The Forgotten Ones – Part Two
We are back in this mini series for more friendly reminders of the spaces we tend to look past in our homes. Cleaning up the areas in which need some attention as we carry on with our lives.
There are so many spots within our homes that are large in scale, yet we don’t even think of giving them a wipe down or give them a second look. Dust and grime can literally collect anywhere, and just because we can’t see it, does not mean it does not exist. Let’s get right into it, shall we?
Home Cleaning that is Easily Neglected – The Household
Door Thresholds – These are typically walked over everyday, and we don’t even think about giving them a wipe. While it is not necessary do be concerned of this spot too often, giving it a cleaning twice a year, possibly in the spring and the fall, will give it a nice shine and feel brand new.
Walls – This can be a massive undertaking, so I would recommend taking this room by room. Our walls are still a surface within our home and depending on daily activities, can collect dust, become greasy, used for stability for our little ones as they learn to walk, or even be crashed into by our kids as they run around the house. So many reasons to give them a wipe down every now and then. An annual cleaning should suffice. A little warm water to dampen a cloth with some Dawn dish soap should be plenty to clean these surfaces, but on occasion, you may require something with a little more grit or power, such as a Mr.Clean Magic Eraser.
Baseboards – Another massive undertaking, but when neglected, it shows. Especially in bathrooms where moisture builds up, baseboards can reveal a lack of attention more than we realize. Take a peak at your own, and it may shock you. For rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, even laundry rooms, I recommend wiping these down once a month, at the minimum. Areas such as hallways or living rooms and bedrooms can likely be done every few months, but try to take a look monthly to see if they do require more attention.
The Shower Drain – When left for too long, we can pay the price. At least quarterly, these should be managed. Taking baking soda and vinegar and allowing the chemical reaction to do its thing, followed by a rinse, can do wonders every month. For those of us with long hair, as gross as it can get, the old boiling water down the drain and manually removing the build up may be necessary. Products like Draino may be needed from time to time, but I do not recommend using these too often due to the fumes they produce for the safety of ourselves and our families.
Vents – Our vents are what pass air through our homes, heat in the winters and air conditioning in the summers. We should be giving these a vacuum at least twice a year. It is grossly amazing how much dust can build up within these systems.
Ceiling Fans – Another source of air flow where we do not want dust falling down onto us. Get up there and wipe these down at least once a month.
Light Fixtures – A weekly task, as it is quick and can be added to our weekly dusting throughout our homes. This includes lamp bases, as I find floor lamps get the least attention.
The Washer & Dryer – Who would have thought that a device that cleans would need a cleaning? This allows our machines to run more efficiently. There are cleaners available to run a quick cycle and freshen up the machine. But also pull out the parts where we add in the laundry detergents, these can get caked up with excess and dust. Pay attention to the inside of your laundry machines, especially in the upright machines, where moisture can build within the rims and create black mold. And always, after every single use, remove the lint from the filters in your dryer. This is a fire hazard and a very real danger.
Underneath & Inside Couches – Large furniture may seem like a real task to move, but it is amazing what can be found beneath it. Tumble weeds of hair, both pets and humans, dust, crumbs, lost toys and gadgets, it’s a landmine of discoveries. Within the cushions too, you might even find enough change to treat yourself to an ice cream!
Curtains & Blinds – We tend to hang these and forget them. A weekly dusting of blinds is highly recommended and shaking out our curtains at least twice a year, maybe even quarterly or monthly if you have pets.
Under the Sink – The lost hole of cleaning supplies and miscellaneous items. Also tends to be a space where we store our garbage bins and other messy items. As previously mentioned in Part One, give this space a once over when removing things or using things, maintenance is key to preventing it from getting out of hand.
Daily Used Surfaces – Light switches, knobs, phones and remotes. After a world pandemic, this opened my eyes to the most used surfaces within our homes that don’t get enough attention. A weekly wipe down can help prevent the spread of germs. If there is illness within the home, like colds or flu, runny noses or worse, I would try to tackle this daily. The continued cycle of sickness can be less of an issue when these are managed.
Our home should be our sanctuary. A place to breath clearly and relax, live our daily lives with ease. A clean space can be an undertaking but it can be so worth it. Allergies are becoming more and more prominent in children for unexplained reasons. Using cleaner products with less chemicals and maintaining the cleanliness of our homes can be so beneficial for all.
Tune into Part Three – Personal Items.
Melanie xoxox