Maintaining a clean home isn’t just about the visible areas. And sometimes, we forget the hidden nooks and crannies that can collect dirt and germs in our homes. These neglected corners might not be top of mind when we clean, but they can actually be some of the dirtiest places in your home.
Left unattended, these hidden spots can unintentionally become cozy hideouts for unwelcome guests, like pests and bacteria. Here’s a list of those often-overlooked areas in your home that could use a good, deep clean.
Behind the Kitchen Stove
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There’s no telling what gets trapped behind the kitchen stove. Not cleaning it could lead to unruly pests and potential fire hazards. Cleaning behind a stove can be difficult and time-consuming, but it is necessary to keep your home clean.
Underneath Furniture
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Underneath the bed and couch is prone to dirt buildup, pet hair, and dust. You may even find the occasional socks, shirt, and water bottle. Move the furniture (if possible) and sweep the area to remove dirt and dust.
If you cannot move the furniture, use a broom with an extended handle and dustpan to sweep away any materials that may have settled in tight corners or underneath.
Garbage Disposal
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Garbage disposals can leave behind an unpleasant odor in the kitchen. The best way to clean and eliminate smells in the garbage disposal is to use natural remedies such as lemon or orange peels and run them through the disposal. You can also place ice cubes, baking soda, or vinegar down the drain to help break down the built-up food residue and get rid of the smell.
The grout between your tiles can accumulate dirt and sometimes mold on its surfaces. Not only does this diminish the overall appearance of your tiles, but it also creates an environment for bacteria and allergens to thrive.
Cleaning grout might seem detailed and time-consuming, but if you make it a regular part of your cleaning routine, you can prevent mold from building up.
While the showerhead may appear clean on the outside, over time, our showerheads can accumulate dirt, minerals, and bacteria, which can greatly impact both hygiene and the quality of our showering experience.
To clean the showerhead, start by soaking the head in a mixture of white vinegar and warm water for an hour. Gently scrub off any remaining deposits with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Then, rinse the shower head thoroughly with hot water and dry it with a soft cloth.Doing this regularly will help prevent buildup and keep your shower head functioning properly.
Kitchen Sponge
Kitchen sponges tend to collect a lot of bacteria and germs. To effectively sanitize the sponge, you can microwave it, soak it in water and bleach, or simply throw it away.
Inside the Dishwasher
While a dishwasher’s main function is to clean dishes, over time, food particles, dirt, and mineral deposits can accumulate inside the dishwasher. This can lead to unwelcomed smells, crappy performance, and potential problems with drainage.
A ceiling fan is often overlooked because of its height and ability to access it. Lots of dust will sit on top and around the edge of the ceiling fan’s blade and light fixtures. Grab an adjustable duster to clean high-ceiling fans and light fixtures.
The duster will get rid of any dust that has accumulated on the fan’s blades. If the dust is stubborn and won’t come off easily, you may need to get on top of a stepping stool and use a damp cloth and mild detergent solution to remove it.
Baseboards
Baseboards can get easily scuffed, scratched, and stained from activities and movement within the home. A simple wipe-down with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaning solution is all you will need to clean it.
Around the Toilet
It’s easy to forget to clean around and behind the toilet. We often clean the toilet seat and inside the toilet but neglect to clean behind the toilet, where dirt, dust, and other bodily fluids can accumulate. Apply a bleach-based cleaning product and wipe the area with a paper towel.
The Coffee Maker
Let’s face it: most of us don’t actually clean our coffee machines. And if you happen to be an avid coffee drinker and lover, this frequently used appliance can become a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and mineral buildup.
Windows get opened and closed, leaving behind lots of fingerprints, smudges, dust, and dirt. To clean the window, use a winder cleaner like Windex and spray the window. Then, use a rag or paper towel to wipe off the Windex. This should make your windows look brand spanking new again.
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
