Maintaining a clean home is a never-ending chore. No matter how diligent homeowners are about their cleaning routines, it’s easy to let specific tasks fall through the cracks. Professional cleaners reveal that some areas and items in every home are routinely forgotten or neglected when it comes to cleaning.
Though homeowners try to stay on top of cleaning visible spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and floors, some areas inevitably get overlooked — but don’t worry. In this blog, cleaning experts share the top 7 spots and items in homes that hardly ever seem to make it onto a homeowners’ cleaning checklists.
Ceiling Fans Accumulate Dust
Though ceiling fans help circulate air, they also invariably become dust magnets. Homeowners rarely think about giving their ceiling fans a thorough cleaning. Even if visually clean, ceiling fans can still accumulate dust on the fan blades and motor housing.
“Don’t forget the ceiling fans! Dust builds up easily on blades – use a stepladder to thoroughly clean each surface,” says Alma Pinelo, Maid Brigade’s Field Operations Manager. Experts like her recommend carefully cleaning each fan blade at least a few times yearly. This prevents thick layers of dust from accumulating and avoids the possibility of dust and debris falling from blades. A stepladder, microfiber cloth, and vacuum attachment can make fan cleaning faster and easier.
Window Treatments Need Regular Care
It’s easy to forget about window treatments when doing household cleaning. But curtains, blinds, and other window coverings can quickly become magnets for dust, pet hair, and other airborne particles.
Window treatments like horizontal blinds are prone to accumulating dust, dirt, and grime since they are often left stationary for long periods when closed. This allows them to block sunlight and trap particles on their surfaces effectively.
Cleaning professionals recommend thoroughly wiping down window blinds at least every couple of months. Vacuuming curtains and blinds helps remove surface dust and debris; for a deeper clean, window treatments can be taken down and washed according to fabric recommendations. Keeping up with these simple cleaning steps keeps windows looking fresh and ensures particles aren’t constantly floating around the home.
Hardwood Floors Need Regular Maintenance
Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but only with proper care. Cleaning professionals emphasize that hardwood requires regular maintenance, which homeowners often overlook.
Over time, dirt, dust, and grime accumulate from foot traffic and daily living. Spills that are left untreated can stain and damage the wood. While homeowners may spot clean high-traffic areas, dirt still builds up in corners and along baseboards.
To keep floors pristine, experts recommend thoroughly cleaning at least twice a month, and proper technique is key. “Use microfiber cloths and cleaners made specifically for hardwood to effectively clean without damaging the seal,” says Alma. Start by vacuuming or dust mopping to remove surface debris. Then, clean with a hardwood floor cleaner and microfiber mop for a deeper clean. Floor steamers lift grime from crevices while killing bacteria.
With consistent light cleaning and periodic deep cleaning, hardwood maintains its luminous shine and lasting durability. However, neglecting proper maintenance allows for preventable dirt buildup, scratches, and dullness over time.
Garbage Disposals Need Frequent Cleaning
Garbage disposal is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. They make cleaning up after meals much more accessible. However, even frequently utilized disposals can benefit from periodic cleaning.
Grease, food scraps, and mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate in garbage disposals over time. This buildup can make disposals dirty and cause foul odors. Many homeowners put up with the smells without realizing the gunk must be cleaned.
Experts recommend pouring a homemade baking soda and vinegar solution down disposals every few months to break up the gunk naturally. Thoroughly scrubbing the interior disposal walls with a brush removes stuck-on grease and grime that produces odors. Blending ice cubes in the disposal also helps remove mineral deposits. Regular cleaning keeps disposals smelling fresh and operating efficiently.
Walls and Baseboards Attract Grime
Walls and baseboards don’t seem like problem areas for cleaning. However, cleaning professionals say they accumulate more dust and dirt than homeowners realize.
While walls appear to be static surfaces that wouldn’t get dirty quickly, they still collect dust, smudges, and grime from daily living. Cooking vapors also gradually create a grimy film over walls near stoves.
Experts recommend thoroughly reviewing walls and baseboards every few months to prevent grime buildup. Using mild soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner with a microfiber cloth removes the top layer of gunk. Magic erasers also work great for scrubbing off tougher grease and dirt. Keeping walls clean makes rooms look brighter and fresher.
Electronics Need Regular Wipe Downs
Smartphones, TVs, laptops, and other electronics quickly accumulate dust, smudges, and fingerprints. However, many homeowners must remember to wipe down these frequently touched devices regularly.
Fingerprints and dust are evident on flat screens and glossy surfaces. But electronics rarely make it onto cleaning checklists even though they should be wiped down weekly to prevent dirt buildup and provide a clearer picture.
Cleaning professionals recommend using a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or screen cleaner to wipe down screens and surfaces gently. Cotton swabs also help clean ports and crevices. Keeping electronics free of grime improves visual clarity while extending the life of delicate devices.
Mattresses Attract Skin Cells and Allergens
One central cleaning oversight is mattresses. Bed mattresses harbor dead skin cells, body oils, pet dander, and microscopic dust mites that can cause allergy flare-ups. But mattresses usually only get cleaned when switching them out.
Experts explain that mattresses need periodic deep cleaning since we shed skin cells and sweat and bring allergens into them nightly. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning keep mattresses fresher in between more thorough cleanings.
According to The Mattress Firm Sleep Experts® at mattressfirm.com, utilizing the upholstery attachment of your vacuum is recommended as the best method for cleaning a mattress. Steaming mattresses help kill dust mites and freshen the interior. Professional mattress cleaning services are also available a few times yearly for deeper cleaning. Proper mattress cleaning provides a healthier, irritant-free sleep environment.
The Overlooked Cleaning Tasks
Maintaining a spotless home takes diligence and using a comprehensive cleaning approach. Overlooking certain areas or items can allow dirt, dust, and grime to build up over time gradually. Being attentive to the cleaning tasks often falling through the cracks results in a fresher, cleaner indoor environment.
Focusing efforts on air vents, curtains, ceiling fans, baseboards, mattresses, and electronics ensures every part of the home gets the periodic refresh. Enlisting professional deep cleaning services for beds and vents also helps reset cleaning at deeper levels. Staying on top of these commonly forgotten tasks leads to a healthier, more inviting home interior all year.
