Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t always work when it comes to cleaning. Sure, you can pretend that those areas you can’t easily see or reach are immaculate. But, deep down you know the truth and it is to everyone’s benefit to clean these spots periodically. You’ll reduce dust that can trigger allergies and asthma, kill some bacteria that can cause illness and make your mother proud.

Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

You don’t have to sit on someone’s shoulders to clean a ceiling fan or high-up light fixture (nor is that a good idea). A disposable duster with an extendable handle is a much better way to capture dust and spider webs. Choose a disposable duster over a feather duster because the disposable dusters are made of materials that cause the dust to cling rather than simply be scattered around.

If you don’t have a disposable duster, use a clean microfiber cloth and secure it to a broom or mop handle with a rubber band.

And if you must use a ladder, it’s a good idea to have another person to brace the ladder and come to your aid if you slip or fall. Using a ladder when you’re home alone is never a great idea.

 

Ceilings and Mouldings

Take a minute to look up; you may be shocked to see all the dust and spider webs that have taken hold near your ceiling and crown mouldings. Use a long-handled duster, clean and dry sponge mop, or broom to whisk down the dirt. Always do this first when cleaning a room so you can vacuum up the fallen debris.

 

Cabinet Tops and Tall Furniture

When you buy a disposable duster with an extendable handle, be sure to get one with a pivoting head so you can adjust the angle to reach to the tops of cabinets and tall pieces of furniture.

If you have allowed dust and particles of grease to accumulate on kitchen cabinets, use a sturdy step stool and clean with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dish washing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Wipe away the soil and then rinse with a cloth dipped in plain water. Dry with a soft clean cloth.

 

Window Blinds

When you dust blinds with a static duster, remember to close them and clean one side and then reverse the direction to clean the other side.

Or, to clean both sides of the slats at once, wrap two microfiber cloths around each end of a pair of kitchen tongs and secure with a rubber band. Then simply slide the tongs along each slat to wipe away the dust top and bottom. Toss the microfiber cloths in the washer and you’re done.