The Forgotten Spaces: Cleaning Behind and Under Furniture for Spring

Introduction

Spring is here, bringing warmer weather and the urge to freshen up our homes after a long winter. As I start my spring cleaning, I’m reminded of those often neglected spots that rarely get attention – the spaces behind and under the furniture. Cleaning these forgotten areas can make a huge difference in the overall cleanliness and freshness of a room. In this article, I’ll share my tips for tackling the dust and dirt that can accumulate in these hidden spaces.

Reasons to Clean Behind and Under Furniture

Here are some of the main reasons I make it a priority to clean behind and under furniture during my spring cleaning:

• Allergens and Dust Buildup – Dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens can collect in fabric furniture and underneath furniture that sits flush to the floor. Vacuuming and dusting these spots helps remove allergens.

• Visible Dirt and Grime – Take a peek under your sofa or behind your bookcase. You may find dust bunnies, dirt, and even lost items! Cleaning these areas makes everything look clean.

• Improve Air Flow – Furniture placement can block vents and air flow. Moving pieces to vacuum gives the air a chance to circulate.

• Floor Scratches – Over time, dirt and grit under furniture legs can cause scratches and damage to floors. Cleaning helps prevent this.

• Freshen Stale Spaces – Moving furniture pulls stale air out of corners and gives the whole room a breath of fresh air.

Equipment and Supplies

Cleaning behind and under furniture requires getting low to the ground. Make sure you have the right tools to make the job easier on your knees, back, and hands:

• Flashlight – Seeing into those dark spaces behind and under furniture requires a flashlight. Headlamps work great to keep your hands free.

• Microfiber Cloths – Dusting and scrubbing furniture, walls, floors, and other surfaces is easier with lint-free cloths.

• Extendable Duster – Reach way under furniture with a wand that extends several feet. Some have microfiber duster heads that attract and trap dust.

• Vacuum with Attachments – A vacuum with a hose, crevice tool, and brush is key for sucking up dust and dirt from tight spots. Consider a stick vacuum for better maneuverability.

• Brooms – For bigger areas, a broom can sweep out dirt from under furniture before you vacuum. Look for one with a flat edge to reach corners.

• Mop and Bucket – After vacuuming under furniture, a mop helps clean flooring of any remaining dirt and grime.

• Kneeling Mat – Kneeling on a soft mat makes cleaning under furniture more comfortable. They’re easy to toss in the wash after use.

Tips for Cleaning Behind Furniture

Here are some useful tips as you clean behind dressers, bookshelves, entertainment centers, and other furniture:

• Remove everything from surfaces before moving furniture. This prevents items from falling behind.

• Start from one side of the room and move items systematically as you clean.

• Roll furniture slowly as you clean to access all areas behind. Don’t lift heavy pieces alone.

• Use crevice tools and extendable dusters to reach corners and collect dust and debris.

• Run damp microfiber cloths across walls and surfaces to pick up dirt and dust.

• Replace furniture slowly, checking that cords and carpets aren’t caught underneath.

• Consider placing felt pads under furniture legs to prevent future scratches if moving pieces frequently.

Cleaning Under Furniture

Some extra care and consideration is needed when cleaning under couches, chairs, beds, and other furniture:

• Remove cushions and clear any items stored under furniture before cleaning.

• Use a broom or vacuum crevice tool to sweep out loose debris that can be accessed from the sides.

• Lift lighter furniture completely to access the entire area underneath, only with a helper.

• Lay a drop cloth under upholstered furniture before lifting to contain stirred up dust.

• Use the hose and crevice tool to vacuum across floors and into corners once furniture is lifted or moved.

• Mop or scrub floors using an all-purpose cleaner and water to sanitize the floor.

• Pay special attention to corners, baseboards, and walls, wiping with a dusting wand or microfiber cloth.

Don’t Neglect Forgotten Spaces Year Round

While spring cleaning presents a perfect opportunity to hit those forgotten areas behind and under furniture, I like to quickly tidy these spaces throughout the year as well:

• When dusting shelves, take an extra minute to run your vacuum crevice tool behind bookcases and entertainment centers.

• Crouch down occasionally to peek under sofas, beds, and chairs for dust and dirt.

• When you move furniture to clean floors or carpet underneath, take advantage and hit the area behind with the vacuum.

Staying on top of forgotten spaces makes spring cleaning faster so I can focus on windows, walls, cabinets, and more intense projects during my annual deep clean. With a little additional attention throughout the year, you can prevent dirt and dust build up in the hidden spots behind and under furniture.