Five places we forget to clean

We keep our homes neat and clean, but there are some spots we regularly miss. Below is a list for you, so you won't keep forgetting these important places!  

What spots do we keep missing whilst cleaning?

Light switches: If you don't have an Alexa that switches your light on and off, you touch them quite often. Wipe them with a moist cloth and some kitchen cleaner every other time you clean. It doesn't take much time, but it keeps them shiny white - if yours are white - and it gets rid of all the lingering bacteria on them.  

If, over the years, they have turned yellowish, then take them off. It’s very easy to do; they work with a clip-on/clip-off system and leave them to soak in warm water with dish soap. When soaked, use fresh hot water and dish soap and scrub them with a sponge. 

Oven: Most ovens today have a self-cleaning feature, but it is still recommended to wipe the interior of the oven every third time you use it. It’s very easy, and no fancy product is necessary; just use a bit of dish soap and a sponge. In the case of bigger stains, perhaps residues of grilled cheese or similar, it’s best to clean them right after the oven has cooled down with a sponge or a smooth brush and dish soap. 

Toilet brush and its cup: Yeahhh, why clean a brush, right! Well, especially this one needs some special attention because it's always in a cup in a dark, moist space which is the breeding ground of bacteria ;-). Rinse the toilet brush in the toilet bowl by flushing and rinse the bucket with warm water. Let the toilet brush sit to dry on the bucket; don´t put it back in right away. Obviously, it makes sense to replace the brush on a regular basis. 

Microwave: Same as the oven, we clean the outside every time we clean the kitchen, but we tend to forget to clean it on the inside too! Splashes of sauce and food can be found in every microwave if you don't use a plate cover. And even if you do, there is condensed water to be found on the inside. Here, again, it’s super-duper easy; just wipe it out with some dish soap. Occasionally put in a bowl of water with some lemon juice on mid-temperature for two minutes, then wipe with a clean moist cloth. The lemon will add a nice fresh scent. 

Dishwasher & washing machine: Right, why should we clean these we use them to clean, so they should be cleaning themselves at the same time, right?! Well, they do need a manual cleaning from time to time. Obviously, check the user manual, which likely includes the instructions specific to your appliance.

Washing machine: some laundry detergent and softeners can leave residues that build mold, which can cause a smell. Take out the detergent dispenser and rinse it, wipe the rubber band dry, and leave the door open between cycles. This allows for better drying and prevents mold.

For your dishwasher, after each use, pull out the lower rack and remove any food particles on the bottom. Take out the filter at the very bottom and clean it under hot water with dish soap (just a tiny, tiny bit), including the center cylinder that you can unscrew by hand. Take a sponge and go over the rubber band around the door edge. You might need a brush, depending on how much residue and calcification you find. 

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