5 Neglected Spots to Add to Your Cleaning Regimen

When most of us give our homes a good scrub down, we usually clean the same spots. Floors. Counters. Windows. Bathroom. Laundry. But there’s some neglected areas around your house that are worth working into your cleaning routine. Here’s our top five.

Whether you brew your morning Joe in an auto-drip percolator, French press, or pour over, your coffee pot works hard to keep you well caffeinated. The good news is that when it’s time to show some love back, it all comes down to one simple word: Vinegar. Use a 50-50 white vinegar/water solution to loosen grit and break down coffee stains, then hand wash using a mildly abrasive sponge dipped in warm soapy water.

Dusty, dirty curtains are not only an eyesore, they can also be an irritant for people with sensitive skin or allergies. We recommend vacuuming your curtains regularly using an upholstery attachment and washing them twice a year. Before washing curtains, read the manufacturer’s instructions, as some delicate fabrics will need to be dry cleaned. For less delicate fabrics, either wash curtains by hand with a mild, plant-based laundry detergent, (Link opens in new window.) or run through your washer using the delicate cycle. Air dry, then re-hang.

From re-heating pizza to perfectly toasting fresh sourdough, your toaster oven does it all. But food buildup, whether it’s breadcrumbs or greasy cheese drips, not only looks messy, it can even be a fire hazard. Start by unplugging your toaster oven and putting it over newspaper to catch crumbs. Remove all the racks and crumb trays and soak them in soapy water to loosen any stuck-on food. Then, using a non-abrasive rag or sponge, wipe down the interior with a simple solution of water, white vinegar, and a dollop of mild hand soap. Finally, scrub away any buildup on the glass window using baking soda mixed with water.

You use your remote all the time, but how often do you really look at it? If you do, you might be surprised to find that it’s probably filthy. From grease and dirt to food smears and other gunk, your remote could probably use a good scrubbing. Start by removing the batteries. Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and wipe down the controller’s entire surface, making sure you get between the buttons. Using a toothpick, gently loosen any gunk that may have accumulated. Then, re-install the batteries and cue up your next binge watch.

A dirty ceiling fan not only won’t run as efficiently, it can also fling allergy-aggravating dust and dirt particles into the air. Ah-choo! We recommend cleaning your fan once a season. Here’s how. Arrange a drop cloth or old sheet on the floor beneath the fan, then set up a ladder tall enough so you see the top of the blades. Remove standing dust from both sides of the fan blades using a cloth or duster. Then spritz the fan blades generously with all-purpose cleaner and wipe them clean, careful not to apply too much force.

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5 Neglected Spots to Add to Your Cleaning Regimen