Things & areas often overlooked when cleaning the house

In the daily hustle of keeping a house clean can feel like a never-ending chore. While most of us stick to cleaning the obvious – floors, bathrooms, and kitchen counters – there are several items and areas in our homes that often escape our notice.

These overlooked spots can become havens for dust, germs, and grime over time. Let's shine a light on some of these commonly neglected household items and explore why giving them a regular scrub-down is crucial for maintaining a truly clean and healthy living environment.

1. Doorknobs and light switches

These high-touch surfaces are magnets for germs and bacteria, given the number of times they're handled each day. Despite this, they're frequently overlooked during routine cleaning.

Regularly disinfecting doorknobs and light switches can help prevent the spread of common colds, flu, and other infectious diseases within your household.

2. Remote controls

Another germ hotspot, remote controls, are used by everyone in the household but rarely cleaned.

Considering the crevices between buttons can trap dust and bacteria, giving your remotes a thorough clean with a disinfectant wipe can significantly reduce germ transmission.

3. Underneath and behind appliances

The spaces under and behind kitchen appliances like refrigerators and stoves are often neglected, leading to accumulations of dust, food particles, and grime.

A TV in a house A TV in a house Pulse Live Kenya

These areas can attract pests and contribute to appliance inefficiency. Pulling appliances out to clean these areas at least twice a year is advisable.

3. Ceiling fans and light fixtures

Dust accumulates quickly on ceiling fan blades and light fixtures, yet they're often out of sight, out of mind. Not only does this affect your home's air quality, but it can also cause fixtures to work less efficiently. A monthly dusting can keep these fixtures clean and functional.

4. Window tracks and blinds

The tracks of windows and the slats of blinds are notorious for gathering dust, dirt, and even mold, especially in high-humidity areas.

Neglecting these areas can exacerbate allergies and degrade indoor air quality. Using a vacuum attachment or a damp cloth for cleaning can work wonders.

5. Shower curtains and liners

Bathrooms are cleaned regularly, but shower curtains and liners can harbor mold and mildew.

Washing your shower curtain and liner in the washing machine with a couple of towels can help scrub them clean and prevent mold growth.

There were no shower curtains in the hotel bathrooms.Charles Gullung/Getty Images Business Insider USA

6. Trash cans

Even though they hold garbage, trash cans themselves are often forgotten during cleaning.

Regularly washing indoor and outdoor bins with soapy water and a disinfectant can prevent unpleasant odors and bacteria buildup.

7. Washing machines

These appliances clean things for us, but they also need to be cleaned themselves. Residue and bacteria can build up over time, affecting their efficiency and cleanliness. Running an empty hot cycle with a specialized cleaner can keep them in top shape.

By expanding your cleaning routine to include these often-neglected items and areas, you can ensure a healthier, cleaner home.

This not only contributes to the well-being of your household but can also extend the lifespan of your belongings and appliances.

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