Cleaning Experts Say These Are the Dirtiest Spots You’re Ignoring
When was the last time you looked behind your stove?
Even if you consider yourself a meticulous cleaner, there are probably a few spots around your home that could use a little more attention. We tapped Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, for her honest take on the dirtiest spots you're probably ignoring in your home. Cleaning these spots — like the gap behind the oven or the underside of the cabinets — might be a bit icky at first, but it can also be strangely satisfying to get these areas truly clean.
"Cleaning the nooks and crannies of your home provides the feeling of a job well done. Sure, no one else may ever notice, but you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing your home is as clean as it can be," says Forté.
The good news is that many of these spots are easy to clean. Working these tasks into your daily or weekly cleaning schedule shouldn't add much time to your routine. Certain chores, like wiping down doorknobs and cleaning air purifiers, can also make your family healthier. We'd say that's worth a few extra minutes!
Below, Forté shares her insights on the spots most people miss when they're cleaning, plus the best methods and products for tackling each type of mess.
Tech Consoles
That router and video game console are gathering more dust than you think. Not only is the dust that accumulates on these boxes unsightly and circulating around your home, but it can also block the connection if it gets in the way of a sensor. A few passes of a microfiber duster or a quick vacuuming with the soft dusting brush attached can make all the difference
Behind The Stove
Pull the stove out from the wall and see what has made its way behind there. Even the most diligent person can miss tiny crumbs and dust that travels past your broiler or falls down from your backsplash. It’s natural for things to migrate. Sweep and mop behind the stove for a truly spotless kitchen.
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The Top and Under Cabinets
Wiping down the surface of your cabinets might seem like enough, but when you want your home to look and feel its best, you need to start from the top. Upper cabinets can hide odor-causing debris.
Take a tall duster and swipe from corner to corner. Kitchen dust is greasy dust, so use a soapy rag dipped in a mix of a grease-cutting dish soap and water. The difference will surprise you. If you can’t reach the top on your own, use a ladder. Just make sure you have someone around to spot you, so you can ascend and descend safely. Then wipe under the cabinets too; they get dirty from food splashes.
The Doorknobs
Doorknobs are high-touch surfaces that can easily harbor germs, making regular cleaning essential. To clean them properly, use a disinfecting cleaner or wipes, following the product’s label directions carefully. Be sure to let the surface remain wet for the recommended amount of time so the disinfectant can effectively kill germs. Before you begin, always check that the cleaner you’re using is safe for the doorknob’s material to prevent rust, discoloration or damage.
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Behind the Armoires and China Cabinets
Cleaning the glass is not enough when it comes to china cabinets and armoires. Because free-standing china cabinets, armoires and bookcases are usually heavy and not easily moved, try cleaning behind them with a flat, long-handled duster to sweep away any dust bunnies you can grab.
Air Purifier
Ironically, the item you depend on to keep your house dust-free can be a dust trap, especially if you place it somewhere inconspicuous. These machines remind you to change the filter but make sure you wipe down the air purifier as well to keep the vent and base clear and debris-free. Plus, air purifiers can be vacuumed too!
The Sides of Picture Frames
Picture frames can feel as though they’re part of the wall after a while, but one trail of a finger along the edges proves otherwise. Take the time to remove them and wipe down the edges. You’ll be surprised at how much better they look.
Pocket Doors
Window tracks get cleaned fairly often, but the spaces between pocket doors get neglected. The crevices between these doorways can be tricky. Shine a light and crevice tool into the spaces that you can see before taking the slender nozzles of a vacuum into the space.
Dishwasher Filter
There’s nothing worse than opening the dishwasher and smelling that last night’s dinner leftovers have not made it all the way down the drain. This is always an issue, but the pots and pans really pile up at this time of the year. Ensure that your dishwasher remains effective by cleaning the filter. Remove it from its slot and give it a thorough scrubbing before replacing it.
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Under The Bathroom Sink
Bathrooms hold moisture from condensation. This can cause odor or even create mold. Take the time to pull everything out from under the bathroom sink, wipe down the space, dry it with a microfiber cloth and return it. Go the extra mile and place a dehumidifier to extend the freshness.
Behind The Bathroom Door
When your guest closes the bathroom door, they see the remains of your latest grooming session close and personal. Hair and dust tend to pile up behind the door so don't forget to sweep the area when you're cleaning the bathroom.
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