5 Places You Shouldn't Forget to Clean, in Honor of National Cleaning Week

From dishwashers to ceiling fans, it's time to get to work

National Cleaning Week—March 24 through March 30—is quickly approaching. What better way to start the spring season than with a whole week of tidying up and cleaning the places we often leave untouched?

Spring cleaning offers an opportunity to refresh and revitalize our living spaces, making room for everything spring has to bring. Of course, you’ll want to clean the usual suspects: scrub the floors, disinfect the countertops, and dust the shelves.

But, there are plenty of often overlooked areas in our homes that demand maintenance. From the inner workings of appliances to the forgotten corners of cabinets, it’s time to get clean so we can usher in the season of renewal with a home that sparkles from top to bottom.

Here are five places most likely to be overlooked during spring cleaning and how to make them sparkle.

Dishwasher

There are plenty of different ways to clean your dishwasher, but all of them start by removing any food debris from the bottom.

One of the most efficient ways to tackle the dishwasher is to place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle. Then, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run another short cycle. Wipe down the inside of the dishwasher with a damp cloth, paying attention to the door seal and edges.

If your dishwasher needs extra attention, you might want to bring in the help of a soft-bristle brush. Once your dishwasher is clean on the inside, you’ll want to clean the exterior as you always do.

Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

Have you ever laid in bed and stared up at the ceiling fan, only to see dust and grime hanging from the sides? If that sounds like an experience you’ve had, it’s probably well past time to clean your ceiling fans and light fixtures.

After turning the fixture off, use a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment to gently wipe or vacuum away dust and debris from the blades and fixtures. For more stubborn grime, dampen the cloth with a mixture of water and mild detergent.

Inside Cabinets and Drawers

It’s time to get to work, which involves removing everything from every cabinet and drawer in your kitchen and bathroom. Once the contents are out, wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution.

Pay attention to spills, stains, and crumbs. For stubborn spots, use a paste made of baking soda and water. Allow the cabinets and drawers to air dry thoroughly before returning the items and while you’re doing that, take stock of what you have. Do you need all those mugs, or should you donate some to your local goodwill?

Air Vents and Ducts

As the seasons change, your air vents will be used more frequently, so it’s the perfect time to make them shine.

Turn off the HVAC system, remove the vent covers, and wash them in warm, soapy water. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the vent openings and ducts and a damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces. If your air vents and ducts are particularly nasty, you might want to consider hiring a professional.

Remote Controls and Electronics

You likely never think of how often you use remote controls and electronics with dirty, grimy hands— so this is a great time to give them all a bit more attention.

Start by removing the batteries from the remote controls. Use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol or a mild disinfectant spray to wipe down the surfaces of the remotes and electronics, paying attention to buttons and crevices.

Happy cleaning!

Read the original article on The Spruce.