“Over time, your home won’t look as bright as it used to be if these spots are neglected,” says Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of the American Cleaning Institute. “Remove the screens and use a soft brush to clean with water and mild dish soap. Then rinse and air dry before replacing.” Try something like the MyLifeUNIT Mesh Screen Cleaner ($14.99; amazon.com). For the windowpanes themselves, use your preferred glass cleaner with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can also try plain vinegar. If they’re high, either break out the ladder or consider the long-handled squeegee route. Try ITTAHO Multi-Use Window Squeegee ($16.99; amazon.com). “While cleaning, it’s a good time to also wipe down windowsills, frames, and blinds and launder your curtains,” adds Sansoni. Ideally, this is done quarterly. “The door is the first thing you see when you walk into your home, but we’re so used to it that we don’t pay attention,” says Melissa Maker, a cleaning expert for Scotch-Brite and founder of Clean My Space. “Over time, especially after rain and snow, it can get dirty and dull and a little refresh goes a long way.” All you need to do is fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and some old rags. Wring the rags out, then give the door a good scrub. Next, fill your bucket with fresh water and give the door a final wipe down with a clean, microfiber cloth. You can get a pack of 12 from MR. SIGA for $12.99 on amazon.com. “Not only are these spots more prone to getting grungy from everyone’s hands, they also are hotspots for germs,” notes Sansoni. “First, clean them with soap and water or a multi-surface cleaner. Once dry, you can use a disinfectant spray or wipe. Make sure the surface stays wet for the entire contact time listed on the product label. If the surface isn’t visibly dirty, you can go right to the disinfecting step.” RELATED: 7 High-Touch Surfaces You May Be Forgetting to Clean “You might think that the dust can’t collect there because the fan is often in use and that makes the dust fly down onto the floor, but that is wrong,” notes Dulude. “Ceiling fan blades get very dusty fast. They need to be dry dusted as part of weekly cleaning, and deep cleaned as part of seasonal deep cleans.” For the deep clean, put down an old sheet on the floor to protect whatever’s underneath. Then, use a step ladder to get up and use dampened microfiber cloths to get the big gunk off. To finish, use a multi-purpose spray on the blades and wipe them down with clean, dry cloths. Don’t forget to address the light coverings (if you have them) while you’re up there. Dulude also recommends doing a weekly or bi-weekly dusting with an extension pole blade cleaner. Try Eversprout Flexible Microfiber Ceiling & Fan Duster ($21.99; amazon.com). While you’re at it, make sure to check ceiling corners for cobwebs. “Clean appliances will usually work better and run more efficiently,” explains Sansoni. “Check the directions from the manufacturer. Usually, appliances should be cleaned monthly and there are products specifically designed to clean them that can help. In addition, be sure to regularly clean out any filters.” He adds that it can also help to leave your washing machine or dishwasher open for a bit after using so it can dry out. This curbs potential bacteria or mold buildup. RELATED: 5 Things You Can Do to Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher
