Conquering the “Dirty Dozen”
For most kids school is back in session. If you’re like most homeowners, you have “little home inhabitants” (aka your kids) that can help get your house in tip top shape as the new school year is underway.
TIP: Have them focus on these 12 areas we so often forget and that continue to collect dirt, dust and debris week after week.
1. Underneath and Behind Furniture
Clearly vacuuming is a common part of weekend cleaning, but it ins’t just the high traffic areas that need attention. Behind couches, under coffee tables, and even the nooks and crannies of your favorite La-Z-Boy. It’s easy to tackle these tasks. Simply breakout the attachments that came with your vacuum, and get to it.
2. Refrigerator Gaskets
Pretty much all appliances have rubber gaskets around the doors. These gaskets collect dirt, food, grease, and spilled liquids. Spray it with vinegar and water, and follow up with a wipe of with a simple cloth. Finish by wiping it off with clean water.
3. Tops of Doors and Windows
Door and window frames easily accumulate large amounts of dust. Wiping them down regularly with a simple microfiber cloth will cut down on the amount of dust that builds up. Every now and then wipe them with a simple vinegar water solution to remove all grime.
4. Infrequently Used Pots and Pans
Pot racks are a life saver when it comes to keeping infrequently used pots and pans out of the way. However they easily attract airborne grease. This makes dust stick to the pots and pans. A few times a year make sure to remove all the pots and pans, clean them in hot soapy water and rehang them.
5. Inside Heating Vents
Most homes have vents in the floor or in the baseboards. These vents collect dust, hair and dirt. Intern the heat blows the dust through your home often causing allergy irritation. Regularly cleaning these vents can cut down on airborne irritation.
6. Telephones and Call Phones
Phones are a magnet for bacteria. However, these devices can’t be cleaned with average household cleaner without risking damage to sensors and buttons. Use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth moistened with vinegar water solution should do the trick. Follow with a wipe of regular water to eliminate the smell.
7. Inside the Closet
Surprisingly the fibers from clothing play a large part can the dry in household dust. Whoever you vacuum your home make sure to vacuum the floors of your closet as well. Once or twice a year remove everything from the closet and wipe down all the surfaces inside of it.
8. Computer Keyboards
Computer keyboards attract dirt, dust, and bacteria. Every now and then pick the keyboard up, turn it upside down and shake out all the debris that has built up. Use compressed air spray to clean everything out of the nooks and crannies. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
9. Inside the Dryer Vent
Dryer vents collect lint buildup which can keep the dryer from working properly and can become a fire hazard. Unplug the dryer and detach the vent by unscrewing clamp that secures it to the dryer. Use a clean toilet bowl brush to clear the dust from the inside from the vent. Use a vacuum to remove the remainder of the dust.
10. Door Knobs and Handles
Even if your doorknob doesn’t look dirty it is. A quick wipe can eliminate the dirt and germs. Use an antibacterial wipe to clean off the knobs and handles all over your home.
11. Refrigerator Coils
Refrigerator and freezer coils can attract quite a bit of dirt and dust. Keep your appliances operating at peak performance and save energy by vacuuming the coils once a month. Once or twice a year wipe the coils off with a vinegar water solution. It will also reduce the need for appliance repairs in Milwaukee.
12. Remote Controls
Remote controls can sticky with germs, grease and grime. The easiest way to clean is with cotton swabs and antibacterial wipes. Remove the batteries and go over the entire remote with an antibacterial wipe. Then take a cotton swab and go around each button. Dry with a soft cloth, replaced the batteries and you’re all set.
Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?
Send us an email at scot.mclean3@gmail.com
