6 Things You're Forgetting To Clean

So you've mopped all the floors, vacuumed the rugs, and cleaned all the windows, and now your house is looking spic-and-span. But is it, really? 

Unknown to most, there might be some spots around your house that you've probably missed. And if you allow the dirt to accumulate in these areas, you'll have a more difficult time cleaning these, especially if you're going to move things around.

Here are the areas you should put on your general cleaning checklist:

Your pillows

Even if you change your pillowcases regularly, dust and dirt (and a little bit of dandruff!) can cling to your pilows. Give them a spin in your washing machine with a bit of bleach thrown in with your detergent, and throw in a tennis ball or two to help it maintain its shape. Dry on warm setting, or air-dry out in the sun. Fluff before putting on the pillowcases.

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Cornices and baseboards

Dust and soot can cling to vertical surfaces as much as horizontal ones, and ceiling cornices and your wall's baseboards are often overlooked. Invest in a long-handled broom (also called a cobweb broom) to gently clean the cornices, and go over your baseboards with a damp cloth spritzed with a bit of furniture polish. 

Tops of cabinets

When was the last time you've cleaned the top of your cabinets, especially the kitchen cabinets that are almost near the ceiling? If your answer is "never," then whip out your vacuum cleaner with the nozzle attachment and flexible hose. Vacuum the tops, then go over the area again with a damp rag. 

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Your mops and brooms

Sometimes we just neglect to clean the cleaning implements themselves. This will only make the area you are cleaning even more dirty! Every two weeks, give your plastic brooms and mops a good brush, soak in water with detergent (add bleach if you want), rinse and air dry. 

Cooktops and rangehoods

Stovetops can get encrusted in grease and spattered food. Make a DIY cleaning paste out of baking soda and water. Remove your burner rings, and spread the paste over your cooktop (do this on metal cooktops, not glass, as it could get scratched); let sit for a few minutes, then go over it with a damp rag. Change the filters of your rangehoods regularly (check the manufacturer's instructions), and give the underside a weekly wipe-off. 

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Potted indoor plants

Whether you have faux or real plants, the leaves of indoor greenery can get dusty (and ugly). Wipe the leaves gently with a soft cloth, and then go over the real leaves with a dab of baby oil to give it a bit of shine. 

SOURCES: The Spruce, homehacks.co