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A clean living room is essential for relaxation and entertaining, but certain areas are often overlooked. While carpets and shelves receive regular attention, hidden spots like skirting boards, radiators, and behind sofas collect dust and grime.
Neglecting these areas affects hygiene and air quality. Regularly cleaning these forgotten spaces ensures a fresher, healthier home, creating a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for everyone.
Skirting Boards
Skirting boards tend to collect dust and dirt, yet they are often forgotten during routine cleaning. Over time, this accumulation can make a room appear dull and neglected. Keeping skirting boards fresh requires regular maintenance. Wiping them with a damp cloth helps remove dust and grime, while a vacuum with a brush attachment can make the job more efficient.
For stubborn marks, a mixture of warm water and mild detergent works well, restoring their original appearance and keeping the room looking well-maintained.
Behind & Under the Sofa
The area behind and beneath the sofa is a magnet for crumbs, pet hair, and dust. These hidden spaces can quickly become breeding grounds for allergens and pests if neglected. To ensure these spots remain clean, the sofa should be moved periodically to allow for vacuuming and mopping.
Using a vacuum hose attachment can help reach deep underneath, while upholstered sofas may benefit from occasional fabric dusting or light vacuuming to prevent the build-up of trapped particles.
Radiator
Radiators not only provide warmth but can also collect significant amounts of dust, especially between and behind their panels. This dust can then circulate through the room when the heating is on, impacting indoor air quality.
Proper radiator maintenance involves using a radiator brush to dislodge dust from hard-to-reach crevices, followed by vacuuming with a nozzle attachment to remove loosened debris. Wiping the surface with a damp cloth helps eliminate any remaining grime, ensuring the radiator functions efficiently and contributes to a cleaner living environment.
Lamps & Light Fittings
Lamps and light fittings accumulate dust and dirt, which can reduce the brightness of the room and affect the overall ambiance. Glass lamps, such as Tiffany-style stained-glass lamps, require extra care to maintain their delicate details and vibrant colours.
To preserve lighting fixtures, they should be dusted regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. Designer lamps, in particular, benefit from a gentle cleaner suitable for stained glass to protect their intricate designs. Harsh chemicals should be avoided as they may damage delicate finishes, and bulbs should be wiped with a dry microfibre cloth to maintain brightness.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans collect a surprising amount of dust on their blades, which can be redistributed into the air when switched on. This can contribute to allergies and poor air quality in the room. Cleaning ceiling fans effectively involves using a microfibre cloth or a pillowcase to wipe each blade carefully.
For a deeper clean, a vacuum with a soft brush attachment can help remove built-up dust. Regular maintenance prevents excessive dust accumulation and keeps the fan functioning efficiently, improving air circulation in the living room.
Remote Controls & Electronics
Remote controls, gaming controllers, and other frequently handled electronics are prime spots for bacteria and grime build-up. These devices are often touched daily but rarely cleaned, making them a potential source of germs. To keep them sanitised, they should be wiped down regularly with disinfectant wipes.
A microfibre cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol can be used to clean buttons and crevices effectively. However, excessive moisture should be avoided to prevent damage to internal components. Regular cleaning of electronics helps maintain hygiene and reduces the spread of bacteria in the living room.
Curtains & Upholstery
Curtains and upholstered furniture absorb dust, pet hair, and household odours over time, yet they are often neglected in regular cleaning. Dust accumulation can contribute to allergies and affect indoor air quality.
To keep these furnishings fresh, curtains should be vacuumed using an upholstery attachment or washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Upholstered furniture can benefit from occasional deep cleaning or steam cleaning to remove embedded dirt and refresh the fabric. Regular maintenance of these items contributes to a cleaner and healthier living space.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post