Despite your best efforts to stay on top of cleaning tasks, some areas around your home may still harbor hidden mold and grime. Fortunately, it’s possible to outsmart these unwanted house guests by employing a few clever cleaning tricks.
In a series of articles comprising its “How to Get Rid of the Grossest Stuff in Your House” spotlight, HouseLogic offers tips and advice on how to keep mold, smells, and grime out of a house for good.
From using a damp pillowcase for dusting ceiling fans to skipping the bleach during your mold elimination efforts, HouseLogic says there are a number of ways to get your home gleaming without wasting a lot of time or money.
Cleaning hidden dirty spots
Does your refrigerator sit atop a layer of crumbs, dirt, and unspecified grime? If so, use the vacuum crevice attachment to suck it all out. For appliances with less clearance underneath, attach microfiber cloths to a yardstick with rubber bands. Slide and grab under and between appliances.
To restore your ceiling fan to its former dust-free glory, dampen a pillowcase and slide it over the top of each fan blade. As you slide it off, run your hands along the sides of the blade to wipe up dirt and dust before it has a chance to fall on you.
Getting rid of mold
Instead of using harsh products like bleach, which only discolors mold but does not kill it, make an effort to starve out mold by eliminating moisture. Run the fan in your bathroom any time it’s in use and for 30 minutes after the shower was used.
You can also stay one step ahead of mold growth by using a towel or squeegee to wipe down shower walls, mopping any water spills on the floor and counters, and leaving your shower curtain open to let your shower dry.
Need to get rid of existing mold? Luckily, there's no need for toxic cleaners. Soap, water, and a little elbow grease will do the job just fine, says Bob Justewicz, a director at the National Association of Mold Professionals.
Deep cleaning tips
To eliminate mineral build-up on your showerhead, tie a plastic bag full of vinegar around it and let it soak overnight. In addition to removing build up, this trick will also improve water pressure.
If your child took the liberty of using a wall as a canvas, reach for the Goo Gone spray. This product may traditionally be used to clean sticker residue, but it also works wonders at lifting crayon stains off of walls.