When cleaning your home, it’s easy to miss some areas because we either don’t think about them as a spot to clean, they aren’t on our cleaning checklist, or they are areas that are hidden from sight. However, there are some items, as well as hidden areas, we all neglect to clean. Those neglected areas often include the computer, inside of the oven, our switchplates, and a few more! It’s easy to give them quick dusting or miss them entirely, but annoying dust, dirt, and even dangerous germs may rapidly settle in.
Consider updating your cleaning checklist to add these often forgotten areas. It does not take much work or time to keep dirt and germs at bay. Keep reading for a list of other items Clean Heart Maids recognizes as easy-to-miss spots. Our team of cleaning experts is here to help and discuss the simplest methods for dealing with commonly missed places.
MOST COMMONLY MISSED KITCHEN SPOTS
The Inside of Your Oven
More than likely, the bottom of your oven has been accumulating food crumbs and spills that have boiled over from cooking dishes. So, once a month, take the time to clean the inside of your oven. Be careful not to put any cleaner on the heating elements. We find that using vinegar and baking soda is an excellent chemical-free cleaning solution.
Refrigerator Ventilation
We use the refrigerator every day, but did you know there are areas of your fridge that you might be overlooking when cleaning your kitchen? The vent in the bottom of your refrigerator has the tough job of keeping your groceries cold or frozen. The vent at the bottom is oftentimes skipped and could result in shortening the lifespan of the appliance. This area gathers lots of dust that we don’t see, so we forget to clean it. We recommend cleaning the vent at least twice a year. To remove dust bunnies from the vent, vacuum it with a crevice attachment.
Above the refrigerator
One of the most overlooked areas in the kitchen is the top of the refrigerator. While it is unnecessary to clean it every day, a monthly once-over to remove unwanted dust is essential! To properly reach and eliminate dust, use a microfiber telescopic duster.
Within the dishwasher
Another appliance often missed is the dishwasher. Clean Heart Maids recommends cleaning and wiping down the tracks inside the door. While running the dishwasher, use baking vinegar on occasion.
Garbage removal
Make sure to add the garbage disposal to the cleaning list. The garbage disposal is a fantastic and remarkable innovation! However, if not cleaned correctly, an accumulation of food particles might cause it to smell. To avoid buildup and keep your trash disposal smelling fresh, pour some ice cubes and citrus rinds down the drain and turn on the disposal until they are gone.
Tray for Toaster
If you like toast, toaster strudel, bagels, and other foods that go in the toaster, you most likely have a lot of crumbs at the bottom of the tray that have been there for a long time! Most of us don’t think about cleaning the toaster, but a simple clean-up after each usage will guarantee that those annoying crumbs don’t collect.
MOST COMMONLY MISSED BATHROOM SPOTS
The Shower Drain
Is there any standing water in your shower? It’s most likely because you haven’t cleaned the shower drain in a while, allowing debris, oils, and your hair to accumulate. To avoid this, clear your shower drain once a week with a drain cleaner or a DIY drain cleaning solution if you are trying to stay chemical-free.
Bathtub Toys
Because your child’s bath toys are in water almost daily, they are ideal for breeding germs and mildew. So, every month take all the toys and put them in a bucket with warm water and white vinegar (½ cup of vinegar for each gallon of water). Let the toys soak for about ten minutes in the solution, then wipe them off with a sponge. Finally, rinse them with warm water and dry them before putting them away.
Your Make-up
Our cleaning checklist includes cosmetics. Cosmetics, the war paint we wear to help us enhance our natural beauty, can become pretty nasty. And, makeup, like food, has an expiration date, so it is critical to throw out any outdated cosmetics. Also, after each use, wipe off the rims of bottles to prevent bacteria from accumulating. Similarly, avoid rubbing the mascara brush on the bottle’s rim since this will create a deposit that will clump and attract germs to stay.
House Cleaning Checklist – Toothbrush Stands
If there is one place where bacteria may thrive, it is the toothbrush holder. If necessary, wipe with an all-purpose microfiber cloth or soak. Or better yet, clean and dry your toothbrush after use and store it in a sealed container.
Shower Curtain
We recommend washing cloth shower curtains every month. Wash on the gentle cycle and add 1/2 vinegar during the rinse cycle for a clean, germ-free shower curtain. For the plastic or rubber liner, use a disinfectant or bleach solution and spray the liner inside and out and let it sit for 10 minutes. Finish up by rinsing with hot water.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Just like ceiling fans and vents, your exhaust fan can collect dust. Because it is in the bathroom, you also have potential mildew or mold from steam water. Clean your bathroom exhaust fan once a month to cut down on dust and any other grime that may build up.
MOST OFTEN MISSED SPOTs IN THE BEDROOM AND LIVING ROOM
Lamp Covers
They may appear clean, but it is essential to dust lampshades regularly using a small microfiber duster, especially fabric shades because dust adheres to the fabric.
Stair Rails
Stair rails are a hot spot for dirt and dust. After all, we touch them regularly. Therefore, at a minimum, wipe them down every week to remove unwanted dust and dirty fingerprints from big and little hands.
Rungs on a chair
If your chairs have rungs, they probably get overlooked or just dusted over from time to time. Unfortunately, the rungs of chairs are a favored spot for the dust to collect. Therefore, we suggest a weekly dusting to keep them clean.
Houseplants
Our house plants provide beauty as well as help to clean the air in our homes. Watering your house plants is oftentimes part of your daily or weekly routine, but washing your plants is just as important. So, don’t forget to give them a light dusting with a gentle cloth and water, or just spritz with leaf shine.
Behind the Television
Oh, the joy of electrical cords! Another hot spot that dust loves to collect on is behind the television on electrical cords and coax cables. Don’t feel bad if you are among the thousands of people that miss this area. We suggest a monthly cleaning with a vacuum extension or a damp cloth to wipe them down.
Miscellaneous Items to Clean as a Bonus
Walls
Walls are probably the most neglected area in our homes. Who washes their walls on a regular basis? What you may not know is walls collect dirt, dust, germs, and more from tiny hands constantly touching them to our pets brushing against them or shaking their slobbery jowls. We recommend cleaning your walls once a month to help eliminate any dirt and dust build-up that can aggravate allergies or asthma. Warm water and dishwashing detergent are a great way to remove dirty handprints and scuff marks.
Switch Plates
Switchplates are undoubtedly coated with dirt from our hands due to how frequently we touch them. Use a bit of warm water combined with a few drops of gentle dishwashing detergent to clean them. Just be sure to wring out your wet towel before wiping them down. If they are extra dirty, you can remove the plates, soak them in the soapy liquid, then wash them thoroughly. Be sure to completely dry them before putting them back on the wall.
Add Electronics to Your House Cleaning Checklist
Whether you have a desktop or a laptop, it is undoubtedly dusty. Because electrical equipment creates static electricity, your PC is susceptible to dust accumulation. And, as a result of frequent touch, while typing, the keyboard can get particularly filthy. Set a goal of cleaning your electronics and dusting your computer once a week. Wipe off the screen with a microfiber cloth, and if the dirt is ground in, use a damp cloth and mild soap and water.
Umbrella
But doesn’t the rain wash it away? Wrong. To avoid mildew accumulation, rinse your umbrella with a spray hose regularly. Furthermore, avoid storing your umbrella while it is wet to prevent issues with mildew. Instead, remove the cover (if feasible), check to see whether it’s machine-washable, then wash with cold water and a cup of oxygen bleach. If the cover is not removable, wipe it down with a bleach and water mixture and let it dry before closing it.
Final House Cleaning List Notes
Cleaning your home can be time-consuming and tiring. However, it is necessary and Clean Heart Maids is here to make the process easier. Making sure to not miss certain spots will save you time and money in the long run. So, next time you grab your cloths and vacuum, refer back to the list above. From your kitchen to your umbrellas, you won’t miss a spot!
For a healthier and cleaner home, add these frequently overlooked cleaning spots to your cleaning checklist. And, if you need assistance cleaning those hard-to-reach areas or any other housekeeping services, Clean Heart Maids, the residential home cleaning experts, are here to help.