We all try and keep the housework, but even when the house looks clean-ish, there are some notoriously forgettable places that most of us never even think about or regularly neglect to clean. To maintain a truly clean home, you need to give these secret places the once over every few weeks or so:
1. Ceiling Fans & Light Fixtures.
You don't see it, but trust us—it's there. Dust and cobwebs cling to your ceiling fans and light fixtures like they own the place. Every time you turn that fan on, you’re basically creating a dust storm.
How to Clean Them: The old trick is to slip an old pillowcase or T-shirt over each fan blade and slide it off, famously trapping the dust inside. For light fixtures, use a thin cloth or a lambswool duster.
2. Baseboards & Door Frames
Baseboards and door frames are like the introverts of your home—always there, rarely noticed, but definitely in need of attention. They collect dust and grime in the corners, making your walls look dirtier than they are.
How to Clean Them: Spray All-Purpose Cleaner and quickly whisk away dust. I dampen a cotton bud with a little Leather Cleaner to efficiently clean the hard-to-get corners.
3. The Remotes.
Gaming and TV remotes are notoriously grubby and often forgotten about. They will benefit from a weekly spray and wipe to keep germs at bay. I always do this first thing every time we check into a hotel room.
How To Clean It: DO NOT spray the remote directly. Spray a cloth with Waterless Wash and wipe clean, paying special attention to the buttons and crevices. This is especially important during cold and flu season or when someone is sick.
4. Switches & Door Handles: The Germ Hotspots.
Another area that is used multiple times daily and rarely cleaned. Spray the cloth and wipe clean.
How To Clean It: As above, never spray the light switch directly; spray a cloth with an All-Purpose Cleaner and wipe clean.
5. The Cutlery Tray/Dish Drainer.
Wet places are ripe for germs to breed. Make sure that sponges, dish brushes and freshly washed cutlery are drying in a spot that’s free from mould.
HOW TO CLEAN IT: I use this one at the sink precisely because it’s easy to clean. Just pop it in the dishwasher, and you’re done.
6. Behind and Under Appliances.
The Bermuda Triangle of Your Kitchen. Crumbs, grease, and dust bunnies love hiding in these dark, forgotten spaces. Get under there with a dust mop or a vacuum cleaner every month or so.
HOW TO CLEAN IT: If you can recruit a helper, it’s a good idea to shuffle the refrigerator away from the wall and give the floor a good clean. Pull the fridge away from the wall; use a vacuum or mop to clear out the grime—and brace yourself for what you might find.
7. Closet Floors The Dust Bunny Convention Headquarters
Ever moved your couch and been horrified by the amount of dust, lost socks, and mystery crumbs lurking underneath? Out of sight doesn’t mean out of existence.
HOW TO CLEAN IT: Use a vacuum with an extension wand or a Swiffer to reach under beds, couches, and heavy furniture. You might even find that missing remote!
8. Inside the Trash Cans.
Sure, you take out the trash, but do you ever clean the actual bin? Even with a liner, food residue, spills, and bacteria build-up create a sneaky source of foul odours.
HOW TO CLEAN IT: Every time I empty them, I give the inside of the bin a good spritz and wipe it dry with a paper towel. If I'm using a liner, I make sure it dries completely before replacing it.
9. The Toaster Tray. This is the most notorious place we all forget to clean. If you use your toaster regularly, giving this guy a weekly clean-out is a good idea to avoid a fire hazard (and that awful burning smell).
HOW TO CLEAN IT: Unplug it and pull and empty the crumb tray. I use this moment to take the whole thing and shake it out over the kitchen sink. Then, I wipe down the exterior with Glass or Leather Cleaner to restore the polish.
10. Inside Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers.
You open your cabinets daily, but when did you last wipe them down? Over time, crumbs, sticky sauces and spilt spices create a mess inside your cabinets. Empty cabinets one section at a time, wipe them down with warm, soapy water, and reorganize them for a fresh start.
HOW TO CLEAN THEM: Start at the top and work your way down. Remove everything from each cupboard, spray the interior of each with a gentle cleaner or a little dish soap on a sponge, and wipe dry. Finish by cleaning the exterior doors and handles.
Adding these forgotten areas to your regular cleaning routine will make your home look (and feel) clean and comfortable.
That’s Better.
xx,
mlk.
