18 Things You've Literally Never Cleaned Before But Definitely Should
Or maybe they'll just exhaust you, but at least you can tell your mom you did it.
1. Rugs
If they're just simple bathmats, throw those bad boys in the washing machine like a true lazy cleaner. If they have hard backing and are large area rugs, you may have to get yourself a hose and scrub brush like this gal.
2. Curtains
You truly don't realize how much dust these things collect until you go to clean them. Toss these in the washing machine with your rugs, and while you're waiting for those, maybe Windex those bare windows.
3. Baseboards and other household trim
Run a cloth (better, a Clorox wipe) across your baseboards, doorframes and window trim because, dust. As an extra bonus, if you run a dryer sheet along these same places, it is less likely that dust will accumulate so the next time around there will be less gunk.
4. Cutting boards
Rinsing just doesn't cut it for real-ass adults like you. Use this salt + lemon method for nice wooden boards or this technique for plastic ones.
5. Radiator
This beast is a big one to tackle. If your radiator is anything like mine it makes a lot of angry noises, especially at 3am, and I understand your fear (Side note: whoever designed radiators with metal valve handles that conduct heat are sinister beings who want everyone's hands to be burned).
What I'm trying to say is, get your game face on and vacuum that mother fucker to show it who's boss (if you weren't sure, it's you.)
6. Shower curtain liner
What I mean by "clean" this, is to throw it away completely and splurge on a new one at Walgreens for $3 because you've been trying to ignore those black spots in the corner for too long and that doesn't seem to make them go away.
This is also a good time to take your shower curtain down and throw that in the washing machine with your curtains and small rugs.
7. Ceiling fan
You may need to stand precariously on a chair with a few old textbooks on top to get up there, but once you see how much dust is on top of your ceiling fan, the journey will be worth it. You can always use a clean, dry microfiber mop to reach high spots.
8. Reusable grocery bags
Way to own reusable grocery bags, you environmentally friendly shopper, you! But now you have to wash them because there's all sorts of bacteria on those things, plus a stray piece of popcorn or two, because you can never really make it home without breaking into something. Just use warm soapy water to clean by hand, then lay them out to dry on the counter.
9. Inside of the trash can
When you remember to take out your trash because it starts smell up your entire home, take a moment to wipe out all the seepage, because that shit is nasty.
Spray the can liberally with a disinfectant, then take a clean toilet brush or long-handled bristle brush to scrub thoroughly. Let the cleaner sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with a hose or in the bathub and dry with a towel.
10. Coffee Maker
While you can throw the pot itself in the dishwasher, you should also clean out the entire system with a mixture of vinegar and water. Check out full instructions for pots and single-serve coffee makers here.
11. Remote
This thing is coated in Cheetos dust and is probably grimy AF. Take out the batteries and use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the area around the buttons. You can use a Clorox wipe the rest. Then, put those batteries back in and get back to Netflix, like the good lord intended.
12. Tops of cabinets
There may not be a ton of space up there, but there is plenty of space for an inch or two of accumulated dust. With just an old credit card, paper towels and Heavy Duty All Purpose Cleaner, scrape off the greasy gunk and pat yourself on the back for being so brave.
13. Sponges
These guys are actually revolting. Throw it out now. And then, every week, microwave your sponge for two minutes to help keep it sanitized.
14. Microwave
To avoid lots of scrubbing and chemicals, try this more natural cleaning method. And then order one of these awesome covers to control your future food splatter.
15. Behind the toilet
This dreaded crevice will not be easy to get to, but it will be satisfying to finally have clean. Spray with disinfectant and use a clean toilet brush (not the one you use to clean the bowl) to reach behind the tank.
While you're in there, why not clean the whole bathroom? Just spray tile, countertops, and walls with all-purpose cleaner and crank the hot shower water until steam builds. Then, turn off the water, shut the door and let the steam and the cleaner mix for 20 minutes. Then wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth. Proud of you, pal.
16. Oven
The thing with ovens is that the longer you don't clean it, the harder it becomes to clean. All that caked on food drippage cements itself on the inside. Just take a deep breath and do it! Here are some tips. And if you're feeling really ambitious, take on cleaning between the glass on the door, too.
17. Couch cushions
Yes, this does mean you need to take all the cushions off your couch and give them a good vacuuming. Depending on your couch, you may also be able to take off the covers and throw them in the washing machine. Otherwise, Febreeze is definitely your friend.
18. Air vents
These are visibly covered in grime and dust, which is being blown directly into your otherwise (mostly) clean apartment. Get out the screwdriver, soak 'em in a sink filled with hot, soapy water and scrub with a microfiber cloth, using just a small amount of dish detergent.
High five for being a real-ass adult.