Not every corner of the house is included in the weekly cleaning routine. We've compiled a top 10 list of often-forgotten cleaning spots. How many can you check off?
1. Sealing edges
The caulking in the bathroom and kitchen can become a bit yellowish over time due to soap and grease residue. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to clean. Use a bathroom or kitchen cleaner spray. And an old toothbrush will make the sealant look like new again. Be careful not to brush too hard, or you'll remove the sealant, which can cause leaks.
Extra tip: Is there mold on the caulk? Then use cleaning vinegar dissolved in water. Apply the mixture to the caulk with a spray bottle. For stubborn mold, it's best to replace the caulk entirely; no miracle cure will clean it.
2. Add
What applies to the sealant edges also applies to the grout between bathroom tiles. Limescale and soap residue can make them look a bit grimy over time. Also, use an old toothbrush and a good bathroom or all-purpose cleaner to clean the grout. It's a painstaking job, but the results are worth it!
3. Drain
A drain takes a lot of abuse in (daily) life. The inside doesn't look very nice either. To prevent unpleasant odors and—even worse—blockages, it's recommended to flush all drains in your home once a month. First, remove all hair and food particles from the drain. If there are any blockages, unscrew the drain so you can dig a little deeper ( keep your eye on the prize : a fresh drain). Then, add three scoops of baking soda down the drain and pour a cup of cleaning vinegar over it. Let this foam and simmer for half an hour, then rinse with a liter of boiled water.
Want to learn more about cleaning your drain? Visit this blog post.
4. Door handles and doors
You probably don't want to know it, but door handles are one of the dirtiest places in the house. Firstly, because all sorts of (not always clean) hands touch them, and secondly, because they're often overlooked during cleaning. So, take your bucket of soapy water and run it over all the handles, and give the doors a try!
5. Light switches
Another source of bacteria: light switches. Because they're also frequently touched, and they're often overlooked during cleaning routines.
6. Ventilation grilles
Generally, all bathrooms have a ventilation grille. It's usually neatly concealed, making you almost forget it's there. While such a ventilation system purifies the air, it also traps dust and other allergens. You understand: this doesn't exactly make the air cleaner. Especially combined with the humid air in a bathroom, it's a breeding ground for mold. Therefore, remove the grille from the ventilation system occasionally and vacuum it (only when the system is turned off, of course). Clean the grille and filter with some vinegar to combat mold.
7. Extractor hood
Another chore that's not a favorite and therefore often overlooked: the extractor hood. We previously created a cleaning checklist for the kitchen, and of course, we also describe the best way to clean your extractor hood. Hint: you don't need a special extractor hood cleaner. Dishwashing liquid is sufficient for degreasing!
8. Refrigerator
Before you put the week's groceries in your fridge, give it a quick wipe with some kitchen or all-purpose cleaner. It'll smell nice and fresh too! Don't forget the crisper drawers and the door seals.
9. Skirting boards
The baseboards?! Yes, they need a cleaning cloth every now and then! Just look at that gray layer of dust on top... A quick vacuum run will do just fine.
10. Lamps
The lamps in the kitchen and dining room are especially good grease traps. And such a layer of grease is the perfect base for a thick layer of dust. To degrease the lamps, simply use a warm, damp cloth with a little dish soap.
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