Even if you enjoy cleaning, keeping your home clean and sanitary can be tricky and annoyingly time-consuming. But, what if there was an area you could actually neglect cleaning for months at a time?
According to our cleaning pros, there is and it's inside your drawers and cabinets.
Here, they share their thoughts on the things you do not need to clean regularly, and why.
This is the 1 hidden spot you should neglect cleaning
Alessandro Gazzo, professional cleaner at Emily's Maids, shares, 'I usually get asked what's the hidden spot you should clean, but not the one you should neglect!'
His answer? 'If I had to choose one, I'd probably say the inside of drawers and cabinets. There's no real risk if you neglect it for months, unless something liquid spills. Otherwise, if there's any dust or dry food spilled once every now and then, it's not a big deal.'
It may be on your list of places you definitely aren't cleaning, but our pros give you permission to skip it for months at a time.
When it's time to spruce it up here's what to do.
How to clean inside drawers and cabinets when the time comes
Your drawers and cabinets are not usually exposed to dust, dirt, or spillages. Obviously this is dependent on what you store in them.
When the time comes to clean your kitchen drawers and cabinets, the good news is that they're usually things you can clean in five minutes or less.
Alessandro advises, 'I suggest getting a handheld or portable vacuum cleaner.' Our top pick from the best handheld vacuums category is the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon. The BLACK+DECKER Cordless Handheld Power Vacuum, also available at Amazon, is a good affordable option, too.
'Run your vacuum with a brush attachment or a crevice nozzle, like the Celik Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Head available at Amazon, and then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
'Also, you can use a microfiber cloth and just a spritz of multipurpose cleaner [such as the Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner available at Walmart] to absorb any lint or stubborn grime inside your cabinet.
'If this is a kitchen cabinet or drawer, you might want to add a drop of dish soap just for extra degreasing power,' adds Alessandro. We recommend the Dawn Ultra Liquid Dish Soap available at Walmart for this.
Other spots you can neglect cleaning
The inside of your drawers and cabinets isn't the only hidden spot you can neglect cleaning.
Jade Piper, cleaning professional and operations manager at BetterCleans, adds that you can also skip cleaning behind appliances and under furniture, so long as you don't neglect them forever.
'Even if you skip cleaning them for months, nobody is going to check them!' she assures. 'Dust will naturally build up, but because it’s not too exposed, it will happen slowly. Of course, don’t ignore them forever.
'You can include cleaning them in your quarterly deep cleans or do it immediately if you spot a cockroach or some ants.'
This is super important to avoid any kitchen cleaning mistakes, as you certainly don't want to attract any common indoor pests to your space. The same goes for cleaning under furniture, which can be the hardest household cleaning task to tackle.
'If you love to experiment and love shifting things around for a new look, take the chance to vacuum or mop underneath before putting everything back,' adds Jade. This is a quick and easy way to update your space without spending any money.
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
These super soft, absorbent, and lint-free cloths are ideal for wiping down inside drawers and cabinets, and underneath appliances, for a streak-free, sparkling finish.
This all-natural, plant-based cleaning spray effectively cuts through grease and grime without the need for harsh chemicals.
This portable, lightweight and rechargeable handheld vacuum comes complete with a pull-out crevice tool, perfect for lifting dust from even the most awkward of cracks.
FAQs
What is the most neglected part of a house?
The most commonly neglected is cleaning windows. While only doing so once or twice a year might not seem like a lot, it's crucial to keep your windows clean to allow natural light into your space and keep your home looking fresh and bright.
Meet our expert
Emily's Maids was founded in 2011, as a cost-conscious cleaning service that leaves no area in the home neglected or unclean.
There are also likely more than a few overlooked spots you're forgetting to dust in your home, like the top of the fridge.
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