There are so many rooms, areas and items throughout your home that need to be cleaned, so it comes as no surprise that many of us skip over or simply forget to clean certain things. From everyday kitchen tools to the items that light your way and keep you cool, here are five items that almost everyone forgets about, but only take a few minutes to clean.
Toaster Crumb Tray
Morning after morning, toast, english muffins and waffles make their way through your toaster. Inevitably, crumbs are left behind. But did you know that most toasters have a removable crumb tray? Instead of flipping your toaster upside down, and possibly creating an even bigger mess to clean up, look at the bottom of your toaster for the tray handle, carefully remove it and dump the crumbs in the garbage. If this is the first time in a while (or ever) that you are cleaning your crumb tray, simply wash with a little soap and warm water, drying thoroughly before replacing the tray.
Can Opener
Open up any kitchen drawer and you will likely find all different types of tools and gadgets. A can opener, which may be used often, is one that should be cleaned after each and every use—but likely isn’t. Wash your can opener with hot water and dish soap, making sure to clean the cutting wheels and the gears, carefully. Dab dry with a dish cloth and let it air dry, leaving the handles open to allow air to circulate and prevent any rust. If you haven’t washed it in a while, you may want to disinfect it before its next use. Combine one teaspoon of bleach to one gallon of hot water and spray the mixture into the can opener, let it sit and wipe away with a cloth. Be sure to rinse, dab dry and air dry before placing it back in the drawer.
Light Bulbs
This is most likely the least cleaned item in almost every home. At the same time, this may be one of the dustiest items in your home as well. Dust is attracted to light, and over time, it will accumulate on light bulbs, causing it to dim their glow and potentially creating a fire hazard. Make sure the light is switched off for enough time that the bulb is cool to the touch. Unscrew it and wipe it down with a barely damp cloth, being careful to not get any water into the electrical workings of the bulb. Before you replace it and turn on the switch, be sure to dry the bulb thoroughly.
Indoor Plants
With all the care you give your indoor plants, from watering to placement to ensure they are getting enough sunlight, you want to be sure it is healthy and happy. Unfortunately, many houseplants, especially those that require any sort of sunlight, often attract a lot of dust, which can ultimately hurt the plant as it blocks the photosynthesis process. The best way to clean off your plant’s leaves is to wipe them gently with a damp cloth, holding the underside to support it. For plants that don’t have large leaves, or those in the succulent variety, simply mist with water.
Air Vents
Now, this may seem like an obvious spot to keep clean, but many people forget about their air vents. Since many air vents are close to corners on both the ceilings and the floors, and dust easily accumulates in these spaces, you may be creating even more of a mess all throughout your home. To avoid spreading dust through your home and in the air you breathe, use the brush attachment of your vacuum to remove the dust from in and around the vent. To get all of the grime, switch off your HVAC system, unscrew the air duct cover and dust it with a microfiber cloth or soft brush. Rinse carefully and dry each vent thoroughly before replacing it to make sure dust won’t stick.
