Hidden dirt: 5 places in your home you aren’t cleaning but should

(BPT) – How clean is your home? Even if you have a daily, weekly or monthly cleaning routine, you might miss some nooks and crannies that often go unnoticed and uncleaned. These hidden areas can easily collect dust, dirt, grime and allergens that are unsightly and can compromise your overall home hygiene. If you want to have a truly spotless house, make sure to regularly clean these five commonly overlooked places in your home. 1. Ceiling fans and light fixtures When was the last time you cleaned your ceiling fans and light fixtures? Because they’re situated up high, it’s easy to overlook them during your regular cleaning routine. Over time, fan blades and light covers collect dust and cobwebs, which are released as the fan rotates and lights are turned on, polluting indoor air. Use a tool like the Casabella Multi Angle Extendable Microfiber Duster to easily reach and properly clean fans and lights. The extendable handle and pivoting head allow you to clean hard-to-reach areas at any angle. The duster’s microfiber head attracts and holds dirt, dust, cobwebs, pet hair and other allergens. Best of all, the plush dusting head is completely removable, so it can be machine washed and used again anytime. Regularly you should also wipe down these fan blades with a damp cloth to prevent the buildup of allergens and keep your home’s air quality in check. 2. Air vents Cleaning air vents is necessary to maintain good indoor air quality. Over time, dust, pet hair and other airborne particles can clog vents. Not only does this decrease your air quality, but it can also impact the efficiency of your air circulation system. As part of your weekly cleaning routine, regularly vacuum, dust and wipe down air vents to help promote better air circulation. Cleaning air vents can also help reduce allergen levels in your home, so you can breathe easier. 3. Behind large appliances Do you move large appliances when cleaning? If you don’t, you’re in for a nasty surprise when you do. The areas behind and underneath refrigerators, ovens and washing machines quickly collect food crumbs, dust and pet hair. Once a month or more, unplug and move these appliances and thoroughly clean these hidden spots as well as the surrounding areas. To ensure these areas are truly clean, you’ll need essential tools like the Casabella Power Core Broom and Dustpan. Designed with an angled, extra-large broom head, you can quickly and comfortably sweep at any angle. The dustpan’s rubber lip makes for fast one-pass pickup and built-in teeth allow you to clean the broom bristles after each use. When you’re done, simply clip the dustpan onto the pole for easy storage. Now that you’ve thoroughly swept, it’s time to mop! The Casabella Clean Water Spin Mop spins away dirt, grime and excess water and separates clean and dirty water into a dual bucket system, removing 99% of bacteria. The reusable mop head is machine washable and features an anti-scratch scraper to tackle even the most stubborn, stuck particles. 4. Baseboards, crown molding and trim Baseboards, crown molding and trim add a touch of elegance to your home but are often ignored during cleaning routines. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned these decorative elements of your home, don’t feel bad. Because they’re down low and up high, they’re easy to miss. It’s important to regularly clean these three architectural elements, as dust and pet dander settle on these surfaces, detracting from the beauty of your home. Using your extendable duster, you can easily reach high crown molding and trim as well as low baseboards. Aim to do this once a week to prevent allergen accumulation and so they continue to look good. 5. Laundry room appliances Because you’re already cleaning your clothes in there, you may forget to clean the laundry room appliances. Just like in the kitchen, unplug and move large appliances like your washer and dryer so you can clean behind and underneath. While your dryer is out, clean the access vent so your dryer runs efficiently and lasts longer. Once it is back in place, open your dryer and wipe down the drum. Run an empty wash cycle to clean the washer’s drum. To finish off your laundry room cleaning routine, wipe down the outside of the washer and dryer, paying close attention to any knobs, handles and buttons. Aim to clean the laundry room and appliances once a month. Maintaining a clean and healthy living space doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep these five hidden spaces in mind when planning your cleaning routine, so you can relax with the knowledge that your home is truly spotless.