9 HOUSEHOLD ITEMS YOU MIGHT OVERLOOK CLEANING
Though it requires a significant amount of effort, performing a comprehensive, deep cleaning of your home is eventually quite gratifying. Everything is as good as new, and you may enjoy the pleasure of a job well done. However, there always seem to be a few items around the house that you forget about while conducting a general cleanup,post-renovation cleaning or that appear too tough to clean in the first place. Here are nine domestic places or things that often go unnoticed and the best techniques to clean them.
Yellowed Pillows
You most likely wash your pillowcases on a regular basis, but what about your pillows? Sweat and hair products can soak down through pillowcases, causing old pillows to become yellow. Fortunately, pillows are simple to clean. Here’s how to have yours spotless in no time.
- Remove all pillow coverings.
- Place two in the washing machine at a time.
- Using liquid detergent and bleach, wash on a hot cycle with an additional rinse.
- Dry according to the tag’s instructions, adding tennis balls to the dryer to agitate them, and expose all surfaces to the heat.
- If there is any remaining wetness, allow them to dry fully before replacing the pillowcases.
Window Blinds
Blinds accumulate dust rapidly, yet they appear to take an eternity to clean. That doesn’t have to be the case thanks to this easy method that makes creative use of your kitchen tongs.
- To make two thinner strips of fabric, cut a dusting cloth in half.
- Wrap each strip around the ends of the kitchen tongs and secure it with rubber bands. Trim the fabric strips if they become too bulky when wrapped.
- Continue cleaning the blinds by pinching one slat at a time between the cloth-wrapped tongs and moving it horizontally.
- When finished, just remove the towel and return the tongs to the kitchen. Take care to thoroughly clean them before using them to pick up the food!
Vent Covers
All of the air passing through the vent covers collects more dust and filth than you’d think. These covers can be tough to clean while attached to the vents, but remove them and the operation becomes much easier.
- Remove the vent cover. Make a note of where you put the screws.
- Using a paper towel, wipe off the slats.
- Place the vent cover in the top rack of your dishwasher and perform a water-only cycle.
- To test it, wipe the cover with a towel.
- Do you remember those screws? Use these to reattach the vent cover, and you’re done.
Couch clothing
Because the fabric has a porous surface, dirt, stains, and smells sink in and cannot be easily removed. However, because sofas are common locations in the home for people to rest and gather, any comprehensive cleaning must include them. Some sofas have detachable coverings that may be cleaned in the washing machine. If it is your sofa, simply follow the directions on the tags. If not, you can use baking soda to remove stains and eliminate the odor of an old couch.
- Remove any human and pet hair from the fabric-covered areas of the couch using a stiff brush.
- Sprinkle baking soda on any stains or dirty patches of cloth.
- Allow for a 20-minute rest.
- Suck up the baking powder with a handheld vacuum or hose attachment.
- Use a clean cloth to apply a mild all-purpose cleaning to all fabric surfaces. Stains should be easier to remove.
Electric stove burners
Cleaning the burner rings on an electric stove may appear to be a difficult process. They rapidly get black from dirt and corrosion. However, you can bypass all of it with a few simple actions.
- Remove the burner and set it on a towel or another work surface.
- Use degreasing dish detergent and a paper towel to remove as much dirt as possible.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the burner’s top surface.
- Allow for a 20-minute resting period.
- Scrub away the baking soda paste using a sponge’s rough side.
- Rinse well and pat dry.
Glass Cooktops
What if your stove doesn’t have any burners to remove? The cooking surface can still acquire unattractive rust and dirt rings. Fortunately, you can clean a glass cooktop using the same materials listed above.
- Apply baking soda liberally to discolored spots and spread evenly with your fingertips.
- Soak a washcloth or hand towel in a water-and-degreasing-dish-soap solution.
- Squeeze the soap and water solution over the baking soda and lay the cloth over the stove.
- Allow for a 20-minute resting period.
- Pick up the cloth and scrape away the loosened filth.
- Remove any extra baking soda paste with a paper towel to leave a glossy finish.
Area rugs
While most people use a steamer to clean their carpets at home, many rugs may be cleaned with simply soap and water. When you notice stains on your favorite area rug, take it outdoors and perform the following:
- Hose down the rug, making sure it is uniformly saturated.
- Pour OxiClean or a comparable cleaner over the rug and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, paying special attention to any discolored spots. Check the label to see if any compounds should not be used on your specific rug.
- Allow sitting for 2-3 hours.
- Use the hose to rinse the rug, ideally with a sprayer attachment.
- Roll the rug up, squeezing out any excess water and cleaner as you go.
- Step 5 should be repeated, squeezing out even more water.
- Allow the rug to air dry. Return it to its original indoor location after it has dried fully.
Toilet Siphon Access
Your toilet’s siphon maintains a consistent water level in the bowl and prevents it from overflowing. The siphon’s opening is towards the rim of the bowl, and it may have hard water or rust streaks. Follow these steps to get rid of the stains:
- Remove the toilet tank’s lid.
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- To empty the tank and bowl, flush the toilet.
- Completely cover the toilet siphon opening with one or more strips of duct tape. The objective here is to create a good seal.
- Pour several glasses of white vinegar into the tank.
- Allow sitting overnight after flushing. The duct tape will keep the vinegar in the siphon hole, allowing it to dissolve the discoloration.
- Remove the duct tape, turn on the water, and use the toilet as usual.
Clean Your Brooms
When was the last time you cleaned your cleaning supplies? You may not realize it, but your broom may get very filthy after a time. When you’re through sweeping, give your broom some love. To get it as clean as possible, use any or all of these ways.
- Step outdoors with the broom and sweep away any excess dirt or pet hair.
- Vacuum the end of the bristles with a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with hose attachments.
- To clean the bristles, use a disposable disinfectant wipe.
- Add a little amount of degreasing dish soap to a pail of water and swirl to generate foam. Place the broom, brush side down, in the bucket, and soak for one hour.
- Don’t forget your dustpan while you’re at it! A squirt of multipurpose cleaning and a quick wipe-off should suffice.
A thorough deep clean may do a house a lot of good, but the entire process can be daunting at times. If you follow these suggestions yet still need assistance, contact us at Dial Cleaning Services for professional help.
Contact us today for professional help
Call Us: 514.629.0841
Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Mail Us: info@dialcleaningservices.com
