It’s that time of year again — time to stock up on cleaning supplies, rally the troops, and get to work spring-cleaning your home. We all know the usual drill: powerwash the deck, sweep and mop the kitchen, organize the bedroom closets, and clear out the garage, but there may be some areas of your home you’re missing. If you’re about to start your yearly spring-cleaning session, here are some often-overlooked tasks you might want to add to the list.
Spring-cleaning tips and tools
More overlooked areas to spring clean
It’s easy to overlook some areas of the home when it comes to tackling your to-do list, but this spring-cleaning checklist will help you determine which areas of your home deserve a closer look.
6. Dust ceiling fan blades
Taking the time to dust off the ceiling fan blades eliminates the chance of dust being redistributed into your environment while the ceiling fan is in use.
7. Clean chandeliers and light fixtures
This often labor-intensive task can be daunting and probably the last thing you want to do, but the benefit of gleaming light fixtures will make your space feel bright and airy.
8. Wash baseboards
We all know they need to be done, but our baseboards often get left out on cleaning day. Baseboards often trap dust, dirt, and pet hair, but you may be able to delegate this task!
“I really hate cleaning the baseboards, but luckily my kids find it fun, so I let them take over,” mom of four Brandy J. told Mom.com. “Once the baseboards are clean, I have them go over the area with a dryer sheet, it helps to repel dust and hair for a while.”
9. Check under and behind your appliances
Keeping the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, stove, and refrigerator in tip-top shape means they’ll run better and last longer. While tending to the insides of these appliances is important, cleaning underneath and behind is crucial, too.
10. Empty and clean the refrigerator drip tray
Speaking of refrigerators, most models have a removable drip pan that catches condensation as your freezer defrosts. If the drip plan isn’t cleaned regularly — aim for every three months — it can encourage mold growth and odors. Access the drip pan from the back panel of the fridge or the kick panel; if it can be removed, it will slide out easily.
11. Sink drains and garbage disposal
Keep the sink and garbage disposal running smoothly by regularly taking time out to make sure they’re free from debris that could cause damage and odor.
“Overworked plumbing can lead to disastrous complications. We had a slow leak caused by our garbage disposal that over time caused a major problem,” mom of two Tatanisha Worthey wrote on her blog, A Worthy Read. “One of the tips our plumber told us was to de-grease the kitchen plumbing often. Once every few months is enough to prevent grease buildup.”
12. Wipe down kitchen cabinet shelves
Short of removing all of the dinnerware and cups, wiping down your kitchen cabinet shelves should take no time at all. This is another great task to delegate.
Getting resistance from family members when delegating chores? Present them as something they’re doing for the greater good, as an act of caring for others in the family rather than for a personal reward. “Avoid presenting chores as a punishment or something you do for money. This will undermine the positive effects of completing household tasks,” psychology professor Leanne Arsenault advised on the Raising Strong Girls podcast.
13. Clean and disinfect high-touch areas
Door handles, light switches, and doorknobs are the most-touched spots in your home. The pandemic changed us, of course, so many of us are already cleaning these areas. But if you’ve become lax, now is a great time to give them some attention.
14. Clean the fireplace and hearth
If you’ve used the fireplace throughout the winter, you may want to call in a professional. Otherwise, a quick once-over should do the trick.
15. Clean the things that clean the things
Faucets, brooms, mops, and soap dispensers can all get grungy and gross, so don’t forget to clean those as well.
