You might not have noticed some of these areas in your home, but they are common hot spots for grit and grime. Once you pay attention to these culprits that go under the radar, you’ll probably start to notice more areas that need a deep clean. This is a no-judgment zone, so skip the shame, just get started and feel good about getting these ultra-dirty zones sparkly clean.
Baseboards
Dust and dirt form on the top of baseboards very quickly, especially if you have pets. Give your baseboards some love with a two-step process. First, run a microfiber cloth or your favorite dusting tool over the top and fronts of the baseboards. Next run a vacuum across the seam of the floor and the baseboard to pick up all that dust residue. Last, add some Castille soap to a bucket of warm water, and use a wash rag or sponge to just clean the entire baseboard.
Behind and Bottom of the Toilet
You may be cleaning your toilet bowl and lid regularly, but have you looked at the pedestal that your toilet sits on? Clean around the base of the toilet, along the sides of the pedestal and all the way behind it where dust and splash accumulate. Use your vacuum’s suction crevice tool attachment to clean up all that dust residue and any particles stuck back there.
Shower Grout and Around the Edges of the Tub
Bathtubs and showers get grimy quickly. You may be cleaning the tub or shower basin on the regular, but the tile grout and the caulk line of the tub need a good scrubbing too.
Top of the Refrigerator
Can you guess the culprit again? Dust! It’s everywhere including on the top of the refrigerator. Add this to your weekly wipe down. You may need that vacuum crevice tool attachment again.
Vent Hood and Grates
Vent hoods help remove odor and fumes from your cooking area, but they also take a beating with grease splash. Wipe them down with a good cleaning solution of water, dish soap, vinegar and baking soda. Remove the grates and soak them.
Dishwasher Trap
Modern dishwashers have a trap with a filter to collect food particles. Pull it out at least monthly to clean it off, and the area under it.
Coffee Makers
Whether you use an automatic coffee maker, a French press or an espresso machine, you need to clean these devices regularly to keep your coffee tasting great and bacteria free. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for running a water and vinegar solution through a cycle. Wash your carafe regularly in the dishwasher and clean inside crevices with water, vinegar and dish soap solution. Don’t forget to wipe down the outsides of devices too.
