10 Things You are Probably Forgetting to Clean
Your nest may not be the cleanest place. Germs grow–and grow quickly. Forgetting to clean under (and over) hard-to-reach places can actually make you sick. Again, it's just an ordinary change that can make an extraordinary difference.
1. Your fireplace...
Fireplace maintenance isn't only necessary for making sure your fireplace is functioning safely and properly, it’s also crucial to minimizing dust and soot in your home. The best time to clean your fireplace is in late summer or early fall, before the cold weather arrives.
{Image Source: Glitter Guide, Designer Christina Zilber}
2. Your purse...
Periodic cleaning and correct storage will keep your bag looking like new.
{Image Source: Domino.com}
3. Jewelry drawer...
Don't jumble your jewelry pieces in a drawer or pouch. Why? Pieces can actually scratch each other. Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.
{Image Source: Traditional Home}
4. Garage...
If you don't have shelving in your garage already, consider purchasing a strong shelving unit for your garage walls. All warehouse hardware stores sell various types. Storing stuff on the floor is the no-no of organization.
{Image Source: Better Homes & Gardens}
Take back your garage with these tips from Consumer Report's ten ways to make room for your car:
Click Image to read Consumer Report's article, 10 Ways to Take Back Your Garage
5. Under the bed...
It’s easy to forget the places in your house you can’t see. Dust can build up on your carpet and walls under the bed. Move them every six months to vacuum and clean out random things that get pushed under there.
{Image Source: One Kings Lane, Designer Sue De Chiara}
6. Toothbrush holder...
Dentists are constantly telling us to frequently disinfect and clean our toothbrushes. But very rarely do they mention cleaning our toothbrush holders. Back in 2011, a study named the toothbrush holder the third most germ-infected place in your home. So even replacing your toothbrush isn't enough to keep old germs at bay. Just thinking about all the germs being that close to something that is near our toothbrushes gives us the willies.
{Image Source: Mason Jar Crafts Love}
7. Under rugs and carpets...
We all know cleaning your area rugs is the best way to keep them looking new and fresh, but don't forget to sweep under the rug where dust and allergians can hide.
{Image Source: Architectural Digest, Designer Dan Mazzarini}
8. House plants...
A layer of dust on the leaves of your houseplants will block sunlight and reduce the plants ability to photosynthesize.
{Image Source: jkkling.com}
9. Under appliances
Nothing makes a kitchen sparkle like clean appliances. So show your appliances a little cleaning love, and they’ll thank you by looking and performing better.
{Image Source: MyDomaine.com, Leather Goods article}
10. The ceiling...
Especially where ceiling fans are. Cleaning the fan blades is not enough. Dust and grime gather around air vents too. Generally, walls and ceilings are painted with either latex or alkyd paint. Latex, a water-base paint, is easy to wash after it has "cured" or set for a period of time. Alkyd, or oil-base paint, is durable and washable. Both types come in four finishes: flat (for walls and ceilings), satin (for doors and trim), semigloss (for walls), and gloss (for kitchen and bathroom walls and woodwork). You can clean painted walls with all-purpose cleaners.
{Image Source: The Fresh Exchange Blog}
Want more cleaning tips and products to protect your home from nasty germs safely without harsh chemicals and headache fragrances? Check out our other organizing articles.
