We’ve Got You Covered
Keeping your home clean can be a daunting task, especially with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While most of us manage to keep the visible areas of our homes tidy, some spots go unnoticed and uncleaned. These overlooked areas in home cleaning can accumulate dust, grime, and bacteria over time. At AMK Cleaning Services, we make sure no corner is left untouched. Here are the top 10 most overlooked areas in home cleaning and some DIY tips on how to tackle them without getting overwhelmed.
1. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a magnet for dust, but they’re often neglected because they’re out of sight. Dusty blades can circulate dirt and allergens throughout your home. Adjust the blades with the seasons so the air is circulating this summer to stay as cool as possible.
DIY Tip: Use a pillowcase to clean each blade. Slide the pillowcase over the blade and pull it back, trapping dust inside. Follow up with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dirt.
2. Baseboards
Baseboards collect dust and dirt, especially in high-traffic areas. Regular sweeping and mopping might not be enough. If you don’t feel like getting on your hands and knees this summer, AMK highly recommends our deep clean services, where every room receives the baseboard love they desperately deserve.
- DIY Tip: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust. Wipe down with a damp cloth and a mixture of water and mild dish soap. For stubborn grime, a magic eraser works wonders.
3. Behind and Under Appliances
Areas behind and beneath your refrigerator, stove, and other large appliances are rarely cleaned but can harbor food particles, grease, and dust. If the fridge and stove only get moved once in a blue moon, it is a good idea to check behind the toaster more often.
- DIY Tip: Unplug appliances and carefully move them away from the wall. Sweep and mop the floor, and use a degreaser to clean the back and sides of the appliances. Don’t forget to clean the floor underneath as well. For inside appliances like microwaves and air fryers, hot water, and dish soap warmed up can help release stuck on gunk and make it easier and faster to keep up with the crumbs.
4. Light Fixtures
Light fixtures and lampshades can gather dust and bugs, diminishing the brightness of your lights and impacting indoor air quality. Since we have to look up at them, they are often overlooked for cleaning. However, starting at the top of the mess is important for fighting allergens like dust and pet hair.
- DIY Tip: Remove light fixtures if possible and wash them in warm, soapy water. For lampshades, use a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust. If you are feeling bold, an electric duster can help get those dust layers out of hard-to-reach places, and it is fun to use.
5. Window Blinds
The least fun thing to clean: window blinds. Purposefully overlooking cleaning blinds is often a part of the morning routine. Blinds and curtains often accumulate dust and can be challenging to clean properly. Luckily blind dusting is included in recurring cleans and deep cleans at AMK, to take most of the work off your plate.
- DIY Tip: For blinds, close them and wipe them with a damp cloth or use a special blind-cleaning tool. For curtains, check the care label and wash accordingly, or vacuum them using a brush attachment (or the electric duster).
6. Air Filters and Ducts
Dust and allergens can build up in your home’s vents and air ducts, affecting air quality. If you have noticed that your AC hasn’t been as cool as last summer, you may need to clean your ducts and filters.
- DIY Tip: Remove vent covers and wash them with warm, soapy water. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean inside the vents. For filters, replace them when possible, and make a habit of spraying with disinfectant to ensure there isn’t bacteria lingering.
7. Tops of Cabinets
The tops of cabinets, bookshelves, and other tall furniture pieces are often out of reach and out of mind. Cabinets in general are an overlooked part of cleaning, yet are one of the highest touch points for your family.
- DIY Tip: Use a step ladder to reach these high places. Wipe down with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner. For greasy buildup, especially in the kitchen, use a degreaser.
8. Behind Toilets
The area behind toilets can be difficult to clean but is prone to accumulating dust, hair, and grime. As one of the most popular rooms in the house, this area deserves some love.
- DIY Tip: Use a long-handled scrub brush and a mixture of water and vinegar or a bathroom cleaner to reach and clean behind the toilet. Don’t forget to disinfect the area as well.
9. Under Furniture
Toys, Pacifiers, and remotes are often lost under the couch. What else is under there? The biggest dust bunny you’ve ever seen. Dust bunnies love to hide under couches, beds, and other furniture. While it’s easy to miss these areas during regular cleaning, they can accumulate significant dust.
- DIY Tip: Move furniture where possible or use a vacuum with a long hose attachment to clean underneath. For larger pieces, consider using furniture sliders to make moving them easier.
10. Door Frames and Light Switches
Door frames and light switches are frequently touched but rarely cleaned, making them hotspots for germs. Little hands touching these areas often leads to invisible germ buildup, making it important to keep these in your disinfectant rotation.
- DIY Tip: Wipe down door frames and light switches with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Regular cleaning can help reduce germ buildup.
Maintaining a clean home goes beyond regular tidying up. It requires attention to the often-overlooked areas where dust and grime accumulate. Add these DIY tips into your cleaning routine to ensure a comprehensive clean. However, if you ever find these tasks overwhelming or want a professional touch, contact AMK Cleaning Services. We’re here to help you achieve a spotless, healthy home environment. Happy cleaning!
