What about the outside of the toilet bowl? When was the last time you gave that a good chlorine wipe down? Have you wondered if the pile of dirty dishes is a haven for bacteria?
Let’s get cracking to clean where you haven’t given it much thought until now.
Here are 10 ideas to start. It’s spic and span time, people.
1. Bathroom sink
Guys, this one’s for you. If your girlfriend or other visitors are coming over, you want to make a good impression. Be sure to get rid of shaving debris in the bathroom sink and dried toothpaste streaks.
What’s handy for a quick clean up? Disposable wipes will do the trick, and don’t forget to do a once over on the countertop and faucets.
2. Appliances
How often do you think to clean around or under appliances? Think spilled coffee by the coffee maker, or the trail of crumbs under your toaster. The big appliances are dirt traps, too, like under the refrigerator and stove.
Set up a reminder that dings once every couple of months to wipe, sweep or mop. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Doorknobs
How many times have you touched a doorknob with sticky fingers? Or discovered a layer of dust on the hardware surrounding the knob? There could also be lint way on top of a doorway, where you need a retractable dust-grabber to reach it.
Doors that are used a lot, like the pantry, laundry room and bathroom doors, get grimier than you realize. Try your best to clean right away so you don’t forget.
4. Shower curtain
Have an icky shower curtain? Throw it in the wash with musty towels. A good wash will get rid of moldy black streaks that have accumulated over time at the base of the shower curtain.
Be sure to use a cup of detergent with white vinegar, or add half a cup of baking soda to equal parts of laundry detergent.
5. The rest of the toilet
There’s a ring inside the toilet bowl that can be pretty impossible to get rid of. But with a heavy-duty toilet bowl cleaner or one of the pods you leave in the tank — you can reduce the impact of the stain.
But the area at the base of the toilet bowl and the floor surrounding it is another story. It can get nasty down there, so be sure to wipe it off on a regular basis. Keep disposable wipes handy or a cleaning spray nearby as an inspiring reminder of the task at hand.
6. Backsplash
Cook much? The backsplash is a magnet for gunk. Check for layers of dust and grease build-up that you might not notice.
If you’re already wiping down the countertop, then you should add the backsplash to your must-clean list. Be sure to use a disinfectant that is non-toxic and safe around food prep areas.
7. Bedroom
Look, a smelly bedroom is unpleasant for everyone. But you might not even notice the odor because you’ve gotten so used to it. If the funk is from dirty sheets, wash them. Or clean up that pile of laundry that’s been sitting on the floor for way too long.
Reclaim your personal space by making everything smell nice again.
- Step one to recovery: Air everything out! Open the windows!
- Step two: Wash bed linens, that dirty laundry pile, your grungy gym clothes, plus the T-shirt you sleep in.
8. Windowsills
Next time you open or close your window blinds, give the windowsills and window tracks a hard look. You’ll be surprised with what you find there: Pet dander, dust, dead bugs and more grossness.
This is a quick fix and there’s no excuse to ignore something right before your eyes. Use a damp cloth or microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution and you’re done. To clean the cracks in the window tracks, use a putty knife wrapped in a cloth.
9. Under the couch
It’s hard to know what’s lurking under the couch until you take a look and realize you have a city of dust bunnies! You know, those small clumps of dust that are a tangle of pet dander, your hair and lint, among other icky things.
Be sure to clean under furniture and in the corners. If you’ve got carpet, then vacuum it all away, or use a sweeper-style duster or broom on laminate floors.
10. Garbage cans
What’s up with not lining a garbage bin with a bag? Loose trash is a big no-no, so don’t keep all the soiled remnants of your life out in the open.
Instead, stay private and clean by using a liner for the bin in the bathroom or elsewhere. You can even shop for bags infused with a scent to ease any chance of funk.
A little at a time goes a long way
Proud of yourself for cleaning those ignored places? Now just think of everything else that deserves a good refresh in your apartment. Start making a list and take it one step at a time.
You don’t have to deep clean every day. Make a habit to take a look around every so often and clean things as needed.