But once the obvious things are cleaned away, do you forget about the rest of the room? Take a look at seven places you’re forgetting to clean during your cleaning routine. Use your vacuum or a dusting wand to get rid of spider webs and eggs, dust and grime at least two times per year. Start at the top of the wall and work down using a duster that traps particles. Finish by cleaning away any stray marks or body soil that may be around light switches and doorknobs. Finish your wall cleaning by paying attention to baseboards. An amazing amount of dust can collect on those tiny ledges. In rooms like kitchens and baths where there is more humidity, you’ll probably need to wipe the baseboards down with a damp cloth because the moisture has turned the dust into soil that clings to the surface. While you’re up there, check the light fixtures and ceiling fans. A disposable duster with an extendable handle is your best tool for capturing dust and spider webs. If you don’t have one, use a clean microfiber cloth and secure it to a broom or mop handle with a rubber band. If the air returning to the system isn’t filtered to trap dust and pollen particles, they will simply blowback into the living space. There are all types of filters, from very expensive HEPA filters to inexpensive mesh. Whatever type you use, they must be changed or cleaned to be effective. While you’re changing the filter, take time to clean the vent grates as well. You’ll breathe easier and have less dust on everything. Be sure to treat single window unit filters and vents to a thorough cleaning, too. But when was the last time you cleaned the actual closet including the floor? Closet floors–especially if they are carpeted–can get dusty and dirty from the outside soil brought in by shoes. The carpet can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew and insects like carpet beetles that then chow down on your favorite clothes. At least seasonally, pull everything out of closets and give the space a thorough cleaning. It’s also the perfect time to weed out and donate all those things you don’t really need and store the rest properly. Of course, you empty the debris cup or toss out the disposable bag in your vacuum. But the cup should be washed and cleaned thoroughly every month or so. Most can be washed in hot, soapy water and allowed to air dry. There are probably filters that should be washed or changed as well. Check the rotary bars and brushes and remove any tangled strings or hair. You’ll get better cleaning results and less dust. All mop heads and scrubbing brushes should be cleaned with hot water and a disinfectant cleaner after every use. Ensure sponges dry between uses. Preserved blooms or silk plants should also be cleaned. Preserved flowers like the Venus ET Fleur Eternity Roses can be lightly dusted with a microfiber or feather duster. Dust silk plants or take them outside and use a hairdryer set on cool to blow off the dust. To brighten individual stems of silk greenery or blossoms, place them in a paper bag with plenty of table salt or baking soda. Give the bag a good shake and much of the soil will remain in the salt or baking soda. Finish by dusting off any residue with a cool hairdryer before displaying.
