Despite running a successful cleaning company, there are still places at home that I forget to clean. So I thought I’d compile a list of my top 10 surprise places that are easy to overlook when you clean your home.
1. Curtains
Let’s be honest, when was the last time you cleaned the curtains in your home? Like any fabric, curtains are great at trapping dust. And all those allergens, including dust mites and pollen, get trapped in the folds of the material.
Shutters and blinds also end up in this category. The main reason we don’t clean them regularly is because they’re awkward to clean. Whilst vacuuming can help, it’s a tricky job to do thoroughly on your own.
My tip for cleaning your window coverings is to use the proper tool that came with your vacuum cleaner (the one that’s been left at the back of the cupboard and you haven’t ever used!)
However, if you can take your curtains down and get them professionally dry cleaned, you’ll really notice the difference. The colours will look so much brighter and fresher after cleaning.
2. Pillows
We lie on them every night for at least 6 hours, or more if we’re lucky, but they attract a host of dead skin cells and allergens.
Here’s a handy tip if you want to freshen up your pillows and remove those awful yellow stains:
i) Add a hydrogen peroxide solution (3%) to a spray bottle and dampen each pillow stain with the solution.
ii) Then, with some fresh clean water and a washing-up brush, gently agitate the surface and rinse off the hydrogen peroxide solution.
iii) Tumble dry for fluffiness. If you can’t tumble dry your pillows just air dry them, they just won’t be as fluffy.
3. Mattresses
Try using an allergen-proof cover to help lessen the effects of dust mites. When you change the sheets next time, use your vacuum cleaner to remove as much dust as you can.
4. Under beds
Out of sight, out of mind! However, respiratory problems and poor sleep can be caused by a build up of dust and allergens that are hidden away. Move your bed to get at those hard to vacuum areas.
5. Awkward floor spaces
It’s easy to miss cleaning certain spaces because they’re really difficult to get to. Behind the loo and under the oven are the most missed cleaning areas. If you need help cleaning hard-to-access floor spaces, get in touch
6. Rugs
They’re great for hiding dirt, wiping feet on, and stopping us from slipping on stone or tiled floors but these hard wearing floor coverings need some tic from time to time too. Make sure you vacuum your rugs and get them professionally cleaned once a year.
7. Welcome Mat
They’re not so welcoming when you realise that they might be harbouring a whole host of dust mites and dirt from outside. If it’s the old fashioned coir type of door mat, remember to take it outside regularly and give it a good beating to get the dust out. If it’s a more modern variety, you’ll be able to throw it into the washing machine and dry it outside.
8. Tumble dryers
If you don’t regularly remove the build up of lint from your tumble dryer you could be in for a nasty shock. Faulty appliances cause 43 fires a week in England and research found that, between April 2019 and March 2020, there were 668 tumble dryer fires!
9. Patio
Just as we think of inviting friends over for a BBQ, we also remember we’ve been meaning to clean the patio! Outdoor jobs often get left until the last minute and even then the Great British weather has a tendency to alter our plans!
10. Driveway
Much the same as no. 9 – with street parties for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee being planned, I’ll bet you’d prefer your driveway didn’t feature moss, lichen and oil stains!
If you’re thinking of using a pressure washer for outdoor cleaning, please be careful. Electric shock and hand injuries are fairly common from pressure washers. Outdoor pressure washing is a mucky job too! Save yourself a whole heap of time and trouble and book The Rutland Cleaning Company to clean your outdoor areas for you.
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