Cleaning your home can be a tough job, especially when it comes to those tricky spots that never seem to stay clean.
Some areas often require more time and effort than we’d like. Despite this effort, a Cleaning Institute survey found that 34% of individuals worry about whether they’re cleaning enough, and 31% question if they’re cleaning correctly.1
But with the right tips and tricks, even the most hard-to-clean areas can become fresh and spotless without all the hassle.
1. Oven Grease
Why It’s Tricky: Grease and food residue in the oven can build up quickly, becoming baked on and difficult to remove. The burnt-on mess can be stubborn and requires considerable effort to clean.
Easy Way to Clean: Create a paste using baking soda and water, then spread it over the greasy areas. Let it sit overnight, and in the morning, wipe it off with a damp cloth. For extra tough spots, spray with vinegar before wiping.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar will help loosen the grime.
2. Shower Tile Grout
Why It’s Tricky: Grout between shower tiles easily accumulates mold, mildew, and soap scum, which can be difficult to clean, especially in small crevices.
Easy Way to Clean: Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the grout lines and let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Then, scrub with a toothbrush or a grout brush.
For extra stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grout, and then spray with vinegar before scrubbing.
3. Microwave Splatter
Why It’s Tricky: Food splatters inside the microwave can dry out and harden, making them difficult to remove without a lot of scrubbing.
Easy Way to Clean: Place a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and a few slices of lemon inside the microwave. Heat on high for 3-5 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen the splatters.
Afterward, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. The steam softens the grime, making it easy to clean.
4. Pet Hair on Furniture
Why It’s Tricky: Pet hair clings to upholstery and can be difficult to remove, especially if it’s embedded in fabric or carpeting.
Easy Way to Clean: Use a rubber glove to rub over the surface of the furniture. The rubber creates static that attracts pet hair, making it easier to gather into clumps that can be removed. For larger areas, use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment.
5. Stovetop Burners
Why It’s Tricky: Food spills and grease can accumulate on stovetop burners, creating a sticky, baked-on mess that can be challenging to scrub off.
Easy Way to Clean: Remove the burners (if possible) and soak them in a mixture of hot water and dish soap for about 20 minutes. After soaking, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
For stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda on the burners and scrub with a damp sponge. This helps break down the grease and makes cleaning easier.
6. Ceiling Fans
Why It’s Tricky: Ceiling fans collect dust and grime over time, which can scatter around the room when the fan is turned on. Cleaning them often requires reaching up high, which can be inconvenient.
Easy Way to Clean: Use a pillowcase to clean the fan blades. Slip the pillowcase over a blade, then gently pull it off while wiping, trapping the dust inside the case.
This prevents dust from falling onto the floor or furniture. Afterward, shake out the pillowcase outside and launder it as usual.
7. Window Tracks
Why It’s Tricky: Dirt, dust, and dead insects often accumulate in the tracks of windows, making them unsightly and difficult to clean with just a regular cloth.
Easy Way to Clean: Use a vacuum with a crevice tool attachment to remove loose debris. Then, sprinkle baking soda into the tracks and spray with white vinegar.
Let it fizz for a few minutes before scrubbing with an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
8. Toilet Base
Why It’s Tricky: The base of the toilet often gathers dust, hair, and grime, especially in the hard-to-reach areas around the bolts and behind the bowl.
Easy Way to Clean: Use a bathroom cleaning spray and let it sit on the area for a few minutes to loosen the dirt. Then, use a toothbrush or small scrub brush to clean around the base and the bolts.
For narrow spaces, wrap a damp cloth around a flat-head screwdriver and use it to reach those tricky spots.
9. Blinds
Why It’s Tricky: Blinds, whether vertical or horizontal, collect dust and can be tedious to clean, especially because each slat needs attention.
Easy Way to Clean: Use a pair of tongs covered with microfiber cloths. Secure the cloths with rubber bands, and then use the tongs to pinch each slat, running them across to clean both sides simultaneously.
For very dusty blinds, you can vacuum them first with a brush attachment.
10. Refrigerator Coils
Why It’s Tricky: The coils at the back or bottom of the refrigerator collect dust and debris, which can reduce the efficiency of the appliance if not cleaned regularly.
Easy Way to Clean: Unplug the refrigerator and use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool or a coil brush to remove the dust and debris from the coils. This task, while often overlooked, can improve your refrigerator’s performance and extend its lifespan.
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task, even when it comes to those tricky areas in your home. With a little know-how and the right tools, you can tackle these spots with ease and keep your space looking its best.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.