Spring has sprung! And for many people, the new season is a reminder to clean their living spaces. Whether your space could use a deep cleaning or just a little decluttering and organization, cleaning your home is important for your health and well-being.

The Benefits of Cleaning Your Living Space

Cleaning and maintaining your living space is important for a number of reasons. For instance, regular sweeping and mopping can prevent dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from accumulating over time. This can better the air quality in your home, which is especially helpful for individuals who have allergies or asthma.

Furthermore, germs and bacteria hideout on many of the surfaces in your home, from kitchen countertops to cutting boards — especially if you have children and teens. Fortunately, regular cleaning and maintenance can help combat this to ensure that you and your loved one remain safe from illness and disease.

Pests such as termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs thrive in messy environments. And when it comes to pest infestations, hiring a pest control company to eradicate the problem can be quite costly.

5 Places You’re Probably Forgetting To Clean

For the average person, cleaning an entire home or apartment is no easy task. It can take a lot of time and energy. And depending on how much cleaning is required, it can cost a pretty penny as well. For example, living spaces in need of a complete overhaul might require professional cleaning services such as carpet cleaning or even chimney sweeping. Professional cleaners can perform a wide range of tasks, from paint removal to roof cleaning. It all depends on your specific needs and how dire the situation is.

Still, not everyone can afford to hire a professional. This is why regular cleaning is important to avoid having to use these services which can quickly add up. To learn how to effectively clean your space, without missing a spot, here are five areas that you’re probably forgetting to clean:

Underneath Furniture

Cleaning underneath furniture such as the underside of couches, beds, and tables can be quite a chore. For this reason, many people choose not to do it, or simply forget. Unfortunately, dust, pet dander, and hair have a tendency to build up in such areas. And this can really put a damper on the air quality in your home.

To avoid this, make sure to clean your furniture monthly to ensure that it stays clean and free from dirt and debris. You can vacuum underneath the furniture with a special attachment, or use a broom and dustpan, making sure to check hard-to-reach areas like between couch cushions.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a godsend during the warm summer months, especially if you live in a state where temperatures can reach triple digits. But when the weather starts to cool down, the need for a ceiling fan lessens. And as a result, it is often forgotten about.

This can be harmful because dust, dirt, and other types of debris build up on the surface of ceiling fan blades. And if you or your loved one has an allergy or asthma, it can certainly make matters a lot worse.

To combat this, use a duster or cloth to clean your ceiling fan every two months. You can use a specialty brush such as a U-shaped brush to access hard-to-reach areas for more convenient and efficient cleaning.

Washer and Dryer

Sure, washers and dryers are cleaning machines, but they also require regular cleaning to work properly. Factors such as poor ventilation or damp clothing left inside the washer for too long can cause mildew to build up. And when this happens, it can not only wreak havoc on your machines but on your clothing as well.

To keep your washer and dryer running as efficiently as possible, remember to give them a deep clean. The good news? Cleaning your machines is simple and easy to do. All you have to do is clean the rubber door seals of your washer with a solution of water and chlorine bleach on a quarterly basis. And as for your dryer, request a yearly exhaust duct cleaning by a professional in your area.

Doorframes

Doorframes are one of the easiest places to forget to clean because they are often overlooked — and not to mention, very hard to reach. However, doorframes can house loads and loads of dirt, dust, and even germs over time.

To ensure your doorframes are clean to promote a healthier environment, try to clean them at least once per month. Dust, hair, and debris tend to accumulate quickly so the more often you can do a quick tidy-up, the better.

You should use a long-handled duster or a wet cloth to reach all the hard-to-reach areas. For tougher grime, use an all-purpose cleaner and scrub lightly with a cloth or sponge, making sure to wipe down the top and sides of your frame.

Baseboards

Baseboards are notorious for collecting dust and dirt. And unfortunately, they are often the most overlooked area to clean. But luckily, they are pretty easy to clean and when done properly can make a huge difference in the look of your home.

To keep your baseboard clean, use a vacuum, duster, or damp cloth to gently wipe away debris. For stubborn areas, use a mild solution of soap and water to remove stains. Baseboards tend to get dirty fairly quickly, especially in spaces with heavy foot traffic, such as living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. For this reason, remember to clean your baseboards at least once a week to maintain them and ensure a cleaner, fresher space.