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We’ve all faced those stubborn spots in our homes that seem impossible to reach — under furniture, behind appliances, or those high-up corners where dust loves to hide. However, with the right approach and a few handy tools, even the trickiest spots can become easy to manage. Here are some expert tips to help you tackle those often-overlooked areas and make your home truly shine during your regular tidying up.
In This Post:
Behind and Under Appliances
Moving the fridge or oven can feel like a workout, but it’s crucial to clean behind these appliances at least twice a year. A long, flat duster or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment can help you reach those gaps without having to shift heavy appliances.
For smaller appliances like microwaves, toasters, or coffee makers, make it a habit to unplug them and clean underneath and around them regularly. Crumbs and spills can accumulate quickly, especially in kitchen areas. Adding slide-out trays or liners beneath these can catch debris, making it easier to handle everyday mess without a deep scrub.
Under Furniture
The spaces under your bed, sofa, or dresser are dust traps. A robotic vacuum can be a lifesaver for these areas, easily maneuvering underneath and doing the work for you. For a more hands-on approach, try using a flat mop with a microfiber pad or attach an old pillowcase to a broom handle for a quick DIY solution to wipe up the dust.
Window Blinds and Shutters
Dusting blinds can feel tedious, but there are tricks to make it easier. Use an old sock or glove dampened with a mild cleaning solution, and run your hand across each slat to collect dust. For really dirty blinds, mix equal parts water and vinegar, dip a cloth in the solution, and wipe down the blinds for a thorough cleanup.
Ceiling Fans and High Ceilings
Dust and cobwebs tend to accumulate on ceiling fans and high corners. To tackle them without a ladder, try using a microfiber duster with an extendable handle. These tools can trap dust effectively and prevent it from scattering around. For even trickier spots, like behind lighting fixtures or crown molding, a vacuum cleaner with an extension hose can save the day.
Behind the Toilet
Sanitizing bathrooms is usually a real hassle, especially when it comes to those awkward spots behind the toilet. But with a long-handled scrubber or a disposable toilet wand, it’s so much easier to reach around the base and into those tight corners—without killing your back in the process.
Light Fixtures and Chandeliers
Dusting light fixtures and chandeliers is definitely tricky, especially when they’re up high or have delicate parts. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to climb a ladder to get the job done. Instead, use an extendable microfiber duster designed for high-up spots. For intricate designs, a hairdryer on the cool setting works wonders to blow dust out of nooks and crannies. You can also use a telescoping cleaning tool made specifically for chandeliers, which allows you to clean those fragile surfaces safely from the ground.
Top of Cabinets and Tall Furniture
It’s so easy to forget about the tops of kitchen cabinets or tall wardrobes — they’re out of sight, so they slip off the radar. But dust still finds its way up there! An extendable duster or a vacuum with a long nozzle can make quick work of those hard-to-reach spots. Here’s a little trick: line the tops with newspaper or shelf liners. When things get dusty, just swap out the liner instead of doing a full clean.
By paying attention to those overlooked areas, your home will feel cleaner, more organized, and completely refreshed. With a little extra attention, you’ll never have to worry about dust bunnies or grime building up in forgotten corners.