the fridge grill and coil. Before you clean the doors, make sure to use stainless-steel cleaning product for stainless steel. For efficient cleaning remember that you have to wipe in the direction of the grain.
A very useful video about how to clean a fridge:
7. Curtains
Quite often, people forget to clean the curtains. Unfortunately, curtains tend to collect tons of grime and dust along with various smells. Before placing the curtains in the washing machine, make sure to vacuum them to get rid of the dust. Depending on the kind of material, you may need to hand wash them instead.
8. Shower Door
Here we are to another area in our homes we love to ignore – the shower door. To remove streaks from the shower door, use a specialised glass cleaner. To get rid of the tough gunk, use magic erase sponge. Easy, right?
9. Houseplants
We bet you did not see this coming. If your houseplants are starting to look a little dusty and dingy, you need to take matters into your own hands. Once dirt piles up on the plant’s leaves, it reduces its ability to photosynthesise properly. The easiest way to clean your houseplants is carefully wipe each leaf with a moisten cloth.
10. Remote Control
Unsurprisingly, due to the frequent use, remote controls become a breeding ground for bacteria. To clean the remote controls, simply:
- Remove the batteries first
- Use a damp cloth and anti-bacterial spray to wipe the remote control entirely
- Make sure to do it once a week
11. Under Appliances and Furniture
Have you ever dropped a piece of food and then kicked it under the sofa?
Of course, you have, most of us have. In fact, no matter whether you have done it or not, the area under furniture and appliances is a meeting point of tons grime, dust and hair.
Since most pieces of furniture and appliances are quite heavy, you can place a sock or a rag on the broom handle to reach beneath and remove the piled up grime.
No doubt, a proper cleaning can take a while but it must not be neglected. Hopefully, you find this article helpful. Remember that any time you get sick and tired of the chores, you can simply turn to a professional cleaning company.