Unnoticed Areas Experienced Cleaning Professionals Often Identify as Overlooked
Many individuals find it challenging to maintain their homes as pristine as they'd prefer due to the demanding nature of contemporary life. Time and energy are often scarce, leading to sacrifices in cleaning and organization. However, skilled cleaners have a knack for spotting dust, grime, and clutter in even the most overlooked areas.
We reached out to a few experienced professionals to unearth the areas that typically indicate a home that is not 100% spotless. Their advice offers invaluable insights on how you can enhance your cleaning routine the next time you need to quickly tidy your residence.
- Professionals at Molly Maid in North Nashville, Sumner, & Wilson Counties, TN
- Anthony “Sully” Sullivan, TV personality and OxiClean spokesperson
Part 1 of 8
A Disorganized Entryway
Regina Titus, a cleaner with Molly Maids, mentioned that the first impression can significantly impact how we perceive the cleanliness of a home. If the entryway is cluttered, it might give the impression that the rest of the house follows suit.
To achieve a clean appearance without looking like you've simply moved clutter around, ensure that shoes and items are not amassing in the entryway. You should also dust and polish any entryway furniture for a well-maintained first impression.
Part 2 of 8
Dusty Ceiling Fan Blades
Introducing a dust-free room is a simple and quick method to enhance its overall appearance. Anthony “Sully” Sullivan, a TV personality and OxiClean spokesperson, pointed out that ceiling fans contribute significantly to spreading dust.
He recommended refraining from using dry dusters, as they typically send dust back into the air. A damp microfiber cloth would be the better alternative, as it effectively collects the dust without causing a mess.
Part 3 of 8
Cluttered Counters
Keeping flat surfaces clear of items improves the appearance of a home. Even if you regularly move clutter and clean behind it, a crowded countertop will seem less clean than an uncluttered one.
Stephanie Maddin, a professional cleaner for Molly Maid, suggested finding a hidden storage area for as many items as possible to create a sense of openness and cleanliness.
Part 4 of 8
Dirty Air Conditioner Return Vents
According to Destiny Burns of Molly Maid, dirty, dusty air return vents can be an eyesore. A grout brush or scrub brush, followed by an all-purpose cleaner, effectively cleans these often-neglected spots.
If you're pressed for time, simply remove the cover, rinse it with mild cleaner and running water, and eliminate visible dust and grime.
Part 5 of 8
Dirty Floors
Dirty floors are a telltale marker of a home in need of cleaning, but clean floors can signify the same once finished. "Sometimes doing nothing but floors can make [your home] appear clean when nothing else has been done," shares Scott Hopkins of Molly Maid.
Always use a vacuum with a bare floor setting for hard floors, spot clean using the appropriate cleaner, and maintain the appearance of recently cleaned carpets with visible vacuum lines.
Part 6 of 8
Stale or Unpleasant Smells
A pleasant smell immediately influences the perceived cleanliness of a space. On the other hand, a foul odor can make even a clean home seem uninviting.
Moistening a cotton ball with essential oil or using a combination of baking soda and vinegar in the disposal effectively eliminates musty smells from sinks.
Part 7 of 8
Grimy Baseboards
According to Gina McRae, manager of Molly Maid in Nashville, clean baseboards contribute to the overall cleanliness of a room. In contrast, dirty baseboards can drag down the appearance of the entire space.
Cleaning baseboards should be a regular task during floors cleaning sessions to prevent excessive buildup. Use a damp microfiber cloth or wood polish for this task.
Part 8 of 8
Smudged Appliance Surfaces
Finally, removing smudges, droplets, and fingerprints from refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and other countertop appliances can significantly improve the appearance of the home.
Use water and a microfiber cloth to remove any visible mess, followed by an all-purpose cleaner and a clean white rag to complete the job.
Martha Stewart, known for her expertise in home organization and cleaning, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean and organized entryway. She suggests keeping the entrance free of clutter and regularly dusting and polishing any furniture to create a welcoming first impression.
In her book 'Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook', she provides detailed instructions on various cleaning and organizing techniques, sharing her tips and tricks for keeping homes clean and tidy despite the challenges of modern life.
