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Let's face it, house cleaning isn't everyone's favorite chore. But even the most dedicated cleaners can sometimes miss hidden grime havens in their homes. These seemingly minor areas can harbor dust, dirt, and even allergens, making your cleaning efforts feel incomplete.
It's easy to understand why these five cleaning tasks often slip through the cracks. Our busy schedules and the daily hustle can make it challenging to stay on top of every nook and cranny. Let's face it, the grime on a light fixture or behind the fridge isn't something we see every day. It is unlike dust bunnies under the couch.
Our brains tend to prioritize what's readily visible, which can lead to these hidden areas becoming simply neglected. Rest assured, this doesn't mean you don't value a clean home! We all strive for a fresh and healthy environmen. By adding these tasks into your routine will get you one step closer to achieving that sparkling clean feeling.
This blog delves into five commonly overlooked house cleaning tasks. By adding these into your routine, you'll ensure a truly clean and healthy living space.
1. Light Fixture Love
We all appreciate good lighting, but how often do we actually clean the fixtures themselves? Ceiling fans, chandeliers, pendants – they all collect dust readily. Here's how to tackle them:
Ceiling Fans: Turn off the power and use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the blades and the fan housing. It can be dry or slightly damp. A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment can also suck up dust bunnies.
Chandeliers & Pendants: Depending on the style, these can be trickier. For simple designs, consider removing the crystals or bulbs (be careful!) and washing them separately with warm, soapy water. Use a microfiber cloth or a feather duster to reach intricate parts. For more elaborate chandeliers, invest in a professional cleaning service every few years.
2. Don't Forget the Doorways
Doorknobs get lots of use, but rarely see a cleaning cloth. This makes them a breeding ground for germs and dust. Here's what you need to do:
Door Knobs and Handles: Wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth sprayed with a mild cleaning solution. Pay attention to both sides and the crevices.
Door Frames: Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean fingerprints, smudges, and dust from the door frame and hinges.
Doormats: These are the first line of defense against dirt entering your home. Shake them out regularly, and depending on the material, wash them with soap and water or vacuum them thoroughly.
3. Behind the Scenes: Appliance Cleanliness
We clean the surfaces of our appliances regularly, but what about the behind-the-scenes areas? Food crumbs, dust bunnies, and even mold can lurk in these neglected spots.
Refrigerator Coils: Located at the back of the fridge, these coils ensure proper cooling. However, dust buildup can hinder their efficiency. Unplug the refrigerator and vacuum the coils with the hose attachment.
Stove Vents and Ovens: Food particles and grease can accumulate in stove vents and ovens. Clean vents with a damp cloth or a degreaser spray (follow the manufacturer's instructions). For ovens, use a commercial oven cleaner or a DIY paste made from baking soda and water.
4. Baseboard Blues
Baseboards often get neglected during cleaning. This is because they are at the bottom of walls. However, dust, dirt, and even cobwebs can accumulate here. Here's how to tackle them:
Use the Right Tools: A microfiber mop with an extendable handle or a flat dust mop works best for reaching under furniture. You can also use it for cleaning baseboards.
Vacuum First: Before mopping, run the vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool along the baseboards to remove loose dirt and dust bunnies.
Mopping Technique: Use a damp, not soaking, microfiber mop head dipped in a mild cleaning solution. Work your way along the baseboards, paying attention to corners and crevices.
5. The Often-Forgotten: Light Switches and Outlets
Light switches and electrical outlets are touched countless times a day. They can harbor germs and dust, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Here's how to clean them safely:
Turn Off the Power: This is crucial for safety. Turn off the power to the room or circuit at the breaker box before cleaning.
Wipe It Down: Use a damp microfiber cloth sprayed with a mild cleaning solution (avoid soaking) to wipe down the switch plates and outlets. Don't spray cleaner directly onto them.
Don't Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using abrasive cleaners or bleach, as they can damage the plastic or metal surfaces.
By incorporating these five tasks into your house cleaning routine, you'll ensure a cleaner and healthier home. This provides you a more comfortable living environment. Remember, consistency is key! Regular cleaning will prevent grime buildup and make future cleanings easier.
Additional Cleaning Taks to Consider
Expanding your cleaning horizons beyond the five mentioned tasks can take your home hygiene to the next level. Here are some more areas that often get overlooked:
Ventilation & Airflow: Clean air vents and filters regularly. Dust buildup in vents can restrict airflow and decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system. Check the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning frequency and how to replace filters. Additionally, consider cleaning ceiling fans in reverse during winter months to push warm air down.
Light Switch Plates & Doorknobs: These high-touch surfaces are germ magnets. Include them in your regular cleaning routine by wiping them down with a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth. Spray it with a mild cleaning solution. Pay close attention to crevices and around the edges.
Light Fixture Diffusers & Bulbs: Over time, dust accumulates on light diffusers and bulbs, diminishing their brightness. Depending on the fixture, you might be able to remove the diffuser for easier cleaning with soap and water. For bulbs, a simple wipe-down with a dry microfiber cloth should suffice.
Window Treatments: Blinds, curtains, and drapes trap dust and allergens. Regularly vacuum blinds or dust them with a microfiber cloth. Wash curtains and drapes according to the care label (some may require dry cleaning).
Electronics & Gadgets: TV screens, computer monitors, and even phone cases can harbor germs and dust. Use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for electronics to wipe them down. Don't forget to disinfect keyboards, remotes, and other frequently touched surfaces.
Cabinet Interiors: Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can become cluttered with forgotten items and spills. Dedicate some time to declutter and wipe down shelves and cabinet doors. This will not only make them look tidier but also prevent the build-up of dust, grease, or grime.
Throw Rugs & Area Rugs: These cozy additions can trap dirt and allergens. Shake them out regularly outdoors or vacuum them thoroughly. Depending on the material and care instructions, some rugs might be machine-washable.
Trash Cans & Recycling Bins: Don't forget to clean the actual trash cans and recycling bins themselves! Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a disinfectant solution to prevent odors and germ build-up. Letting them dry completely before replacing the liner is important to prevent mold growth.
By including these additional tasks into your cleaning routine, you'll create a healthier and more pleasant living environment. Do it for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, consistency is key! The more frequently you tackle these hidden grime havens, the easier it will become to maintain a clean and sparkling home.
Partnering with Clean Results
Keeping a clean home can feel like a constant battle. But with a little planning and the right approach, you can conquer even the most neglected areas. If you're looking for some extra help, consider professional cleaning services like Clean Results.
We offer a variety of cleaning packages to suit your needs, from deep cleaning to regular maintenance. Our experienced and insured cleaners can tackle any cleaning task, big or small. We service residential and commercial properties in Bartlesville, Owasso, Dewey, Pawhuska, Nowata, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today for a free estimate and experience the Clean Results difference!
More peace!
That Clean Results feeling. You walk through the front door and feel the weight has lifted. Your home is clean. It smells clean. The floor feels clean. And now you can spend the rest of your day relaxing in the beauty of your home and/or doing what you love. Let Clean Results take the pressure off and help you enjoy more of your life.
Clean Results, LLC
3400 E Tuxedo Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006
Tel: (918) 331-9082
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