It’s that time of year again – spring cleaning! You know the drill, dusting, tidying, and scrubbing until your home is spick and span. But there’s one problem … have you ever found yourself near the end of your spring cleaning journey and suddenly realized you forgot to clean an entire area? We’ve all been there!
To make sure your home is spotless this season, here are 8 forgotten spaces to include on your checklist:
Contents
Underneath Appliances
No matter the time of year, it pays to have a checklist of chores to keep your home clean and maintain its upkeep. One area that is often overlooked during regular cleaning, yet greatly influences the overall health and cleanliness of a home, is beneath appliances. It’s easy to forget about these tight spots because most of them are out of sight – and therefore out of mind. But taking the time to get down on all fours and give those dust-bunnies a proper send-off during the spring months will make the rest of your cleaning that much easier.
Fleas, dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, and other common household pests love to take refuge in warm areas such as beneath appliances. Keeping up with basic maintenance will help reduce their impact on your home. Not only can these critters live in dust accumulations beneath refrigerators and stoves, but many times they can make their way into food containers or even bite humans!
When it comes to spring-cleaning underneath appliances like washers and dryers or refrigerators/freezers, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Before lifting any heavy appliance in order to clean underneath it make sure you unplug any cords from outlets or remove batteries from any electronics so as not to risk electric shock. It would be wise to ask for a professional cleaning specialist to assist with this.
- Always use proper protective equipment when cleaning – wear non-slip shoes; this is particularly important for floors that may be wet.
- In addition to vacuuming up dirt and debris which can accumulate here over time, it may be necessary to mist down surfaces with an enzyme cleaner or special detergent designed to eliminate mold spores or bacteria which can build up on hard surfaces such as understory coils.
- For generally unclean areas such as behind refrigerator doors/drawers utilize basic products like rubbing alcohol or white vinegar combined with water for the most effective results.
Behind Furniture
While we may have a tendency to dust and sweep beneath furniture, when it comes to spring cleaning, we often forget about the nooks and crannies between and behind items. Behind bookshelves, couches, armoires, drawers, tables – all of them should be inspected for dirt, hair and bugs that may have become trapped during the course of the year.
Make sure to go slow and use a flashlight if possible so that you don’t miss any of these places while cleaning. Move large pieces away from walls as much as possible so you can get into those tight spaces; vacuum up any debris that gets kicked up as you move things around. With a little extra effort during your spring cleaning your home will be much less hospitable to dust bunnies!
Inside Drawers and Cabinets
As you move throughout your home during spring cleaning, it’s important to remember that oftentimes areas that are out of sight get neglected. Inside your drawers and cabinets are areas that can easily be forgotten when doing a deep clean.
Dishes, silverware, spices, and food storage containers – as well as items stored in laundry rooms like detergents and fabric softeners – can all be subject to dust, mold, or another build-up. It’s smart to take everything out of the cabinet or drawer at least once a year for an all-encompassing clean-out. Through this process, you may find items from the past few years that you no longer need or use.
When it comes time to put everything back in its place, take a few extra minutes organizing items into specific zones so it’s easier to access all year round. Additionally, decluttering your drawers and cabinets will make them much easier to keep clean during the rest of the year.
Air Vents and Ducts
Air vents and air ducts are an important part of any home, but also one of the biggest overlooked spaces when it comes to spring cleaning. Air vents filter airborne dust, pollen, and other particles from entering your home. In order to maintain healthy indoor air quality, it is important to clean out the dust and debris from these vents.
Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in your air ducts over time resulting in poor airflow and potential health hazards due to airborne allergens. Experts generally recommend having your air ducts cleaned by a professional every three to five years. However, you should also be regularly checking your air vents for dirt buildup or use a vacuum or brush attachment for semi-annual cleaning. Additionally, replace any clogged filters in your system as often as every three months according to manufacturer recommendations.
Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
Light fixtures and ceiling fans often accumulate dust and grime from everyday use. Keeping them clean is essential for reducing the number of airborne particles in your home. It’s especially important to deep clean them during spring cleaning because pollen and other allergens build up in these spaces over time.
Start by removing all light bulbs and wiping them down with a damp cloth. This will help remove any dust or dirt particles that have accumulated over time. Make sure to unplug any cords attached to the light fixture before attempting to remove the bulbs. Wipe down all outside surfaces with a mild cleaner and soft cloth, paying special attention to corners where cobwebs are likely to form. Once finished, reattach the bulbs and plug them into the desired outlet.
For ceiling fans, turn off the power at the switch box or switch plate before beginning your cleaning session. This will keep you safe from any electrical shocks as you clean your fan blades! With a soft-bristled brush (or vacuum attachment) clean each blade carefully, taking off as much debris as possible without causing any damage to paint or wood finishes on older fans. After cleaning each blade well, reattach fan blades back onto the motor unit (if applicable) and turn the power back on at the switch box/plate before testing out your newly cleaned fan!
Window Tracks and Sills
Window Tracks and Sills: When was the last time you vacuumed, dusted or wiped down your window tracks and sills? Wind and rain bring dirt indoors. Even if you don’t have your windows open throughout the year, there’s still dried-on dust clinging onto window tracks and corners.
With a damp cloth and some cleaning solution of your choice, be sure to get into all cracks and crevices. And while you’re at it, check the screens in your window frames too. Clean grates with an old soft brush or damp cloth to get rid of hardened dirt that built up over time. Vacuuming can also help remove stubborn material in harder-to-reach spots.
Baseboards and Crown Molding
Baseboards and crown molding are often overlooked during spring cleaning, but they should not be! These spaces accumulate dust and dirt, which can cause put off a musty odour in the home. Dusting or wiping these areas down with a damp cloth is an excellent way to remove dust and dirt.
Additionally, it’s important to clean baseboards and crown molding from time to time with a vacuum equipped with a long brush attachment in order to remove trapped dust. Ensure you vacuum in both directions when cleaning baseboards so that all corners and grooves are properly cleaned. Vacuuming these areas will not only reduce allergens in your home, but will also make them look crisp and new again!
The Exterior of Appliances and Electronics
Spring is a great time to give our homes a thorough cleaning from top to bottom, but it can be easy to forget about all the nooks and crannies that accumulate dirt over the course of the year. While there are dozens of areas we can target for a deep clean, many people forget about the outsides of their appliances and electronics. Unfortunately, these surfaces are often magnets for dust, pet hair and lint particles that can cause damage if not removed regularly.
The first thing to consider when cleaning the exterior of your appliances and electronics is any special instructions found in the user manual. These instructions may advise you not to use water or specific cleaning products on certain surfaces or in certain areas of the product. It is also important to exercise caution when moving sensitive equipment such as gaming consoles or computer towers – it’s best to wear gloves or use anti-static cloths when handling them.
After reading any special instructions, it’s recommended you begin by wiping down surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth or cloth with an anti-static finish – avoid harsh abrasives like steel wool which could damage delicate components. To remove stubborn dirt and grime from hard-to-reach places, use an extended-reach vacuum cleaner attachment to be sure nothing escapes your attention!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 8 spaces we all forget to clean during spring cleaning?
The 8 spaces we all forget to clean during spring cleaning include behind appliances, inside closets, windowsills, drawers, the tops of cabinets, air vents, shelves, and baseboards.
What should I use to clean these forgotten spaces?
You should use a vacuum, dusting cloths, and a multipurpose cleaner to clean these forgotten spaces.
How often should I clean these forgotten spaces?
You should clean these forgotten spaces at least once a year, or more frequently if needed.
Conclusion
When getting ready for spring cleaning, make sure you don’t forget about these eight spots that often get ignored. A deep clean may take a little extra time, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Start by dusting and mopping the floors regularly; vacuum carpets and furniture at least once a week; spot-clean windows, blinds, and curtains; make sure to pay attention to smaller spaces; remember to organize and tidy drawers, cupboards, closets, and the garage or attic; don’t forget to check those hidden cracks and corners of the home; make sure appliances are clean inside and out. Remember that wiping down cabinet faces isn’t enough – it’s important to give them a deep clean too! Finally, it’s essential to freshen up your home with light airings or deodorizers.