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This Is How You Clean Household Things You've Never Cleaned Before

By Carl Fomby

Updated on November 12, 2021


I have a confession to make. Cleaning is not my forte.

Don't get me wrong. My house is neat, and I know how to put things where they belong.

However, getting down on all fours to scrub floors, climbing up things to remove cobwebs on the ceiling, and wielding the mob is not my idea of a good time.

As you can imagine, some of my cleaning chores go unattended.

What I call cleaning is wiping counters, tables, and dusting the TV stand when the dust gets too much.

And apparently, that does not cut it as far as house cleaning goes.

But you could be better at cleaning than I am, luckily.

However, if you are anything like me, I have some great news for you. You can clean things you often ignore without feeling like you have just attended an army training drill.

I'll break it down for you.

1. Stove Vents

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

A lot of grime and gunk collects here, and who needs that hanging over their food? But this grease can come off easily if you dip the vents in a pot with hot boiled water mixed with baking soda.

2. The Carpet

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

If you have pets, you are bound to have animal hairs on your carpet. This, fortunately, is a pesky problem a squeegee can resolve.

3. Lint Collection Tray in Your Dryer

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Even after you empty the trap after laundry, you should still clean the area under it about once a month. A yardstick wrapped with a cloth should do the trick.

4. The Blender

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Ever tried to clean a blender? It's not easy. But preparing a soap and water smoothie might make things easier on you.

5. Plastic Cutting Boards

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Mix baking soda, dish detergent, and hydrogen peroxide into a paste and apply it to the boards. After a few minutes, wipe it off and wash the board normally.

6. Garbage Disposal

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Do you ever give much thought to the gunk that gets under the rubber flaps of the garbage disposal? A toothbrush is all you need.

7. Nail Clippings

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Just attach scotch tape to the sides and the clippings should not fly all over the place anymore.

8. The Showerhead

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Put some vinegar in a plastic bag and tie it over the showerhead with a rubber band. In 30 minutes, the job should be done and the showerhead should be sparkling clean.

9. George Foreman Grill

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Immediately after grilling, put some damp paper towels between the lid and the grill surface. The heat will create steam that will clean the grill. Then you can wipe it clean with another paper towel.

10. Pillows

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Yes, pillows need cleaning at least every 4 to 6 months. Just wash the pillow in warm water on a gentle cycle, tumble dry on low heat while fluffing every 15 to 20 minutes.

11. Screen Door

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

A lint roller should clear off the cobwebs, dust and other kinds of dirt on your screen door.

12. Trash Basin

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

You should hose down the trash bin outdoors to keep it from smelling and then wipe it down.

13. Walls

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Grease on walls can disappear after being rubbed with chalk. From there, give it 5 minutes and clean it off.

14. The Gutters

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Clean them out in cold weather. Trust me, it's a lot easier.

15. Hairbrush

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Your hair products end up creating grease on your hairbrush. But a soak in water, dish soap, and Borax should clean off any such dirt easily.

16. Dishwasher

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

The dishwasher washes, but it needs a wash as well. Put some vinegar in the top drawer and get it running. After that, sprinkle some baking soda into it.

17. Toilet Brush

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

This thing goes into the toilet, and yet few think it deserves to be cleaned. All you need is some cleaner.

18. The Stove

The hack: you can open it up and get in to clean. Never thought of that, did you?

19. Window Blinds

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Even though you clean your blinds, you probably don't use tongs wrapped in microfiber clothes. It's a brilliant trick.

20. Grinder

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

No, you cannot put it in water. So, you were right not to try that. Instead, you can grind up stale bread which can get rid of the coffee grounds.

21. The Toaster

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The vents get dirty, and a toothbrush is all you need. Be sure to unplug is first.

22. Garbage Disposal Blades

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

You can get rid of the awful smells by dropping some ice cubes into the drain.

23. The Keyboard

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Run used post-it notes between the rows of keys. It will not get rid of everything, but it should make a difference.

24. The Air Vents

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

A butter knife can get in there, but wrap in in cloth. This even works for car vents.

25. The Couch

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Just sprinkle some baking soda onto the couch and leave for about 30 minutes before vacuuming.

26. Glasses Frames

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

You don't have to use whitish plastic glasses frames. Rubbing them with a melamine sponge such as Magic Eraser before adding some oil to them should fix the problem.

27. Children's Toys

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Put them in a mesh bag and toss them into the washing machine. Some can even go into the dishwasher.

28. Ceiling Fan Blades

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

Dirty ceiling fan blades can be quite the eyesore. You can wipe them clean using a pillowcase. Be sure to turn it off first.

29. Vacuum Cleaner

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

With a steam ripper, you can get rid of the hair that gets trapped in the vacuum cleaner. Believe it or not, it's magical.

30. Wooden Cutting Board

this is how you clean household things you've never cleaned before

I've struggled to get a wooden cutting board clean. But half a lemon and some salt easily cleans off the dirt.