Summer is often associated with deep cleaning projects, but some of the most overlooked areas of the home can affect everything from indoor air quality to appliance efficiency. Before fall arrives, homeowners may want to tackle these commonly forgotten cleaning tasks.
The first item in your home that has likely been overlooked are your ceiling fans. Ceiling fans collect dust quickly during the summer months. When turned on, that dust circulates throughout the room. A microfiber cloth or pillowcase can easily remove built-up dust from fan blades while preventing it from falling onto furniture or bedding.
Secondly, although most people clean the inside of the refrigerator regularly, they may forget about the coils underneath or behind the appliance. Dust and pet hair can reduce efficiency, forcing the refrigerator to work harder and increasing energy costs. Cleaning the coils once or twice a year can help extend the appliance’s life.
The third missed item when doing regular cleaning is the dryer vent. Cleaning the lint trap after every load is important, but the dryer vent itself also needs attention. Lint buildup inside the vent reduces efficiency and increases the risk of fire. Checking and cleaning the vent annually is a simple but important home maintenance task.
Fourth on the list is the tracks of windows and doors. Window and sliding door tracks often collect dirt, pollen, dead insects and debris. Cleaning these tracks not only improves appearance but also helps windows and doors open and close more easily while preventing drainage problems during heavy rains.
Finally, if you have a garbage disposal, regular cleaning is necessary. Even if it seems clean, a garbage disposal can harbor food particles and unpleasant odors. Running ice cubes through the disposal helps remove buildup, while lemon slices or a small amount of baking soda and vinegar can freshen it naturally.
Regular home maintenance doesn’t always require expensive products or an entire weekend of work. Spending just a few minutes tackling overlooked areas can improve a home’s efficiency, reduce odors and help prevent costly repairs down the road.
As summer winds down, checking a few forgotten cleaning tasks off the list can help homeowners head into fall with a cleaner, healthier and better-maintained home.
