OF all the cleaning tasks around a living space, getting in and around appliances might be the most challenging.
Failing to address these areas could result in dirt, pest, or even mold buildup for those homeowners or renters who aren’t careful.
Cleaning at home around appliances can be easy with three tricks (stock image)[/caption]
Getting a professional cleaner to do it would be costly, but moving the appliances themselves could risk injury given their size.
To get it done and save serious time, effort, and money, Americans can make three specific moves that will leave those areas spotless, according to Homes and Gardens.
MICROFIBER MOP
A smart first move would be purchasing a long-handled microfiber mop that extends to get tough-to-reach areas, according to what Debbie Lovett, a professional cleaner and owner of Plan: B Cleaning, told the publication recently.
These mop and sweeper combo kits aren’t terribly expensive either, as the Swiffer Sweep + Mop Deluxe Kit is only $15.80 on Walmart’s website.
It includes the device itself, which contains a collapsible and extendable pole at 25 inches, five heavy duty sweeping cloths, and three heavy duty wet mopping cloths.
Not to mention, it only weighs about 1.72 pounds, lies flat, and works on vinyl, wood, tile and other surfaces.
Lovett emphasized that the long-handled Swiffer can get beneath and behind large appliances like refrigerators and ovens, picking up dust easily.
With the addition of grime-fighting cleaning products like the Attitude Kitchen Cleaning Spray, grease could also be removed.
Other experts, like Derek Christian, a chief cleaning officer at All Star Cleaning, also advised the use of a Cuban mop.
“It is, essentially, a T-shaped wooden pole,” Christian explained.
“You fold a microfiber cloth over the top of the T, and then you can reach behind the appliance, and the microfiber will grab onto debris and dust. The shape of the Cuban mop makes it so the microfiber cloth will not fall off easily.”
Cuban mops can cost around $25 through Amazon.
VACUUM EXTENSION
Secondly, according to professional cleaners, a longer vacuum hose can do the trick.
“The best way to clean behind appliances without moving them is to use the hose attachment on your vacuum,” Christian emphasized.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you when you clean your home next:
- How to clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
- What to do to get rid of nasty odors in your home
- Here’s how to get your home smelling like fresh laundry
- You’re cleaning your pots and pans all wrong – here’s a trick to remove the residue
- These are five hacks to ensure your kitchen is spotless
- What you need to know when cleaning your bathroom
- This trick will ensure your washing machine is clean and smells great
- This cheap, easy trick will remove your mold from grout without scrubbing
- These simple items will make your carpet clean and look brand new
- This ‘lazy’ hack will ensure your oven is clean for pennies
He noted that many Americans are also likely unaware they have this capability without needing to purchase anything additional, as most vacuum cleaners come with extender poles.
“Many vacuums come with two plastic extender poles, which you can attach end-on-end to get into tighter places,” the expert noted.
“If you need some agitation to dislodge stuck debris when cleaning a kitchen floor, a brush can be put on the end of the tubes.”
Extension wands can also be purchased through retailers for certain vacuum brands if needed.
KICKBOARD REMOVAL
The third and final trick advised by the experts is for homeowners or renters to remove the kickboards, which are narrow panels at the base of cabinets or counters.
“This makes it much easier to vacuum or wipe out the buildup underneath,” Tim Conn, founder of Image One Cleaning, explained to Homes and Gardens.
“Once removed, a quick pass with a microfiber mop or vacuum attachment can make a big difference in preventing direct and bacteria from spreading.”
Removing kickboards or not having them in place at all can also allow for better aesthetics and more room to stand closer to countertops.
There are also five hacks to keep in mind to prevent indoor garbage bins from smelling this fall.
Target even sells a $1 product that stops mold immediately, and it’s not in the cleaning aisle.
