When it comes to the cleaning tasks you might be putting off and the small cleaning jobs that you should be doing regularly, you can take on plenty of projects just this week alone.
Even if you think your home is as clean as it can be, there’s always something that needs your attention. If you’re looking for ways to add that extra shine to your living space, try undertaking these often-overlooked cleaning projects.
1. Tackle Your Entryway Closet or Mudroom
On every list of cleaning projects to tackle should be the entryway closet, mudroom, or any corner where you keep coats, shoes, and other outdoor wear. Though these areas tend to get dirty quickly, they are also the most commonly neglected parts of the home.
Take the time to clean your coats and jackets, and remove everything else from the area. Doing so will allow you to sweep or vacuum out hard-to-reach corners. If the area is easily cluttered, consider adding an over-the-door organizer, and use stackable crates to store duffel bags, purses, briefcases, and similar items.
2. Freshen Up the Walls and Ceilings
You might think your walls and ceilings need fresh coats of paint, but try washing them first to make sure that’s actually the case. Use a microfiber cloth and a mixture of warm water with two drops of dish detergent. Start with the ceiling, then wipe down to avoid leaving drip stains.
If you have high ceilings, or if washing all of your ceilings and walls seems overwhelming, hiring a professional cleaning service can lighten your housework and leave time for other tasks.
3. Wash Your Curtains and Mats
Set aside time to clean all your home’s mats, curtains, and blinds. For a doormat, the best option is usually to shake it over a railing. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines if it has a tag with washing instructions.
These items are usually machine washable when cleaning window curtains, shower curtains, and bath mats. After a wash cycle, set your dryer to low or allow these items to air dry. You can always use a duster to clean window blinds and shades.
4. Get Rid of Unpleasant Kitchen Odors
When it comes to keeping a clean home, the kitchen tends to be a hefty problem area, as several sources of unpleasant odors might escape your attention when only doing a casual clean-up. For instance, you can easily eliminate odors from your garbage disposal by dropping a few slices of lemon rind into the unit.
Even if your microwave looks clean, it might also retain an unappetizing smell. To remove it, fill a bowl with water and thinly sliced pieces of lemon, lime, or orange. Microwave the water bowl on high for several minutes or until the water boils, effectively steam-cleaning the unit.
5. Clean Your Bedroom Floors
Even if you vacuum or sweep your bedrooms on a regular basis, you might not think to clean more “hidden” areas. Move beds and dressers to sweep or vacuum these often unseen spots, and make sure to swing the doors closed and clean the floor around them.
In addition, always check for visible debris. These are common areas where bed bugs hibernate. You’ll know you have a bed bug problem if you see droppings, shed shells, or reddish-brown carpet stains. Cleaning these areas regularly will help eliminate any looming pest problems.
6. Wash Pillows and Blankets
It’s essential to wash your bedding from time to time and throw pillows and blankets that you might keep on a sofa or chair as decor. Pillow cases and blankets gather dust, pollen, and other particles that can trigger allergies or cause unpleasant odors, so washing them regularly will help keep your home a fresh and clean environment.
Add These Tasks to Your Checklist
As you discover new cleaning projects that you want to do on a regular basis, add them to a cleaning checklist. Doing so will make it easier for you to keep track of things. You’ll also have a complete list to follow when you want to undertake a full-sized project, like spring cleaning.
