We all have spots in our homes that we frequently overlook when cleaning, thanks to the hustle and bustle of daily life that doesn't leave time to focus on details. And cleaning is definitely about the details.
If there's any good news that comes with this situation, it's that most people tend to miss cleaning the same areas. These spots don't require daily cleaning, but you can set a schedule that best fits how you clean so you don't miss them. These helpful tips can speed up the cleaning process so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
1. Clean doorknobs Everyone in your household touches doorknobs multiple times a day without even thinking about it, but how often do you clean them? A regular cleaning with a disinfectant can help reduce the spread of germs. If you have time, wipe down the surface of doors, too. All the little crannies gather dust and dirt.
2. Brew a better cup of joe If your coffee isn't tasting as good as it used to, the coffee maker might need to be cleaned. Hard water can leave mineral deposits inside a coffee maker and affect its performance. Run a cleaning cycle with equal parts water and vinegar. Rinse by brewing plain water until the vinegar smell is gone.
3. Disinfect the sink Some of the dirtiest places in a home are those where actual cleaning takes place. You might think of the kitchen sink as a clean area, but it's typically full of bacteria and grime. Disinfect the sink regularly with vinegar or a disinfectant spray. Use an old toothbrush to thoroughly clean in and around the drain.
4. Keep the keyboard clean A computer keyboard gets a lot of attention when you are using it, but it probably isn't something you think about cleaning regularly. All the little spaces easily attract dust and catch crumbs, though. If you aren't comfortable taking the keyboard apart, use a few sprays of compressed air to blow away dust and crumbs that have settled between the keys.
5. Remove grime from windows Window tracks are hard to clean. Make it quicker and easier with baking soda and vinegar. Simply sprinkle baking soda in the track and add vinegar to start a fizzy reaction. Let the solution work its magic for 1o to 15 minutes. Use an old toothbrush, paper towels and a butter knife wrapped in a cleaning rag to clean out the gunk with ease.
6. Speed up air return cleaning (h/t Home Sweet Homebodies)All the tiny slats in an air return attract dust and take forever to clean. Hasten the process by sliding a butter knife wrapped in a cleaning cloth into each little space to remove dust and grime.
7. Help the dishwasher work better A dishwasher is a warm, moist place that germs and bacteria love. Running a regular cleaning cycle will keep it clean, but sometimes, you need to get into its little cracks and crevices to give it a really thorough cleaning. Carefully clean out the holds on the spinning wand with a wooden skewer. Remove buildup from the filter and around the seals with an old toothbrush.
