While some of us enjoy cleaning, there are many others who approach the task with dread. Unless it’s done regularly, the work piles up until it becomes an incredibly time-consuming endeavor. Scheduled deep cleans are helpful for maintaining your space, but what can be done to make the weekly chores easier to accomplish?
If you’re short on time or want to cut corners, our pros spilled the secret on places you can simply choose to overlook during your regular cleaning routine.
Inside Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchens are definitely one of the key places in our homes that need to be cleaned regularly, if not daily. But as cleaning pro Galia Ivanova points out, it’s possible to overdo it, even in this room.
“A quick wipe-down to remove visible crumbs and spills usually suffices,” says Ivanova.
Unless you’re handling a spill, leak, or breakage, this is one spot that is best maintained with a surface clean. Don’t bother unloading entire cabinets to give them a full deep clean every time, or at all if you really don’t want to.
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Granite and Marble Surfaces
It’s highly possible you have granite or marble surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom, and no one would tell you not to keep these areas clean. However, there’s an important nuance to consider here. As cleaning expert Alessandro Gazzo points out, you can also easily veer into over-cleaning.
“[Granite and marble are] sensitive surfaces and if you use abrasive chemicals or if you scrub too hard, you’re going to damage that surface,” Gazzo says.
Rather than attempt to deep clean these zones with harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, Gazzo says to instead sanitize them using soapy water or a specialized cleaner, meant specifically for granite or marble.
Indoor Light Fixtures
Light switches are important to clean regularly due to how often they’re touched, but Gazzo says your light fixtures themselves probably don’t require much more than an occasional wipe or vacuum. In fact, this is a good rule to follow for most spots of your home.
“I would say any areas or items you are not going to touch directly are not as important or are not a priority for cleaning,” Gazzo says.
Instead, when it comes to keep your lights maintained, focus on managing dust and build-up. There’s no need to stress over including light fixtures in your regular cleaning schedule.
Outdoor Light Fixtures
Give your exterior entryway a quick sweep should be part of your cleaning routine, but Ivanova says it’s possible to go overboard in this area. This is especially true when it comes to outdoor light fixtures.
Much like with your indoor lights, their exterior equivalent is probably prone to collecting dust and debris. Even so, Ivanova suggests you skip a regular cleaning and avoid using harsh chemicals.
“A simple wipe with a damp cloth every couple of months keeps them looking good without the hassle of frequent deep cleans,” she says.
Baseboards and Wall Trim
You should definitely wipe your baseboards and wall trim down regularly to clear off any dust, but too many people try to keep them spotless. Often, this involves aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemicals, both of which are unnecessary.
“Over-cleaning can wear down the paint or finish, making them look worse over time,” Ivanova says. “Plus, constantly moving furniture to get to the baseboards can lead to scratches or dents.”
Closet Doors
Closet doors can be prone to smudges, especially if they’re glass or finished with a high-gloss. But even for doors the most prone to fingerprints, you probably don’t need to wipe down the full exterior on a weekly basis.
“A simple wipe to remove fingerprints and smudges is typically all that’s needed,” Ivanova says.
If you notice a build-up of marks or scratches, then a bigger clean could be in order. Otherwise, save yourself some time and focus only on the concentrated areas, spot checking and cleaning only as needed.