It seems to be that no matter how well we think we've deep-cleaned a space, there's always something we've missed. Spring cleaning is a continuous process, and it's easy to miss important places that we might not realize can have a big impact on the overall function and cleanliness of our homes.
From forgotten spring cleaning dirt spots, such as dirty hidden areas of the kitchen, we forget to clean to essential spring maintenance tasks that keep our home spotless, our experts highlight the often overlooked tasks that are crucial for a thorough spring cleaning.
So, if you haven't already, add these cleaning tasks you may have inadvertently forgotten about to your spring cleaning checklist.
Jobs you’re missing during your spring clean
Although the consequences of missed tasks can easily go unnoticed, ensuring these essential tasks are completed can have a significant impact on your home's hygiene.
1. Decluttering
Decluttering is a step that many of us tend to skip (including myself sometimes), and while it may not seem like an essential cleaning task, having a cluttered space can actually lead to the build-up of dirt and make cleaning much more challenging.
'Clutter can get in the way of a proper cleaning routine, making it hard to get to every surface. All that clutter can attract dust, dirt, and other nasty stuff,' explains Will Cotter, cleaning expert at Fresh Space Cleaning partnered with Ruggable. 'And if you don't clean regularly, it can lead to bacteria and dust mites, which is not good for your health. That means mold, bad smells, and even pests can start to take over.
'Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to declutter and reset the space. Not only that, you refresh the entire space and improve air quality by getting rid of dust and allergens.'
2. Cleaning out gutters
Cleaning the gutters is a task that most homeowners dread; however, it is an important chore to tackle during your spring cleaning.
'Gutters help to direct water away from your home's foundation and prevent damage from occurring. When leaves, twigs, and debris clog up your gutters, they can no longer do their job effectively, leading to potential water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation,' explains Josh Mitchell, plumbing technician at Plumbing Lab. 'Additionally, clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, making it essential to clean them out.'
Spring is the perfect time to clean your gutters and remove debris that accumulated during the fall and winter to prevent costly repairs later on.
3. Washing reusable grocery bags
Reusable bags must be washed occasionally to reduce food odors, keep them hygienic, and prevent bacteria breeding.
Grocery bags come into contact with plenty of different – and often unclean – surfaces, including shopping carts, checkout counters, buses or car trunks, and kitchen flooring. Over time bacteria from these surfaces, alongside food spills and residues, lead to an accumulation of dirt, grime, and even mold growth, especially if these bags are stored in dark places with restricted airflow.
4. Cleaning out the HAVC system
'As the weather starts to warm up, it's important to ensure your HVAC system is in top condition for the summer months,' recommends HCAC technician Josh Mitchell. 'This includes changing air filters, cleaning vents and ducts, and scheduling a professional tune-up to inspect and service your system for optimal performance and energy efficiency.'
Over time dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in the system. Regular cleaning will remove these contaminants, improving air quality indoors and reducing the risk of allergies, which is essential during allergy season.
Additionally, a clean HVAC system will operate more effectively, providing more consistent and less stressed heating and cooling throughout your home, which can ultimately help you cut energy bills.
5. Remote controls
Like light switches and door handles, remote controls are frequently handled, which means they likely harbor bacteria and germs. Cleaning them removes contaminants, reduces the spread of illness, and maintains cleanliness.
Additionally, removing dust, dirt, and debris that accumulates on remote control buttons and sensors ensures they remain in good working condition for longer.
6. Cleaning large appliances
'If you haven’t deep cleaned your washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, or refrigerator in a while, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to do so,' says Angie Hicks, Co-founder of Angi. 'Keeping your appliances clean is one of the best ways to ensure they last as long as possible. While you’re at it, move your appliances and clean the surrounding areas that you usually can’t reach.'
Two key cleaning tasks include:
Cleaning the dishwasher filter
Jade Piper, the operations manager for Better Cleans emphasizes the importance of cleaning the dishwasher filter: 'A dirty filter can create some less-than-pleasant smells. Leftover food bits can hang around, turning your dishwasher into a bacteria hotspot. Clogged filters put extra stress on your dishwasher's motor, potentially leading to costly repairs or an early retirement for your appliance.
'It's not the most thrilling task, but it helps your kitchen stay clean and your dishwasher stays happy for years. Try to do it about once a month or when you see your dishwasher needs some care.'
'To take care of your dishwasher's filter, check your user manual, turn off the dishwasher, and gently remove and clean the filter using a soft brush or an old toothbrush,' advises Jade. 'Let it soak in soapy water for 15-30 minutes, rinse, and put it back as per the manual's instructions. Finish by running an empty cycle.'
Cleaning refrigerator door gaskets
'If we don't take care of our refrigerator door gaskets, mold and mildew can grow on them, which can be pretty gross and harmful to our food storage,' warns Jade Piper. 'But, if we keep those gaskets clean, we can prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which will help us maintain a steady temperature in the fridge, prevent food spoilage, and even cut our energy bills.'
It’s also important to clean your refrigerator vent and coils, which can collect dust and pet hair and prevent your unit from running efficiently.
7. Cleaning indoor plants
It can be easy to forget to clean plants, especially low-maintenance indoor plants, but this is a more essential task than you might think. For one, regularly cleaning removes dust from plant leaves that blocks sunlight and inhibits photosynthesis, helping plants to 'breathe' and promoting healthy growth and vitality.
Cleaning will also ward off any pests, such as fungus gnats or aphids, which are attracted to the dirt or leaves in the pot.
Finally, don't forget to keep your cleaning supplies clean to ensure they remain hygienic and effective throughout your spring cleaning ventures.
