You should deep clean your whole house at least once a year in order to ensure thorough cleanliness. However, it is not as easy, especially if you are not used to doing it or you don’t have a proper checklist. In this article, we will list a number of things that are often neglected during the annual deep cleaning of a house. Keep reading to find out what those are and make sure you don’t skip them next time you are tackling the chores.
Cleaning chandeliers and other light fixtures
Once you start dusting ceilings, walls, and furniture, you should not skip your light fixtures as well. They gather a lot of dust and grime which can build up and cause your light to look dim and dull. If you can, remove the fixture or globe, and wash its inside and outside with warm soapy water. Let them dry and put them back. Do not forget to wipe down your light bulbs as well.
Your backsplash
The area behind your kitchen sink will need a thorough cleaning as well. It quickly gathers splatters, food, grease, and grime. Do not forget to thoroughly scrub this area. If your backsplash is tiled, you can use an old toothbrush to get into the crevices and properly clean the grout. Make sure you also tackle the backsplash in your bathroom as well.
Small appliances
When you are spring cleaning the kitchen, you certainly are tackling the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Smaller appliances, however, seem to often be neglected. You should not skip their cleaning. Make sure you remove grime and buildup from your toaster, coffee machine, can openers, etc. Empty all crumb trays, filters, and other parts that you usually skip. Wipe down the exterior of all appliances.
Under the sink
Even though we open the cabinet under the sink on a daily basis, we usually reach for a cleaning product or another tool that we store there. However, a thorough cleaning of this area will help you have a better view on what’s going on under your sink. If there is a leak or some water damage, you want to be able to detect it as soon as it happens and take care of it. To thoroughly get rid of grime and dirt, remove everything from the area, vacuum or sweep any large particles, then grab a sponge or a microfiber cloth and wipe the whole surface clean. You can use a disinfectant or some bleach to get rid of moisture damage like mould or mildew.
Toothbrush holder
During your weekly cleaning, you probably wipe down the top of the toothbrush holder, but something filthy is at the bottom that you shouldn’t ignore during spring cleaning. Water and toothpaste residue tends to seep down to the bottom of the holder, creating a dark and moist environment in which bacteria can thrive quickly. Make sure you thoroughly clean it on a regular basis to prevent grime and bacteria from building up.
Mattress
During the spring cleaning is the perfect time to clean your mattress and flip it around. Even though it is covered in sheets at all times, it is not dust and grime proof. To get rid of allergens, dead skin cells, and hair, give your mattress a good vacuuming and steam clean both sides if you find it necessary. Treat any stains and sprinkle baking soda to get rid of bad odours.
Your cleaning supplies
To be able to properly clean the whole house, you need to be using clean tools. If you skip their cleaning, you will just end up smearing dirt and grime around the house. To avoid that, make sure you start your spring cleaning with clean tools and do not forget to rinse and wash them as you continue with your chores. Wash your mops, sponges and microfiber cloths. Sanitise brushes and replace sponges that cannot be cleaned or you have used for very nasty areas. Make sure you replace or wash your vacuum cleaner filter as well.
Pet beds
Do not forget to wash your pet’s bed as well. Vacuum it on a regular basis but toss in the laundry during your spring cleaning. To prevent the bed from getting extra dirty in the long term, use a washable cover. You will be able to give it a good cleaning once a week and avoid the need to deep clean the whole bed.
Your bathroom fan grill
Even if you don’t use your bathroom exhaust fan on a regular basis, it can become dusty. Fortunately, a duster with an extending handle can easily reach this place. With the fan turned off, use your duster to clean any dust and buildup from the grill. Do this to ensure your fan is working properly and prevent mildew and mould from growing.