Keeping your home clean can feel like a never-ending task. You probably focus on the obvious spots but overlook a few areas that quietly gather dust and grime.
Some items and places in your home need a deep clean more often than you might think to maintain a healthy and fresh environment. It’s easy to forget about these, but tackling them can make a noticeable difference in your space.
Remote controls
Your remote control is one of the most touched items in your home, but it often gets overlooked during cleaning. Over time, it collects dust, oils, and germs, which can lead to sticky buttons or unresponsiveness.
To clean it safely, start by removing the batteries. Use a slightly damp cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol or disinfecting wipes to gently clean the surface. Avoid getting moisture inside the battery compartment, so take your time and be careful.
A quick 10-minute clean can make your remote feel fresh and help reduce germs on a device you use every day.
Garbage disposal
Your garbage disposal works hard every day, but it’s easy to forget it needs regular cleaning. Left alone, food bits and grease can build up, causing odors and clogs.
To keep yours fresh, try grinding ice cubes and citrus peels once a week. This helps clear debris and adds a clean scent.
Avoid harsh chemicals; natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar work well and are safe for your pipes. Cleaning your garbage disposal regularly saves you from costly repairs later on.
Baseboards
Baseboards often get overlooked during regular cleaning, but they collect a lot of dust and dirt. If you haven’t cleaned yours in a while, now’s the time to give them some attention.
Start by dusting with a microfiber cloth, then wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, a mix of vinegar and water works well. Don’t forget to use cotton swabs for corners and crevices to get every bit of grime.
Ceiling fans
You probably don’t clean your ceiling fans as often as you should. Dust settles quickly on the blades, and when the fan runs, it spreads dust around your room.
Try using a microfiber cloth or a long-handled duster to gently wipe the blades. Cleaning your fan regularly, at least every 1-2 months, helps keep dust buildup under control.
If you want to avoid dust falling everywhere, clean the blades slowly and carefully. Wiping the ceiling area around the fan with a damp cloth can prevent loose dust from settling back on the blades.
Light switches
You probably touch your light switches dozens of times a day without thinking about germs. Even if your hands seem clean, those switches can collect dirt and bacteria over time.
Cleaning them is easy and only takes a few minutes. Just dampen a cloth with your favorite cleaner and gently wipe the switch and surrounding plate.
Try to clean your light switches at least once a week. Using a cotton swab can help reach tricky spots near the edges for a more thorough clean.
Hairbrushes
You might not realize how often your hairbrush gathers hair, oil, and product buildup. This can affect your scalp’s health and the way your hair looks.
Try removing tangled hair after every use. A deeper cleaning once a month usually does the trick for most people. If you use a lot of styling products or have long hair, consider cleaning it every two weeks.
To clean, remove hair first, then wash your brush with warm water and a mild soap. Let it dry completely before using it again.
Dishwasher filter
Your dishwasher filter collects food bits and debris that can build up over time. If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it might cause odors or reduce your dishwasher’s efficiency.
Take the filter out and rinse it under warm water regularly. For stubborn grime, a mild vinegar solution can help loosen residue.
Cleaning your dishwasher filter about once a month keeps your appliance running smoothly. It also prevents costly repairs and ensures your dishes come out clean every time.
