Just because you can’t see dirt, doesn’t mean it isn’t there—in fact, it’s those hidden areas in each room of your home that are often the dirtiest of all. Whether you’re gearing up for spring cleaning or simply want to make sure your living space is as neat as it can be, review our list of 10 commonly overlooked places to clean for some inspiration.
- The Inside of Your Drawers
Empty each drawer in your kitchen and bathroom one at a time and vacuum out what remains. If necessary, use a damp cloth to clean up any spills and allow to dry before replacing the contents.
- The Hood Fan
Wipe down all surfaces using a commercial degreaser or a mixture of hot, soapy water. Place filters in a clean sink filled with a few inches of very hot or boiling water and add one-quarter cup of baking soda. Let soak for several minutes, carefully remove, and rinse with clean water. Allow filters to dry before replacing.
- The Refrigerator Coils
Disconnect the power to the refrigerator and unplug the unit. Locate the coils on the back or below and use the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner to remove excess debris, and a refrigerator coil brush (available at most home improvement stores) to tackle what remains.
- Sliding Door and Window Tracks
Remove loose debris by vacuuming, and use an old, dry toothbrush to dislodge the rest. If necessary, sprinkle with a light dusting of baking soda, spritz with a mixture of vinegar and water, and leave for five minutes. Wipe up the solution and grime with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Garbage Disposal
Odors are likely due to an accumulation of food particles on the underside of the black, rubber splash guard. Disconnect the power to the unit, don a pair of rubber gloves, and spray a paper towel with an all-purpose cleaner. Continue to wipe and replace with a clean towel until all debris is removed.
- Air Filters and Vents
Replace your air filter every six to eight weeks as needed. Remove register covers and vacuum visible dust and debris from vents before replacing.
- Indoor Plants
Cleaning methods will depend on the type of plant, which can range from a gentle wiping of leaves with a soft, damp cloth, to giving plants a light spray with a shower head or garden hose.
- Underneath Furniture
Dust and dirt love to hide under beds, sofas, and other large pieces of furniture. A long-handled dust mop works well on hard surfaces, but for carpeted areas, you may need to use your vacuum cleaner or move the furniture to access the dirt.
- Faucet Aerators
Remove the aerator carefully to avoid damage and disassemble. Use an old toothbrush and water to gently scrub parts, being careful not to bend the screens. Reassemble and reinstall when complete.
- Fan Blades
Disconnect the power to the fan and position your ladder below. Using a pillowcase, slip it over each blade one at a time, using the top portion to wipe the blade and the bottom to catch the debris. Use a lint-free cloth sprayed with an all-purpose cleaner to remove residual grime, and to clean the base and light fixture.
The outside of your home deserves equal attention, and power washing can help restore the natural beauty of a variety of outdoor surfaces. For all your interior cleaning needs, trust the experienced professionals at Molly Maid. Contact your local Molly Maid for a free in-home estimate today.
