Underneath and Behind Furniture
Vacuuming is certainly already part of your cleaning routine, but with just a little bit more effort, you can eliminate a lot more dust and dirt. With a low-profile vacuum, you can typically reach under most furniture; extension wands and brush attachments are handy for getting to those really hard-to-reach areas.
Related: 7 Ways You're Vacuuming Wrong
Refrigerator Gaskets
Most appliances have flexible rubber gaskets around the door, and these collect dust, dirt, grease, and moisture. A quick spray with a vinegar-and-water cleaning solution (one cup vinegar and three cups water), followed by a gentle wipe with a soft cloth, will remove the grime; finish by wiping with plain water.
Related: 9 Signs You Need to Replace Your Fridge
Tops of Doors and Windows
Door and window frames often harbor large accumulations of dust and dirt. A regular swipe with a microfiber or feather duster will help cut down on the dust buildup; a regular monthly or quarterly wipe with a soft cloth and plain water will keep those surfaces sparkling.
Related: 9 Products You'll Love—Even If You Hate Cleaning
Infrequently Used Pots and Pans
Pot racks are a wonderful tool to keep kitchens organized, but unfortunately, they can also be a magnet for airborne grease, which in turn attracts dust. Rarely used pots and pans and the rack itself should be removed a couple of times a year, given a quick dunk in hot, soapy water, and replaced.
Related: 11 Ways You're Accidentally Ruining Your Cookware
Inside Heating Registers
Many homes have heat registers in the floors or along the baseboards, and these collect dust, hair, and dirt, which in turn circulate throughout the house when the heat is on. Regular cleaning can cut down on airborne irritants. Carefully remove the register cover and vacuum thoroughly, then wipe down with a moist towel.
Related: 9 Things You're Doing to Make Your Home Dustier
Telephones and Cell Phones
Telephones and cell phones are breeding grounds for bacteria—but you can’t just clean them with common household cleansers without risking serious damage to sensitive electronics. Cotton swabs and microfiber cleaning cloths moistened with a mild vinegar-and-water cleaning solution will eliminate bacteria and cut through grease and grime; follow with a second wipe with plain water.
Related: The Top 10 Grimiest Spots in Your Home, According to Science
Inside the Closet
Believe it or not, fibers from clothes are a major component in household dust. You should vacuum the floors of your closets whenever you are vacuuming the rest of the house. Once or twice a year, remove all of the items from the closet and wipe down all the surfaces with a damp rag.
Related: The Best Organizers to Buy for Under $5, $15, and $25
Computer Keyboards
Computer keyboards attract dust, dirt, and bacteria. Every so often, pick up your keyboard, turn it upside down, and shake—you’ll be amazed at what falls out! For deeper cleaning, pick up some compressed-air spray. Unplug the keyboard, turn it upside down, and spray all the keys with compressed air. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
Related: 10 Cleaning Habits to Blame for Your Messy Home
Inside the Dryer Vent
Dryer vents are prone to lint buildup, which keeps the dryer from working effectively and can actually be a fire hazard. Unplug the dryer and detach the vent by unscrewing the clamp that holds it to the dryer. Insert a clean toilet bowl brush into the vent pipe and dislodge excess dirt and lint. Vacuum and reattach the vent pipe.
Related: The 10 Best Things You Can Buy for Your Laundry Room (for Under $50)
Door Knobs and Handles
Even if your door knobs don’t look dirty, they probably are. Fortunately, a quick wipe will go a long way towards removing dirt and germs. Antibacterial wipes are ideal for this purpose, or use a soft microfiber cloth moistened with a vinegar-and-water solution, followed by a wipe with plain water.
Related: 10 Chores You Only Have to Tackle Once This Year
Refrigerator Coils
Refrigerator and freezer coils attract a large amount of dust, dirt, and hair. Keep your appliances operating at peak performance—and save energy at the same time—by vacuuming the coils once a month. Two or three times a year, wipe down the coils with a soft cloth and plain water.
Related: How To: Clean Any Appliance
Remote Controls
Remote controls can get positively sticky with grease and grime. The quick and easy solution: cotton swabs and antibacterial wipes. Remove the batteries and go over the entire remote with a moist wipe, then use a cotton swab on and around each individual button. Dry with a soft cloth, replace batteries, and continue with (germ-free) fun.
Related: 15 Brilliant Hacks for a Cleaner Home in 2018
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