When it comes to cleaning your home, vacuuming is probably one of the most common/frequent jobs. Of course, when you think of vacuuming, you probably think of mainly just doing the floors. However, your vacuum could be cleaning a lot more than just your floors. This article from Enviro Maids, lets you know of a few other cleaning jobs where your vacuum should get the job done.
Areas in your home you’re not vacuuming but should
The powered vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901 by Hubert Cecil Booth, an engineer from England. Thanks to Mr. Booth’s invention, people have been vacuuming up dirt, dust, pet hair, crumbs, and other messes for 113 years and counting. The vacuum has come a long way since its early beginnings. Whether you own an upright, canister, cordless, bagless, robotic, or central vacuum, your trusty vacuum is an important ally in your fight against a dirty house. Vacuums do a stellar job at getting floors and carpets clean, but did you know that vacuums can also tackle other dirty areas in your house? Here are some areas in your home that you’re not vacuuming but should.
Computer Keyboard
Your computer keyboard falls under the category of “most neglected” when it comes to cleaning. If you’re like the average person, you’re tapping away at your keyboard daily — sometimes for hours at a time. Keyboards are notorious for getting dirt, dust, food particles, and other tiny items stuck in between the keys. Your vacuum is a great way to grab all those little particles. Just be sure none of your keys are loose before going near them with a vacuum.
Drawers
You may not think about vacuuming inside your drawers, but you’d be surprised at just how much dust can be found inside a closed drawer. According to Goodhousekeeping.com, you’ll want to take some precautions before you aim your vacuum nozzle inside your drawers to prevent accidentally sucking up items (socks, pens, coins, etc.) in the process. The pros suggest stretching a pair of nylon stockings over the nozzle. The stocking will allow dust to get through while preventing other objects from getting sucked up.
Dryer Lint Chamber and Vent
Your dryer’s lint chamber and exhaust vent can never be too clean. In addition to making your dryer run less efficiently, resulting in wasted energy, excess lint buildup can lead to a fire. Familyhandyman.com, suggests vacuuming the lint from inside your dryer as well as lint that accumulates in the exhaust vent. Consult your dryer’s user manual for tips on how to properly and safely clean the lint from your dryer as well as how often you should clean your dryer.
Foam Pillows
Foam pillows offer great head and neck support and ensure a good night’s rest, but they pose a problem when it comes to cleaning them. Foam pillows can’t be washed in the washing machine like a feather or cotton/polyester fiberfill pillow can. To get rid of dust mites, skin cells, and dirt, vacuum them often — preferably once a week. According to Goodhousekeeping.com, thoroughly vacuum both sides of your pillow using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment.
Mattresses
Just like pillows, mattresses are magnets for dirt, dust, and dust mites. How often should you vacuum them? Experts suggest you vacuum your mattress every six months. The next time you flip your mattress (experts suggest flipping your mattress every six months), vacuum the top, sides, and inside the crevices of your mattress. Don’t forget the box spring!
Heating and Air Conditioning Vents
Heating ducts and air conditioning vents do a great job of circulating warm and cool air throughout your home. But if they haven’t been cleaned in a while, they’re also circulating unwanted dust and dirt throughout your home. Using a soft-bristled brush attachment, go over the slats of your vents as part of your regular vacuuming routine. For further instructions, check out the complete guide on duct cleaning by Aeroseal.com.
Refrigerator Coils
Refrigerator coils (also called condenser coils) play an important role in helping to keep your refrigerator cool. Coils can be found in the back, top, or bottom of your refrigerator. When the coils get clogged with dust, dirt, and clumps of pet hair, they force your refrigerator to work overtime. This adds unnecessary strain on your refrigerator. Goodhousekeeping.com suggests vacuuming the coils each season. Always unplug your refrigerator first and consult your user manual for safety and cleaning suggestions.
Window Blinds
Window blinds come in an array of materials, styles, and designs, but they all share one thing in common: they love to collect dust. While regularly running a microfiber cloth or soft cloth is the best way to clean minor dust buildup, Bobvilla.com suggests using a small brush attachment to tackle heavier dust. For best results, go over the blinds in the direction of the slats on the lightest setting to avoid damaging delicate slats.
Brooms
Using a dirty broom to sweep your floors is counterproductive. Before putting your broom to use, run the nozzle of your vacuum over the bristles to remove stuck-on dirt and hair.