Keeping your home clean is an important part of healthy living. However, it’s easy to overlook certain home cleaning tasks that can lead to dust, dirt, and bacteria buildup over time. Can you remember the last time you cleaned your toothbrush holder or door frames? Well, don’t panic!
In my experience as the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador of Alcove Closets custom closets Philadelphia that organize any space in your home), I have discovered many often overlooked home cleaning tasks that are crucial for a clean and healthy home. Read on to learn some frequently overlooked areas and cleaning tasks and learn how to tackle them like a pro.
1. Curtains and Drapes
Curtains and drapes can accumulate dust, dirt, bacteria, and even allergens over time. Spring is a great time to wash your home’s curtains and drapes, as the warm weather allows them to dry more quickly.
To wash and clean your curtains and drapes, start by removing them from the window. Don’t forget to check the care label for washing instructions. If your curtains and drapes are machine washable, wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. If they are not machine washable, you should take them to a dry cleaner.
2. Door Knobs and Handles
Maintaining the cleanliness of your door knobs and handles is just as important as the functionality they provide. Door knobs and handles can accumulate dust and dirt over time, which can impact the overall cleanliness of your home.
Each metal and material will require a different cleaning method. So it’s important to recognize the makeup of your door knobs and handles to ensure that you don’t cause any scratches or damage to them.
The best way to maintain lacquered brass door knobs and handles is to gently clean the handle with a soft cloth and warm water. Harsh and strong chemicals may cause damage to your frequently-touched surfaces like door knobs and handles.
3. Shower Curtain and Liner
Your shower liner must be cleaned once a month. These liners are more likely to accumulate bacteria, mildew, and mold due to frequent use. Typically, shower curtains and liners can all be cleaned in the washing machine but be sure to check the care instructions.
If you don’t want to remove either piece from its rod, there’s an easy way. A simple solution of vinegar and water will easily wash away any dirt. Also, plastic liners and shower curtains are affordable and easy to replace when they get dirty.
4. Dish Rack
The dish rack collects water in the trays and requires frequent cleanings to keep away mildew and bacteria. Some food particles that may have been missed during utensil cleaning can get onto the dish rack. Also, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up on your dish rack.
Remove the tray and take the rack apart as much as possible. Wash and clean each piece separately in the sink with some dish liquid. Rinse the dish rack well and wipe it dry with a clean kitchen towel.
5. Remote Controls
Many people forget to clean their remote controls. Over time, remote controls and other frequently touched electronics can accumulate dirt and dust, which can affect their performance. Take the time to clean your remote controls to ensure that they are functioning properly.
6. Behind and Under Furniture
Out of sight and out of mind! This comes into play when you’re vacuuming and dusting your home. If you’re like most people, you often forget or never clean behind and under your furniture.
Dust, debris, dirt, and hair can collect under and behind your furniture over time. Pull your furniture out and vacuum underneath and behind.
7. Toothbrush Holder
The toothbrush holder should be wiped down at least once a month and deserves a deep clean twice a year. This is one of those tasks that isn’t your favorite but will become more manageable if you do it often enough.
Clean your toothbrush holder by soaking it in a solution of warm water and white vinegar. Disinfect and clean the toothbrush holder regularly.
8. Door Frames
Wipe down door frames, as they can collect dust and handprints. Aim for cleaning the door frames at the beginning and end of every season. And guess what, you will be amazed at how easy it is to tackle.
9. Blinds
Blinds are one of the most commonly overlooked items when cleaning your home. However, if you don’t keep them clean, they instantly make your house look dirty.
Dust and clean blinds or shades, as they can accumulate a layer of dust. Most of the time, you don’t need to remove blinds from your window before cleaning them. Vacuum the blinds from top to bottom to make sure that they stay in place. You can also use a feather duster to remove excessive dust, or for more stubborn stains, you can use warm water and dish soap.
10. Coffee Maker
If you use a coffee maker daily, plan to clean it about once a month to maintain optimal performance. Occasional users might only need to do this every 3-6 months.
Wash the removable parts of the coffee maker with dish soap after every use. It’s easy because often these parts are dishwasher safe. You should decalcify your coffee machine with vinegar every three months.
11. Pet Toys
Wash and sanitize pet toys, especially if they are frequently used or shared among pets. Just be sure to check the labels of pet toys for proper care instructions.
Dish soap and laundry detergent may do a good job of cleaning pet toys with a variety of materials. Rubber and silicone pet toys can be soaked in 5 percent white vinegar and warm water solution for 10-15 minutes. Then gently scrub them with a clean sponge or brush to remove built-up dirt.
For plush pet toys, you can toss a ¼ cup of white vinegar into your washing machine and run it on a gentle cycle.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your home clean and healthy requires more than just regular vacuuming and dishwashing. While deep cleaning can seem daunting, it’s worth the effort to manage those often-forgotten tasks.
With these often-overlooked home cleaning tasks in your cleaning routine, you can ensure that your home is truly clean and organized. Also, it will help ensure that your home is safe and well-maintained.
Christina Giaquinto serves as the Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador at Alcove Closets, a company specializing in designing, crafting, and setting up bespoke closets and elegant organizational spaces to match any homeowner’s budget. With a focus on equipping clients with the tools and techniques to revamp their lives and homes through decluttering and organizing, Christina seamlessly blends spiritual coaching with organizational strategies to help individuals let go of belongings that no longer bring them joy and contentment. Her expertise has garnered recognition on reputable platforms such as Popsugar, Women’s Health, Reader’s Digest, Realtor, The Spruce, and Yahoo. Discover more at www.alcoveclosets.com.