Keeping a clean home involves more than just sweeping floors and wiping down surfaces. Many household items, though frequently touched or used, can become surprisingly dirty over time. In fact, some of these items might be harboring more germs and grime than you realize. We consulted cleaning experts to identify the top seven commonly overlooked dirty spots in your home and provide effective cleaning strategies. Let’s dive into these surprising culprits and learn how to keep them spotless.
1. Underneath and Above the Refrigerator
While most people diligently clean the inside of their refrigerator and wipe down the exterior, the spaces beneath and above the fridge often go unnoticed. Eliana Coca, founder of E.C. House Cleaning, highlights that these areas can accumulate significant amounts of dust, crumbs, and even pests due to infrequent cleaning.
How to Clean:
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Beneath the Refrigerator: Move the fridge carefully to access the floor beneath. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust and debris. If there’s a lot of buildup, mop the area with a disinfectant cleaner.
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Above the Refrigerator: Use a step stool to reach the top of the fridge. Dust the surface with a microfiber cloth and a dusting spray. Regularly wipe this area to prevent excessive buildup.
2. Ceiling Fan Blades
Ceiling fans are notorious for collecting dust, which can then be dispersed throughout the room when the fan is turned on. According to Coca, many people only see one side of the blades, leaving the dust on the other side unnoticed.
How to Clean:
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Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth or a ceiling fan duster to clean both sides of each blade. For high or hard-to-reach fans, use a ladder and consider enlisting help to ensure a thorough job.
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Deep Cleaning: If the fan is especially dirty, use a gentle cleaner with a cloth to remove built-up grime.
3. Above Your Kitchen Cabinets
The space above kitchen cabinets is another often-neglected area. This spot can gather a substantial amount of dust and grease, particularly if the cabinets do not extend to the ceiling.
How to Clean:
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Dusting: Use a vacuum with a dusting attachment to remove loose dust. Follow up with a damp cloth and a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent to tackle any remaining grease.
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Maintenance: Incorporate this area into your regular cleaning schedule to avoid buildup.
4. The Base of Toilets
While the inside of toilets gets the most attention, the base and surrounding floor area are frequently overlooked. Austin Jones, CEO of Millennium Facility Services, notes that these areas can harbor a significant amount of germs and grime.
How to Clean:
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Scrubbing: Use a disinfectant cleaner and a toilet brush or scrub brush to clean around the base, including the bolts and floor area. Pay attention to any hard-to-reach spots.
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Routine Maintenance: Regularly clean the base area as part of your bathroom cleaning routine to maintain hygiene.
5. Remote Controls
Remote controls are handled frequently but rarely cleaned, making them a hotspot for germs. The constant use and handling can lead to a buildup of dirt and bacteria.
How to Clean:
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Surface Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the remote with disinfectant wipes or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Be sure to get between the buttons.
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Deep Cleaning: If the remote is very dirty, consider removing the batteries and cleaning inside carefully with a dry cloth or cotton swabs.
6. Dish Sponges and Rags
Dish sponges and rags are essential for cleaning but can harbor more germs than the bathroom. Lisa Yakas, a trained microbiologist, emphasizes that these items often go overlooked in cleaning routines.
How to Clean:
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Sponges: Rinse sponges thoroughly after each use and sanitize them regularly. You can microwave a damp sponge for one minute or run it through the dishwasher for a deep clean.
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Rags: Wash dish rags in hot water with detergent, and dry them completely. Replace them regularly to ensure they remain effective and hygienic.
7. Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are frequently used in food preparation and can accumulate bacteria, especially if they are not cleaned properly after use. They are also prone to becoming worn and scratched over time.
How to Clean:
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Sanitizing: After each use, wash cutting boards with hot, soapy water. For deeper cleaning, scrub with a mixture of baking soda and water or use a diluted bleach solution.
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Replacement: Replace cutting boards when they become excessively worn or develop deep grooves, as these can harbor bacteria even with regular cleaning.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and hygienic home involves paying attention to more than just the obvious surfaces. By addressing these commonly overlooked spots—such as the areas beneath and above your refrigerator, ceiling fan blades, and the base of toilets—you can ensure a more thorough cleaning routine.
Regularly cleaning remote controls, dish sponges, and cutting boards will help prevent the buildup of germs and grime. Incorporate these cleaning tips into your routine to keep your home not only looking clean but also truly sanitized. With expert advice and a proactive approach, you can tackle these surprising dirty spots and enjoy a healthier living environment.
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