7 Places in Your Home You're Probably Forgetting to Clean

Even the most thorough of cleaners often overlook these areas.

Do you want a sparkling clean home? Well, even if you think you clean every corner, nook, and cranny, you may be guilty of missing a few spots. Even the most thorough of cleaners often overlook some key areas of the home when cleaning. Here are seven places in your home that you’re probably forgetting to clean.

Related: 13 Places You're Forgetting to Dust in Your Home—But Need to ASAP

Light Switches

While we touch our light switches several times a day, we often forget to clean them. High-touch spots can become filthy if they aren’t cleaned regularly. So, it’s crucial to wipe down light switches every few days—or more if someone in the home is feeling under the weather.

But be careful with cleaners because a soaking wet rag and electricity are a bad combo. Using a disinfecting cleaning wipe is your best bet for this spot.

Vents

Have you noticed your home isn’t getting as hot or cold as it used to get? It could be because your vents have such a build-up of dirt and dust that it prevents the air from pushing through, meaning they need to be cleaned. Unscrew the covers and soak in soapy water for the best results. Don’t forget to swap out your dirty filter for a clean one, too.

Ceiling Moldings

When it comes to getting your home truly clean, sometimes you need to look up. While you probably wipe down your baseboard moldings more regularly, you may not be cleaning the ones on your ceiling. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to do. Instead of getting up on a ladder, which could be dangerous—stay on the ground and use an extendable mop.

Range Hoods

Even if you’re really good at cleaning your kitchen, Katrina Green, founder of Badass Homelife LLC, ADHD organizing specialist and coach, says you still might be missing your range hood. “Dirt, dust, and greasy buildup develop in this area whenever you cook your meals," she notes. "Over time these elements can start giving the range hood a weird greasy lining that you definitely should clean.”

She suggests wiping down the exterior of the hood using a microfiber towel or paper towel with a mixture of vinegar and water. “Then, clean out the filter," she recommends. "I usually remove mine and place it in the sink filled with hot water, dish soap, and baking soda and let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes.”

Washing Machines

Have you noticed that your white t-shirt looks extra dingy or your freshly washed clothing just isn't getting as clean as usual? It could be the result of a dirty washing machine. This is because excess detergent, fabric softeners, and stain boosters can create build-up. “To clean out your washing machine, I use cleaner tablets," Green says. "All you have to do is run a normal cycle with hot water [if you don’t have a tub clean cycle] and drop the tablets in."

Related: Yes, You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine

Dryers

Even though you fill your dryer with clean clothing, the inside of your dryer gets dirty, too. Dryer sheets can particularly create excess build-up. So, check your dryer periodically and wipe down the inside with a mixture of water and vinegar.

You should also clean out the lint trap every time you dry your clothing. Not only can a buildup of lint be a fire hazard, but it can also reduce the performance of your machine and make your clothing take longer to dry, which, in turn, can drive up your electricity bill.

Try using a Swiffer Duster to reach all of the hidden lint in and around your machine or vacuum it out with a hose attachment.

The Inside Of Your Closet

While you might declutter and organize your clothes regularly, you might not be cleaning the inside of your closet. At the very least, you should be vacuuming or mopping the floor when you’re cleaning the rest of the room.

You should also try and wipe down the bar and top of the hangers as well as any shoe organizers using a damp cloth.

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