6 Tricks for Cleaning Those Hard-to-Reach Spots in Your Home, According to Pros

6 Tricks for Cleaning Those Hard-to-Reach Spots in Your Home, According to Pros

Deep cleaning your home from top to bottom can be challenging, especially when it comes to accessing those hard-to-reach spaces. After all, most of us have spotted a dust bunny or two (or three) under the sofa, realized our vacuum head was too large to fit underneath, and ignored it. Sometimes it just feels too difficult to get every last inch of your home spotless. The good news is that it’s not impossible! We reached out and asked the pros what they do here are their six tricks for cleaning hard-to-reach places.

Use a Flat Duster to Fit Under Almost Anything 

Robin Murphy of Chirp Chirp House Cleaning recommends using a flat duster, specifically the Hygen Quick Connect Flexi Wand by Rubbermaid. “It is one of our team’s go-to tools for tackling hard-to-reach spaces,” Murphy says. “The flexible frame maneuvers into tight spots like crown molding, vents, and light fixtures while also sliding easily under furniture and into tight spaces like under couches or along baseboards.”

Even better: The microfiber grabs dust and dirt instead of just pushing it around, making it perfect for areas like cabinet tops or behind TV stands where dust tends to collect.

Experiment with Vacuum Cleaner Attachments 

Alternatively, Alicia Sokolowski, founder and co-CEO of AspenClean, suggests experimenting more with the attachments that likely came with your vacuum cleaner, such as the crevice tool to get into those tight spaces. “You’ll be able to reach deeper under the furniture, reaching into corners and along baseboards, too,” she says.

For extra-deep cleaning, she advises lightly sprinkling baking soda under the furniture and letting it sit for ten minutes to absorb odors. “Make sure to vacuum the surface afterward,” she adds.

The Best Vacuums, According to Real Simple Editors

Attach a Microfiber Cloth to Your Mop Handle

Oops! Did a big spill end up underneath your fridge or oven? Don’t break your back—or the appliances—moving things around. Try attaching a microfiber cloth to the end of a broom or mop handle with rubber bands instead. “Start by sliding the dry cloth underneath to pick up dust and grime,” advises Sokolowski. “Then, spray the clean cloth with a vinegar and water mix, and slide it under your fridge or stove again to clean the surface thoroughly.”

Use a Long-Handled Duster to Clean Light Fixtures

Cleaning your light fixtures and chandeliers can be tricky, but Sokolowski says the right tools make it so much easier. “The best way to go about it is to hold a telescopic pole or long-handled duster ready to reach the high spots safely,” says Sokolowski. She suggests starting by using a dry microfiber cloth attached to a telescopic pole or long-handled duster to remove loose dust. Then, dampen a cloth with a water and vinegar solution for deeper cleaning.

She also recommends regular dusting with a microfiber cloth attached to the pole to keep your fixtures clean and shiny without needing to pull out the ladder every time you clean.

Remove Vent Covers to Get Every Last Inch Clean

Trying to clean vent covers can feel thankless and frustrating, especially if they’re up high. The best approach, explains Sokolowski, is to remove them completely instead of standing there straining your arms and neck to clean them. Soak the covers in warm, soapy water mixed with a little baking soda for about 10 to 15 minutes, then gently scrub the vent covers with a soft brush afterward. Finally, rinse the covers thoroughly and let them dry before reattaching. “Regular cleaning every few months helps keep the airflow in your house fresh,” she adds.

Clean with an Ostrich Feather Duster

According to Viviana Holguin of Maid Brigade, ostrich feather dusters are a great option for tackling hard-to-reach spots. “They naturally generate a static charge that attracts and traps dust particles rather than just pushing them around,” she says. “Their dust-grabbing power and maneuverability enable them to easily get into nooks and crannies and handle tricky areas without scratching surfaces.”

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