Cleaning your home can often feel like a never-ending battle. While we may spend time vacuuming carpets, wiping counters, and scrubbing bathrooms, many essential cleaning tasks are often overlooked.
These forgotten chores can accumulate dirt, germs, and clutter, diminishing your home’s comfort and cleanliness.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the most commonly overlooked cleaning tasks and provide actionable tips to tackle them efficiently. With a little effort and a systematic approach, you can transform your home from chaos to clean.
1. Baseboards (or skirting boards) and Moldings
Baseboards (or skirting boards) and moldings may not be the first thing you notice when you walk into a room, but they collect dust, pet hair, and grime over time. According to Mick Jain, the manager at Canberra Bond Cleaning and an end of lease cleaning service specialist, skirting boards are one of the most commonly missed areas during exit cleaning, yet they can significantly impact the overall appearance of a home. Dirty baseboards (or skirting boards) can make even a clean room feel less polished.
How to Clean:
- Start by vacuuming the baseboards (or skirting boards) using the brush attachment to remove loose dust.
- Wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap solution to remove stubborn dirt.
- For wooden baseboards (or skirting boards), consider applying a small amount of furniture polish for a finishing touch.
Pro Tip: Make this part of your routine by cleaning baseboards (or skirting boards) quarterly or after heavy home use, like during the holidays.
2. Kitchen Appliances
While most of us regularly wipe down kitchen counters and stove tops, the interiors of appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves often get ignored.
How to Clean:
- For refrigerators, empty all shelves and wipe down surfaces with a baking soda and water solution. Don’t forget the seals and gaskets.
- Use a specialized oven cleaner or a homemade mix of baking soda and vinegar to scrub away baked-on grease.
- Place a bowl of water with lemon slices in the microwave and heat for five minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easy to wipe clean.
Pro Tip: Schedule a reliable Lynnwood cleaning services every month to prevent buildup.
3. Door Handles, Light Switches, and Remote Controls
High-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and remote controls are hotspots for germs but are often neglected during routine cleaning. This is one of the most common cleaning mistakes.
How to Clean:
- Wipe these surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth sprayed with a mild disinfectant solution.
- Avoid soaking electronics; instead, lightly dampen the cloth and ensure it’s nearly dry before wiping.
Pro Tip: Make disinfecting these areas a weekly habit to maintain a healthy home environment.
4. Window Tracks and Blinds
Windowsills may get wiped down occasionally, but the tracks and blinds often remain untouched. Dust, insects, and grime can accumulate here, impacting both aesthetics and function.
How to Clean:
- Vacuum the tracks to remove loose debris, then scrub with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water.
- For blinds, close them and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, remove the blinds and wash them in a bathtub.
Pro Tip: Tackle window tracks and blinds at least twice a year, preferably during spring and fall cleaning.
5. Under Rugs and Carpets
Rugs and carpets may appear clean after vacuuming, but the areas underneath often hide dust, crumbs, and even mold if exposed to moisture.
How to Clean:
- Roll up the rug and vacuum the floor underneath.
- Spot-clean the underside of the rug with a carpet cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar.
Pro Tip: Rotate rugs periodically to ensure even wear and clean under them at least once a year.
6. Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Bathroom exhaust fans are essential for removing moisture and preventing mold, but they often get clogged with dust, reducing their efficiency.
How to Clean:
- Turn off the power to the fan and remove the cover.
- Wash the cover with soapy water and vacuum the fan blades to remove dust.
- Reattach the cover once everything is dry.
Pro Tip: Clean the exhaust fan every six months to keep your bathroom fresh and mold-free.
7. Mopping Floors Correctly
While mopping might be a regular chore, many people overlook the importance of doing it properly to avoid spreading dirt or leaving streaks.
How to Clean:
- Vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly before mopping to remove debris.
- Use a bucket of warm water mixed with a suitable floor cleaner. Change the water frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
8. Pre-Travel Cleaning
Many people leave home without cleaning properly before a trip, returning to an unpleasant mess. Neglecting this can make post-travel life stressful.
How to Clean:
- Empty trash bins, wipe down kitchen counters, and clean out the fridge to prevent odors.
- Dust and vacuum to reduce allergens that may build up while you’re away.
Pro Tip: For a complete pre-travel cleaning checklist, visit this guide on what to clean before traveling.
Even the most thorough cleaners can fall into bad habits. Using the wrong products or skipping essential steps can make cleaning less effective.
If you want to clean smarter, avoid overloading your mop or sponge with too much cleaning solution, which can leave streaks. Also, read product labels to ensure you’re using the right cleaner for each surface.
Addressing overlooked cleaning tasks may seem daunting at first but breaking them into manageable sections can make the process much easier. Remember, a little extra effort now can save you time and stress later. Happy cleaning!