Most of us have our cleaning routine down to a science: cleaning the bathroom, doing the laundry, vacuuming, dusting, disinfecting countertops, etc. These routines become second nature to us and it's pretty easy to remember the necessary areas for a clean home.
You might have a cleaning list to help keep you on track and no matter how thoroughly you clean, there are a list of areas you might be forgetting about during your house cleaning routine. Dirt and grime have the tendency to build up overtime in the strangest places, which is pretty gross so it's helpful to know the specific areas to clean. By cleaning these spots listed below, you'll definitely feel at peace in a cleaner house, but you can also avoid the chance of sickness and germs spreading. Check out this list of cleaning tips below that you might overlook, but should consider adding to your cleaning routine.
1. Baseboards
Your tile and hardwood floors are probably clean and shiny, but those wooden boards that go around the bottom of the wall can easily collect dust and dirt. Baseboards in the kitchen can be especially dirty because grease and food can splatter on to them.
It's really simple to clean them off and it's best to do it after you have mopped the floors. You can vacuum baseboards with a handheld vacuum and then wipe down with a cloth and a mixture of warm water, vinegar and dish soap. Make sure to scrub well in between the nooks and crannies and always wipe dry with a clean towel to avoid damaging the wood.
2. Under the Microwave
In some households, the microwave is an essential appliance. From heating up yesterday's leftovers to rewarming the same cup of coffee, the microwave can do it all and is a convenient appliance.
It's always a good idea to wipe down the inside of your microwave from different food splatters because who wants to contaminate their next meal with old food? You can easily steam clean it by microwaving a combination of water, lemon slices and vinegar for a few minutes until the window is steamy. Wipe away the grime with a clean towel or sponge and you'll have a perfectly clean microwave.
But did you ever wonder about underneath your microwave? That's what I like to call grease city. Underneath you'll find a filter that is easy to remove and probably has a build up of old grease on it. You can take it out and soak it in warm water and dish soap, making sure to scrub clean. While the filter is air drying, wipe down the bottom of the microwave. You don't have to do this everyday, but I suggest this deep cleaning routine once or twice a month.
3. Doorknobs and Handles
If you think about it, you probably touch most of the doorknobs and handles in your house everyday. Grab your cleaning checklist and write this one down.
The next time you clean your home try giving the doorknobs a good wipe down with some all-purpose cleaner. Germs commonly lurk around these handles, so it's best to get in the habit of cleaning them and adding this to your to do list .
Bathroom cleaning is important because it's a room filled with germs, so keep those bathroom doorknobs in mind. And don't forget about kitchen cabinet knobs. They're also filled with germs, so be sure to wipe them down to avoid the spread of sickness. You'll definitely be happier in a clean home.
4. Top of Refrigerator
On a daily basis we all take a look at the inside the refrigerator, especially when a midnight food craving kicks in. But when was the last time you took a peek at the top of your refrigerator? Personally, since the tall gene doesn't run in my family, I almost never take a look or I just simply forget.
You don't have to add this to your weekly cleaning routine, but every once in awhile, take out a stepladder or recruit a tall friend and wipe away the dust with your favorite all-purpose cleaning product.
5. Under the Dishwasher, Stove, and Refrigerator
It's always a good idea to clean under major appliances that are most likely used everyday, but who wants to pull them completely out of their spot?
Well, this doesn't have to be a household chore because this microfiber duster found on Amazon is the perfect tool to use for hard to reach places. I highly recommend having one around the house to wipe away dust and dirt.
6. Remote Control
I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves to veg out to watch television or anything on Netflix at the end of the day. It's a great way to unwind and relax. But when you think about it, you or your kids touch the remote controls to change the channels and overtime, germs and bacteria build up.
These germs can spread sickness, so it will benefit you and your family to start getting in the habit of deep cleaning it. Disinfect with a wipe or all-purpose spray, being mindful of the batteries which can easily get damaged. To clean in between the buttons try using a cotton swap to gently clean around the them.
7. Refrigerator Water Dispenser
The water dispenser in some refrigerators can be a luxury for some folks. You can easily have filtered water whenever you need it and it can save you money each month. However this is a spot around the house that is often overlooked but should be taken care of to avoid hard water build up which can result in odd tasting water.
Remembering to flush out your water dispenser will give you clean and drinkable water and can be done in a few simple steps. For full directions, click here.
Once you have your delicious, clean water don't forget to try out these water infusion recipes. Be sure to add this to your house cleaning checklist.
8. Pillows
You don't have to add this to your daily cleaning routine, but try washing your pillows every couple of months. Most pillows nowadays are designed to be machine washable, which is a good thing because pillows tend to collect dust, dead skin and even dust mites. Not exactly what you want to sleep on, right?
Washing your pillows can also help you if you suffer from allergies. The dust and dead skin can be really irritating, which can prevent you from getting your restful beauty sleep. Try throwing you pillows into the washing machine on the delicate cycle and dry on a low setting. Make sure to fluff your pillows right after they're finished drying to keep the shape.
9. Trash Can
Yes, the trash can is where all the garbage is stored, but why not clean it out every one in awhile? It's obviously common that the trash can is an overall stinky environment but you can avoid it getting worse by scrubbing it down every so often with a disinfectant spray.
Old food sometimes leaks out and the build up of that residue will definitely leave your trash can smelling funky, so try getting into the habit of cleaning it out at least once a month.
10. Washing Machine
If you think about it, having a washing machine and dryer is a real luxury. They pretty much do all the hard work for you.
I recently bought a new Merlot colored washing machine and dryer which I absolutely love, but I noticed a strange smell coming from my washing machine not too long ago. After doing some research, i found out that I wasn't the only one who noticed this unusual mold-like smell coming from their machine. The odors from the laundry detergent, dirty clothing and hard water minerals all add up overtime which causes your washing machine to smell and form mold and mildew.
Some washers come with a self-clean setting, but if yours doesn't you can try out one of these simple cleaning hacks. Make sure to wipe down your machine with a cloth when the cleaning cycle is complete.
Who doesn't love a clean home? With a simple cleaning checklist, you will have no problem remembering those unusual, but dirty spots around the house.
