We’ve all learnt a thing or two from Mrs Hinch and her clever cleaning hacks, making us fill up our cleaning cupboards with more supplies than ever before! Now that the warmer weather is just around the corner, many of us are gearing up for a spring clean to freshen up our home and tackle those jobs we’ve been putting off.
Interior Experts at Stelrad have pulled together their top cleaning tips for those awkward places that you forget about or avoid, making it easier than ever to reach those tricky spots.
TIP: Check our post on what you need to create a cleaning service agreement.
Windows and Window Frames
Avoid water marks and damaging delicate materials by carefully tackling the tricky window area with basic cleaning supplies. Begin by vacuuming up any loose dust and dirt before making up a solution of warm water and your favourite cleaner or dishwashing liquid. Use a small brush to scrub away dirt, grime, and mould, taking a patient approach as you reach those small spaces. If soap scum becomes a problem, the addition of a small amount of vinegar can help. Once clean, rinse the surface with clean water to remove any residue.
Behind the Toilet
It can be easy to overlook this area but if you push it to the back of your mind, you might be in for a nasty surprise when you come to approach the job. Although you are unlikely to be able to fit your mop or vacuum in between the toilet and the wall, it is very quick and easy to clean this space if you stay on top of it every time you clean the bathroom. Simply don your gloves and use a sponge with a solution of warm water and your favourite bathroom disinfectant to reach into the tricky spaces and get the job done effectively.
Keyboard Cracks
As much as you keep your home office space tidy, the appearance of crumbs and dust underneath your keys can be infuriating. Instead of risking damaging the keyboard or turning to pricey professionals, use the office supplies you already have lying around to do the job. Start by turning your keyboard upside down and gently tapping it to release any loose crumbs. Next, use the sticky edge of a Post-It Note in between the keys to pick up any stubborn crumbs, carefully running it through all of the cracks to leave your keyboard looking brand new.
Car Vents
Nothing makes a long drive feel longer than dust blowing into your face, even risking your health if you do not resolve the issue. This build up of dust can be caused by poor cleaning, pet fur, dust and pollen which can make their way into the vents and accumulate over time. To ensure the air in your car is fresh and odour free, reach into those tricky vents by using a sponge paintbrush which can often be found cheaply in craft stores or children’s art sets.
Narrow Blinds
There’s nothing more fiddly than cleaning a blind slat by slat, really testing your patience as you try to avoid getting tangled. To avoid getting your hands all dusty and to speed up the process, turn to your kitchen tongs and you’ll never look back! Attach a clean microfiber cloth to the tongs using rubber bands, creating a flat surface area that will stay in position. Now close your tool over each slat in the blind and pull it across the entire length to remove any dust, repeating until you have successfully cleaned the whole blind.
Dishwasher Filter and Screen
With the cleanliness and hygiene standards of your crockery and cutlery being dependent on the condition of your dishwasher, ensure it remains sanitary by staying on top of cleaning. A toothbrush is the best tool for the job so don’t toss out that old toothbrush; keep it tucked in your cleaning cupboard for times like this. Use soap and water on the bristly end of your brush and use it to scrub off any build-up on the removable filters and screens, rinsing with clean water once finished.
Mattress Quilting and Trim
You spend one-third of your life on your mattress so sleep soundly knowing it’s clean and free of any nasties. As much as we change our bedding, it can be easy to overlook the condition of the mattress itself, hidden away under the sheets with an out of sight out of mind approach. To keep it clean and to extend its lifespan so you don’t have to worry about a replacement for years to come, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to suck dirt and dust out of the folds and crevices in your mattress, paying extra attention to the tricky to reach spots.
Faucet Crevices
Although your porcelain sink may be gleaming, how are your taps looking when you get up close? Taps are naturally very tricky to clean due to all of the nooks and crannies, being difficult to reach around the back and naturally building up mildew and bacteria in those crevices. Grab an old toothbrush and pair the bristles with warm water and soap, scrubbing all of the different surfaces to remove any dirt and making sure to reach behind those bits that you can’t see as these tend to be the dirtiest spots!
Ceilings and Mouldings
Take a minute to look up; you may be shocked to see all the dust and spider webs that have taken hold in your ceiling and crown mouldings. The ceiling is another spot that homeowners tend to abandon since it is out of reach and any grime may not be immediately visible. Put this to the test by getting your hands on a long-handled duster, dry sponge mop or broom, whisking down the dirt and removing any cobwebs that have built up. Top tip: always do this first when cleaning a room so you can vacuum up the fallen dust instead of ruining a nice clean floor.
Cabinet Tops and Tall Furniture
Similarly to the above, furniture tops tend to be another out of sight out of mind scenario. A key room to check up on is the kitchen, with the cabinet tops being prone to dust and grease particles which are ones you do not want near your food preparation areas! Buy a disposable duster with an extendable handle, using a sturdy step stool and dipping your cloth into a warm soapy mixture before wiping the furniture tops. A duster with a pivoting head will make this much easier, adapting to its surroundings and reaching those tricky corners with ease.
