Clean homes are essential for a variety of reasons. They provide a healthy environment in which to live and raise a family, they can improve your mood, and they can even help you sell your home faster.
The National Association of Realtors states, “A clean and well-maintained home will show better and may sell faster than a cluttered and dirty home.” Studies have shown that a clean home can be worth up to 10% more on the market than a dirty one. There are many benefits to keeping your home clean. Moreover, it might be a necessity. Not only will it make you feel happier and more relaxed, but it can also improve your physical health. A clean home is less likely to harbor harmful bacteria, dust mites, or allergens, which can cause asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
Cleaning your home does not have to be an overwhelming task. You can break it down into smaller tasks that you can complete daily or weekly. Start by focusing on the areas of your home that are the most difficult to reach or clean. Unfortunately, you might not know where to start. Here are a few hard-to-reach areas to consider.
Ceiling
Sometimes, the most challenging areas to clean are the most visible. Your ceiling is one of those areas. Dust and cobwebs can quickly accumulate on the site, making it look dirty. To avoid this, regularly dust your ceiling fans and light fixtures. You might also want to vacuum your ceilings using the attachment designed for high ceilings.
One of the challenges with cleaning high areas is that you might not be able to reach them. That’s where a ladder comes in handy. Be sure to use a ladder safely. Don’t try to stand on something else to reach the ceiling. And, if you’re uncomfortable with heights, ask someone else to help you. They can hold onto the ladder to provide stability. Professional cleaners also have the proper equipment to safely and efficiently clean your ceiling.
Air Ducts and Vents
Your air ducts and vents are essential to your home’s heating and cooling system. They can also affect the quality of your indoor air. That’s why it’s necessary to clean them regularly. Over time, they can become filled with dust, dirt, and other debris.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to do this yourself. The hard-to-reach area will require special tools and equipment. You might also need to disassemble some of the ductwork, which might present you with a challenging situation when you try to piece them back together.
Hiring a professional is best if you have never cleaned your air ducts before. Companies that provide reliable air duct cleaning services will have the proper equipment to do the job right. They will also be able to identify any issues with your ductwork and make repairs as needed.
Window Tracks
Your windows are another area of your home that can be difficult to clean. Dust, dirt, and grime can quickly accumulate in the tracks. These areas can become breeding grounds for bacteria and other allergens if left uncleaned.
To clean your window tracks:
- Start by removing any screens.
- Vacuum away any loose dirt and debris using the attachment designed for tight spaces.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks. You might also want to use a toothbrush or small brush to remove any caked-on dirt when cleaning the tracks, vacuum or brush away any dirt that has fallen onto the window sill.
- Replace the screens and close the window.
You can try using a vinegar solution if your efforts are not making a difference. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it onto the tracks. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Dryer Vent
Homeowners should clean their dryer vent at least once a year. If it’s not, lint can build up and cause a fire. The best way to clean your dryer vent is to hire a professional. They will have the proper equipment to reach the hard-to-reach areas and safely remove the lint.
You can also clean your dryer vent yourself. Start by disconnecting the dryer from the power source. Then, remove the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer. Next, vacuum away any lint that you can reach. Finally, use a brush attachment on your vacuum to clean the remaining lint from the vent duct.
Ensure you do not block the airflow when cleaning your dryer vent. It can cause your dryer to overheat and be a fire hazard.
Conclusion
Cleaning your home can be a daunting task, especially when you consider all of the hard-to-reach areas. However, keeping these areas clean is essential to maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Use the tips to help clean the difficult-to-reach spots in your home. You might also want to consider hiring a professional cleaner to do the job for you. They will have the proper equipment and expertise to do the job correctly.
