Unusual Places You Should Clean But Forget

Introduction

When it comes to cleaning, most of us tend to focus on the obvious areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. However, there are many unusual places in our homes that often get overlooked, leading to the buildup of dirt, dust, and potentially hazardous substances. In this comprehensive guide, I will explore these hidden corners and crevices, explaining why it’s crucial to clean them and providing practical tips on how to tackle the task effectively.

The Fridge Coil

The refrigerator coil is responsible for dissipating heat from the appliance. Over time, this coil can accumulate a significant amount of dust, reducing its efficiency and causing the fridge to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Cleaning the coil is essential for maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your refrigerator.

To clean the fridge coil, I recommend the following steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power source.
2. Locate the coil, which is typically located at the back or bottom of the fridge.
3. Use a coil cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove the accumulated dust and debris.
4. For stubborn buildup, consider using a coil cleaning solution or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent.
5. Once cleaned, ensure the coil is completely dry before plugging the fridge back in.

The Washing Machine Gasket

The washing machine gasket is the rubber seal that surrounds the door opening, preventing water leaks. Unfortunately, this gasket can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors due to the constant exposure to moisture and detergent residue.

To maintain a fresh and hygienic washing machine, I recommend cleaning the gasket regularly:

1. Remove any visible lint, hair, or debris from the gasket using your fingers or a small brush.
2. Mix equal parts of warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution onto the gasket and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the vinegar to work its magic.
4. Scrub the gasket with an old toothbrush or a dedicated gasket cleaning tool.
5. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.

The Dishwasher Filter

The dishwasher filter plays a crucial role in trapping food particles and preventing them from recirculating during the wash cycle. However, over time, this filter can become clogged with debris, leading to decreased cleaning efficiency and potential odor issues.

To clean the dishwasher filter, follow these steps:

1. Locate the filter, which is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
2. Remove the filter and rinse it under running water to dislodge any visible food particles or debris.
3. For stubborn buildup, soak the filter in a solution of warm water and vinegar for 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining residue.
5. Rinse the filter thoroughly and reinstall it in the dishwasher tub.

The Ceiling Fan Blades

Ceiling fans are excellent for circulating air and keeping your home cool, but their blades can quickly accumulate dust, which can then be dispersed throughout the room. Cleaning the ceiling fan blades should be a regular task to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

To clean ceiling fan blades effectively, follow these steps:

1. Spread a clean sheet or cloth on the floor beneath the fan to catch any falling dust or debris.
2. Use a microfiber duster or a vacuum cleaner attachment with a soft brush to gently remove the accumulated dust from the blades.
3. For stubborn buildup, dampen a clean cloth with a solution of warm water and mild detergent.
4. Wring out the cloth thoroughly to prevent dripping and wipe down each blade individually.
5. Dry the blades with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots or streaks.

The Window Tracks

Window tracks are often overlooked during regular cleaning routines, leading to a buildup of dirt, dust, and even mold. Neglecting these areas can not only compromise the aesthetics of your windows but also affect their functionality and lifespan.

To clean window tracks effectively, follow these steps:

1. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or a small brush to remove any loose debris and dust from the tracks.
2. Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or a dedicated track cleaning solution.
3. Dip an old toothbrush or a dedicated track cleaning tool into the solution and scrub the tracks thoroughly, paying special attention to any stubborn buildup.
4. Rinse the tracks with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.
5. Consider applying a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks to ensure smooth operation of the windows.

The Oven Exhaust Fan

The oven exhaust fan plays a vital role in removing cooking odors, steam, and airborne particles from your kitchen. However, it can easily become clogged with grease and grime, reducing its effectiveness and potentially posing a fire hazard.

To clean the oven exhaust fan, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the oven or turn off the power supply to the fan.
2. Remove the exhaust fan cover or filter, if applicable.
3. Use a degreaser or a mixture of warm water and baking soda to spray or wipe down the fan blades and the interior of the exhaust duct.
4. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the buildup.
5. Scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush or a dedicated duct cleaning tool.
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the area completely before reassembling the fan.

The Laptop Keyboard

Our laptops are frequently used in various settings, from the kitchen table to the office desk, making them susceptible to accumulating crumbs, dust, and other debris. Neglecting to clean the keyboard can lead to sticky keys, malfunctions, and even potential damage to the internal components.

To clean a laptop keyboard effectively, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your laptop and unplug it from the power source.
2. Use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any loose debris or crumbs from between the keys.
3. Dampen a clean cloth with a mild disinfectant or isopropyl alcohol solution.
4. Gently wipe down each key, being careful not to allow excess moisture to seep into the keyboard.
5. Use a cotton swab or a soft-bristle brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas around the keys.
6. Allow the keyboard to dry completely before powering on your laptop.

The Car Cup Holders

Cup holders in your car are often overlooked during regular cleaning sessions, leading to the accumulation of spills, crumbs, and dirt. Not only does this create an unsightly appearance, but it can also attract insects and contribute to unpleasant odors within your vehicle.

To clean car cup holders effectively, follow these steps:

1. Remove any loose debris or items from the cup holders.
2. Use a small brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any visible crumbs or dirt.
3. Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or use a dedicated cup holder cleaning solution.
4. Dip a small brush or a toothbrush into the solution and scrub the cup holders thoroughly, paying special attention to any stubborn stains or buildup.
5. Rinse the cup holders with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towels.
6. Consider using a disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize the cup holders and eliminate any lingering odors.

The Bathroom Exhaust Fan

The bathroom exhaust fan is responsible for removing moisture, odors, and airborne particles from the bathroom, preventing the buildup of mold and mildew. However, this fan can easily become clogged with dust and debris, reducing its efficiency and potentially shortening its lifespan.

To clean the bathroom exhaust fan, follow these steps:

1. Locate the fan cover and remove it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or a small brush to remove any visible dust or debris from the fan blades and the interior of the exhaust duct.
3. Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or a dedicated fan cleaning solution.
4. Dip a soft-bristle brush or a dedicated duct cleaning tool into the solution and scrub the fan blades and the interior of the exhaust duct.
5. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before reassembling the fan cover.

The Baseboards

Baseboards are often overlooked during regular cleaning routines, leading to the accumulation of dust, pet hair, and dirt. Neglecting to clean baseboards can not only make your home look unkempt but also contribute to poor indoor air quality.

To clean baseboards effectively, follow these steps:

1. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or a small brush to remove any loose debris or dust from the baseboards.
2. Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or use a dedicated baseboard cleaning solution.
3. Dip a clean cloth or a dedicated baseboard cleaning tool into the solution and wipe down the baseboards, paying special attention to any stubborn stains or buildup.
4. For heavily soiled or scuffed areas, consider using a Magic Eraser or a gentle abrasive cleaner.
5. Rinse the baseboards with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.

The Dryer Vent

The dryer vent plays a crucial role in removing hot air and lint from your dryer, preventing potential fire hazards and ensuring efficient operation. However, over time, this vent can become clogged with lint and debris, reducing the dryer’s efficiency and potentially causing damage.

To clean the dryer vent, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source and pull it away from the wall to access the vent.
2. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any visible lint or debris from the vent opening and the duct.
3. For stubborn buildup or clogs deeper in the vent, consider using a professional vent cleaning service or investing in a vent cleaning kit.
4. Once cleaned, make sure to properly reconnect the vent and restore the dryer to its original position.

Conclusion

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can effectively clean and maintain these often-forgotten areas of your home. Regular cleaning not only enhances the overall appearance and hygiene of your living spaces but also promotes the longevity and efficient operation of various household appliances and fixtures. Remember, a little effort in these unusual places can go a long way in creating a healthier and more inviting environment for you and your family.