Keeping a clean home amidst a busy schedule can feel like an endless challenge. However, neglecting certain commonly missed areas can make your hard work less effective. Let’s dive into the often-overlooked spots you need to pay attention to in order to maintain a pristine home.
Many Americans who are used to traveling and have great cleaning habits pay close attention to the places they stay in on vacation. But have you checked the seven dirtiest areas in homes that are frequently overlooked? From grubby baseboards to sticky fingerprints on stainless steel, here are essential cleaning tips to ensure your home always looks its best.
1. Things Cleaners Check and Ways to Mend it
Baseboards (or skirting boards for any readers from the UK now in the US) often accumulate dust and grime, yet they are one of the most neglected areas. Experts emphasize the importance of regularly cleaning your baseboards to keep your home looking neat and tidy.
Baseboards are often overlooked during regular cleaning because they are low to the ground and not in direct line of sight. Dust and dirt settle on them over time, especially in homes with pets or heavy foot traffic.
What Cleaners Recommend for Baseboards
For an effective clean, use a microfiber cloth regularly to wipe down your baseboards. If you encounter tougher grime, a damp cloth with a bit of dish soap, like dish soap which you can easily purchase at Walmart, ALDI, or Trader Joe’s will work wonders.
Turbocharge Your Cleaning Routine
Another suggestion is using a vacuum with special attachments to make cleaning baseboards even easier. It is highly recommended to use a vacuum cleaner that is ultra-light, has no bag, and is extremely powerful, which is surely available on Amazon.
2. Fingerprints on Stainless Steel Appliances
If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly battling to keep your stainless steel appliances looking pristine in the kitchen. The struggle to maintain their shine and cleanliness is real!
The Challenge of Maintaining Stainless Steel
Bear in mind that stainless steel appliances are continually touched, leading to fingerprints and smudges. Cooking splatters can also contribute to the grime. The highly reflective surface makes these marks even more apparent.
Effective Cleaning Solutions
To tackle these issues, many experts suggest using a stainless steel cleaner, such as a reliable powdered cleaner, or a mixture of vinegar and water. anyway, do not forget to buff with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
Some experts recommend a DIY homemade cleaning solution that works wonders on stainless steel appliances. Here’s the simple recipe:
- 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil
- Filtered water
- A drop of dish soap
Mix these ingredients in a clean spray bottle, and you’re ready to go!
Storage and Organization Tips
For a uniform and stylish look, I use amber glass spray bottles, similar to the ones available on Amazon. These bottles not only look great on open shelving or in cabinets, but they also come with labels, so you can easily identify what’s inside long after you’ve made your cleaning solution.
Keeping your stainless steel appliances spotless doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and solutions, you can enjoy a sparkling clean kitchen without the hassle.
Transform Your Cleaning Routine with Glass Spray Bottles
Looking for a versatile and eco-friendly solution for your household liquids? The Glass Spray Bottles is exactly what you need. Whether you’re storing cleaning solutions, essential oils, or homemade concoctions, these bottles have got you covered. They come equipped with both spray nozzles and twist caps, offering flexibility based on your needs.
One of the standout features of these bottles is their durable labels that won’t peel off when wet. This ensures that you always know what’s inside, regardless of the environment. Plus, the elegant amber glass design not only looks more sophisticated than single-use plastic but is also a much better choice for the planet.
3. Combat Soap Scum in the Shower
The irony isn’t lost on us—a space meant to keep us clean can often get dirty itself. Soap scum forms in showers when cleansing products mix with hard water minerals, leaving a stubborn residue on surfaces.
According to many cleaning experts, This problem is more predominant in areas with hard water and can be worsened by infrequent cleaning. In order to effectively tackle soap scum in the shower, consider using a commercial soap scum remover. Alternatively, a simple homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda can also do the trick.
- Use a commercial soap scum remover for efficient cleaning.
- Try a homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda for a natural solution.
By integrating these tips and products into your cleaning routine, you’ll not only keep your home spotless but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Keeping your shower clean can be a challenge, but one simple tip can make a big difference: regularly squeegee and dry the shower after each use. This prevents the buildup of soap scum, which can be tough to remove once it forms. It even comes with a handy suction cup storage feature, allowing you to conveniently store it on your glass or tiling.
Have squeegee in your shower and use it every time. This small habit will keep your shower cleaner for longer. A helpful cleaning tip is to encourage everyone in your household to adopt the same practice. This way, everyone contributes to maintaining a clean shower, and your efforts won’t be undone.
4. Dealing with Pet Hair Everywhere
If you have pets, you know that they shed hair constantly. This hair can accumulate on furniture, floors, and fabrics, creating a never-ending cleaning challenge. Needless to say, the amount of shedding can vary by breed, season, and the pet’s general health.’
Effective Pet Hair Management Tips
To manage pet hair effectively, a great deal of experts recommends:
- Regularly brushing your pets with an appropriate hair tool, such as the viral item found on the Internet or your local pet store.
- Vacuuming frequently with one of the best pet hair vacuums on the market.
It’s important to note that you might need to try different methods to find what works best for removing pet hair in your home.
By incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, you can keep your home cleaner and more comfortable for everyone, including your furry friends.
Keeping your home clean and free of pet hair can be a daunting task, especially if you have furry friends roaming around. But worry not! We have some fantastic solutions that will make your life much easier.
Portable Carpet Cleaner
Many experts are huge fans of Pet Portable Carpet Cleaners. They recommend using a pet hair attachment to effectively remove hair from various surfaces. Additionally, they suggest considering pet-friendly furniture covers that can be easily washed. This not only helps in keeping your home clean but also reduces the wear and tear on your upholstery and soft furnishings.
Explore More Options
For more choices, delve into our tried and tested best pet hair vacuums to find the perfect fit for your home.
Pet lovers Extra Sticky Roller
One of the top recommendations for pet owners is the Extra Sticky Lint Roller. These sticky lint rollers work effortlessly and quickly, even on the longest pet hair. As someone who has two cats and black velvet sofas at home, I use mine multiple times a day.
Each sheet picks up hair until it’s saturated, at which point I simply peel it off and dispose of it. The diagonal sectional lines make peeling easy and prevent tearing. Having tried multiple pet hair removal methods, I can confidently say this is my favorite and the easiest to use.
Keep your home looking pristine and enjoy more time with your pets by using these highly recommended pet hair removal tools!
5. Stained Carpets
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s all too easy for spills and dirt to slip by unnoticed, often leading to stubborn stains that set into the carpet fibers. Additionally, heavy foot traffic can grind dirt deep into the carpet, making it even more challenging to clean.
Experts suggest acting quickly by blotting spills immediately with a clean cloth to prevent the stains from setting. They advise using a carpet cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. But it is necessary to remember to blot, not rub, the stain.
For high-traffic areas, consider investing in machine-washable rugs. Ruggable offers an extensive collection, with their bestsellers readily available for browsing and inspiration. For a deeper dive into carpet cleaning methods, check out our separate feature on how to deep clean a carpet.
6. Cluttered Surfaces
In busy households, it’s common for items to accumulate on surfaces simply because they are not put away regularly. This clutter can quickly become overwhelming. In today’s fast-paced world, managing clutter can be a challenge.
Effective Strategies for Decluttering
To keep your home organized, it’s essential to implement a daily tidying routine and make use of organizers. Seasonal decluttering is also crucial for removing items you no longer need. You can ease into this habit with a donating & decluttering challenge. Give away all you no longer need to people in need. It will make you and them feel happy.
Maximize Your Space with Clever Solutions
Consider using wall hooks and shelving in busy areas like the kitchen—just like the one pictured above. These solutions help keep things tidy, provide dedicated spaces for items, and ensure everything is easily accessible.
Bonus: Don’t Forget About Dirty Mirrors
In frequently used spaces such as the bathroom, certain spots are often overlooked. According to experts, bathroom mirrors are the biggest grime collectors and are frequently neglected.
Stay ahead of the clutter by incorporating these strategies into your daily routine. With a little effort, you can transform your living space into a tidy and organized haven.