You’ve decluttered your house and organized your rooms—now it’s time for the next daunting task: spring cleaning. Sweeping the floors and vacuuming the stairs are already on your spring cleaning list, but what about areas of the house that are out of sight and thus out of mind?
These are spots that are easy to ignore, but also need some attention at least a few times a year. We’ve dug up the dirt—so to speak—on six areas of the home you forgot to clean (or usually push off til “next time”). See if any of these made your list.
1. Window Blinds and Treatments
While sparkling windows are instantly gratifying with glass cleaner, don’t forget about the window blinds and treatments. Window treatments are notoriously covered in dust and cleaning in-between each blind is essential for a dust-free view. Read the recommended instructions for cleaning the treatments in your home, and you’ll be ready for a dust, dander and debris-free room.
2. Inside Garbage Cans
While this may sound like the least appealing of all your cleaning activities, it is sure to make a difference. Removing garbage bags from the bin isn’t always enough—smells can linger from food and other garbage that falls in between the bag and the bin. Take the time to wash and clean your garbage bins. And we aren’t just talking about the one in the kitchen. Hose down the outdoor trashcan, as well as the recycling bin. Admit it, it’s probably long overdue for a deep wash.
3. Refrigerator Coils
When was the last time you removed the protective grille located at the bottom of your fridge? While you’ve probably swept away dirt in the area, it’s unlikely you’ve pulled away the grille to take a peek at what’s been piling up. Dust and pet fur can clog the unit’s coils and reduce the efficiency, so remember to clean this area to keep your refrigerator running smoothly.
4. Stairway Handrails
You vacuum the stairs, but do you clean your handrails? People grasp railings constantly—dragging their hands on them even if they don’t need the support. Cleaning on a regular basis will help to cut down on grime and keep your stairwell looking its best. Especially during flu season, it’s important to keep surfaces like this sanitized and germ-free.
5. External Dryer Vent
Everyone knows to clean the lint screen between each laundry load tossed in the dryer, but have you checked your external dryer vent lately? Next time you have a break between your darks and lights, pull out the dryer and unhook the flexible coil in the back. Use a brush to clean out the vent and the exhaust duct. Also, clean the vent located outside the house for lint. Now your dryer sheets don’t have to work overtime to make your clothes smell fresh.
6. Glass Light Fixtures
Fixtures that cover your light bulbs often go unnoticed until you need to change a bulb, and with Cree LED bulbs potentially lasting more than 22 years, it may be a while until you notice the dust that has built up. Grab a stepladder and clean the fixtures—who knows, you might start to see things in a new light.
