As the weather gets warmer and the sun starts to shine longer, built-up dust and dirt from the long winter begin to reveal themselves. After spring cleaning, you’re windows, surfaces, and floors are probably gleaming. Still, you’re probably missing these germ and virus hot spots. Here are 10 overlooked areas to hit during your spring cleaning for a truly deep clean.
Rather enjoy spring outside? Schedule an estimate for a deep cleaning of your home.
Washing Machine
You can’t always see what’s going on inside your washing machine, but you’ll be able to smell it when you open the washer—and on your clothes. Rid your washer of mold and hard water build-up by putting a cup of white vinegar and baking soda in and running it on the hottest cycle. Prevent future mold growth—and moldy smelling clothes—by leaving the door or lid open between washes to dry.
Dishwasher
Just like your washing machine, your dishwasher can have mold growth and hard water build-up. And in your dishwasher, you may be feeding that mold with bits of old food debris. Start by cleaning out the filter in your dishwasher, then run a cycle on the hottest setting with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.
Coffeemaker
If you use your coffee maker daily, you should be cleaning it daily with a gentle rinse of warm water and soap. For a really deep clean, run white vinegar through it to decalcify it and prevent future mold growth. Then rerun it with water to eliminate the vinegar taste and smell.
Under Large Appliances
Your kitchen is one of the highest-traffic areas in your home. With that comes constant dirt, dust, and dropped items that can quickly get stuck and build up underneath large appliances—like your stove and refrigerator. To clean, pull the appliance out from the wall, clean the coils by using a narrow attachment for a vacuum and removing as much dust as possible, then finish cleaning with a coil condenser brush, or a dry old toothbrush, and vacuum underneath. Then wipe the walls, floor, and all the sides of the appliance with a damp cloth.
Trash Cans
Just because you take the trash out doesn’t mean you’re taking all the bacteria and viruses out with it. The best way to keep your trash can sanitary and odor-free is to regularly clean it. Take the can outside and thoroughly scrub it with soap and water, rinse with a hose, and spray with disinfectant.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are notorious dust hoarders, and they spread that dust around every time they are turned on. That dust can also cause your fan to get clogged and slow down. Our favorite mess-free trick to dusting fan blades is to take a cotton pillowcase, wrap each fan blade with it and wipe the dust off inside it. You can also use a regular duster.
Shower Curtain
Shower curtains and liners can soak up water and soap residue over time, leading to mold. Did you know that you can actually run your curtains and liners through the washing machine! Mix them in with your towels, add detergent and baking soda, then wash them on a warm cycle.
Curtains
Your curtains may not look dirty, but they can act as dust and dirt magnets. Some materials are machine washable, so if that’s the case, you can just put them in the washer to get them clean. If they are not, you can start at the top and work your way down using a vacuum or a damp cloth.
Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are a high-touch item in your home that many of us don’t ever think to clean unless something gets spilled on them. They can collect and hold dust and debris for years. Some pillows can be thrown in the washer. If your pillows can’t be washed, you can vacuum the dust, spot clean any stains, and finish with an odor-eliminating fabric spray.
Mattress
Mattresses are among the most overlooked items in your home when it comes to cleaning. We recommend flipping your mattress over every three months to ensure it gets even wear over time. When you flip it, it’s also a great reminder to clean it. Vacuum your mattress to remove dust and dead skin that builds up over time.