It’s safe to say that, when it comes to vacuuming, most of us will regularly clean the carpets and hard floors throughout our home. But there’s a lot more to a thorough vacuum than that.
Other areas of your property benefit greatly from a good vacuum but are often neglected, collecting dust and dirt. Bacteria, germs and mites can fester, which could affect your health, and make your home look unsightly.
We spoke to Annabel Waite, a spokesperson at floorcare brand Shark, to find out the top forgotten places in your home that you should be vacuuming a lot more often.
1. Inside drawers
They might not be the first place you think of to vacuum, but drawers are in need of a regular clean. These great areas for storage can quickly fill with dust and dirt, so try and vacuum frequently used as well as untouched drawers.
Dust can transfer from the drawers onto the items stored inside, such as clothes. Not only will this create a musty smell but can cause problems for your breathing and skin.
It is particularly important to vacuum drawers in the kitchen as they can collect crumbs and bits of food. This could create a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so pay close attention to these areas when you’re vacuuming your home.
2. Blinds and curtains
Dust can quickly build on blinds and curtains. To make matters worse, this dust can circulate around the room due to the position next to the window, which can be potentially bad for respiratory problems. Therefore, it’s a good idea to vacuum with a dusting tool to give your curtains and blinds a thorough clean.
3. Mattresses
You probably wash your bedsheets regularly and keep a tidy bedroom, but did you know it’s also important to vacuum your mattress? Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean within its crevices. This doesn’t need to be a weekly job but try and fit it into your cleaning schedule fairly often.
4. Under your bed
Just because you can’t see it, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. This is what you need to bear in mind when cleaning your home. Dust and dirt can easily collect underneath furniture, which can irritate allergy sufferers. Choosing a cordless vacuum gives you the freedom to clean in areas out of reach for some traditional corded vacuums.
5. Your broom
‘Believe it or not, you need to vacuum your broom,’ Annabel says. ‘Although vacuuming your cleaning tools might seem a little absurd, when you think about it, your broom can collect a lot of dust and hair, but unlike a vacuum cleaner, this dirt has nowhere to go. And so, we would recommend that you give your broom a little once over with the vacuum during your cleaning routine.’
6. Sofas
Vacuuming your sofa every week is a must, even if you can’t see the dust. It’s easy to remember to clean your carpets and floors, but don’t neglect furniture. Pet hair, dust, germs and so on can build on the surfaces, so using a vacuum with different attachments can be useful.
7. Window sills
Rather than just cleaning your window sill with a cloth, why not vacuum this area as well? Using a vacuum can help keep allergens under control and from blowing around the room. Everything gets sucked up quickly and easily, which is better for your health.
8. Keyboard
Your computer keyboard and laptop are often left off the cleaning rota, even though we use these items on a frequent basis. Just looking down at the keys, it’s easy to see how grime and dust can collect in the spaces. A simple wipe down won’t do – you should instead use your vacuum’s brush attachment to get right between the keys to ensure it’s as clean as possible.
