Do You Remember to Clean These 13 Most Forgotten About Places?
Number six might surprise you.
From window treatments to shower curtains and even under the fridge, there are a multitude of overlooked places in your home that collect dust, germs and allergens. Ditch the 'out of sight, out of mind' mentality and follow our tips to deep clean these 13 most forgotten about nooks and crannies. We guarantee every room in your home will be left feeling and looking like new.
Deep Clean: Every Room
Ceiling Fans
Dust collects on fan blades, especially if they sit idle and forgotten about. To clean without showering yourself in debris, slip a pillowcase over each blade, then slowly slide it off. When you're done, throw the dirty pillowcase the wash. Repeat at the beginning and end of fan season (high summer - early autumn), or every other month if used regularly.
Window Treatments & Upholstery
Use your vacuum's upholstery tool on low to dust your curtains, blinds, and upholstered furniture. Don't forget in between the cushions - germs lurk there along with food crumbs and loose change. Repeat once every season. For a deep clean, wash fabrics on gentle cycle or dry-clean once a year.
Light Switches & Door Knobs
These high-traffic items are touched by everyone, making them bacteria hot spots. Wipe down light switches, door knobs and cabinet and drawer handles with a cleaning solution. Repeat multiple times a week to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Large Appliances
The spaces beneath (and surfaces of) the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher collect dust, grease and crumbs. Wipe down all accessible areas of your appliances, including any gaps between them, with a damp cloth and a much favoured cleaning solution. Repeat once a month.
If you're feeling extra ambitious, tackle your refrigerator coils, which become less efficient if dusty. Unplug the fridge and remove according to your unit's instructions, then vacuum with a crevice attachment or a specialised refrigerator coil brush. Repeat every six months or so.
Small Appliances
To remove hard water deposits, brewing residue, mould and bacteria from your coffee maker, fill the reservoir with equal parts water and white vinegar and turn on the machine. After several cups have brewed, turn it off and let it sit for an hour. Rinse with a few cycles of water.
To clean your toaster adequately, wipe down the exterior, then pull out the crumb tray and clean with a sponge.
For microwaves, start by soaking the turntable tray in warm soapy water to remove grease. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and slices of lemon and run on high until the interior is steamy. After a few minutes, remove the bowl and wipe down the inside with a cloth or sponge.
Books
Paper deteriorates more quickly when covered in dust. Even if you dust your bookcases regularly, show your tomes some love by removing them from the shelves, dusting their spines and flipping through the pages. Repeat once a year.
Tip: Find more ways to organise your book collection with our guide, How to Style & Display Books to Suit Your Home Aesthetic.
Cushions, Throws and Blankets
These comfortable items get frequent use, accumulating dust, dirt, stains, and more. For cushions, check the care tags - some you can throw right in the wash. For those that require a little more TLC, run the vacuum upholstery brush over their surfaces and spot clean stains. Wash blankets according to their care tags. Repeat once a season.
Pillows & Duvets
Even when covered by pillow cases and duvet covers, pillows and bedspreads accumulate mould, bacteria and odours. Most are machine washable, but some are dry-clean only. Repeat every three to six months.
Humidifiers
The warmth and moisture from humidifiers create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, contaminating the air whenever in use. Unplug and follow your machine's instruction manual as you take apart the components. Use white vinegar to clean the base and a bleach solution to disinfect the tank. Rinse thoroughly to remove cleaning odors. Repeat at the beginning, middle and end of humidifier season.
Shower and Bathtub Drains
If your water drains slowly, a clog is to blame. Remove the drain stoppers - some lift right out, others might need screwdrivers. Reach into the drain with pliers to remove hair and other debris. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and add vinegar until it bubbles to the top. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with boiling water.
Shower Curtains
These essential items collect soap scum and mildew like it's their job. Throw both liner and curtain in the washing machine (check the care tags for temperature guidance). Add a cup of baking soda to boost the cleaning power. While you're at it, throw in your bath mats. Repeat once a season.
Exterior Lights
Improve your outdoor illumination by cleaning your light fixtures, which get clogged with cobwebs and bugs who can't help themselves. Unscrew all shades and wash with soapy water, then run a duster over all light bulbs.
Rubbish Bins
If repeated spills and odours make you cringe whenever you take out the rubbish, it's time to give the bins a deep clean. Use a hose to spray the can inside and out, then coat the interior with a cleaning solution and scrub with a long-handled brush. Rinse and then let the bin dry in the sun.
