12 Simple Hacks to Clean Hard-to-Reach Places

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Cleaning hard-to-reach areas in your home can often be challenging, but a few clever tricks can make it much more manageable. Dust and dirt accumulate in these hidden spots, from behind heavy furniture to narrow crevices and high shelves.

With the right tools and techniques, you can ensure your entire living space is pristine and spotless. This guide provides 12 simple and effective hacks to tackle those stubborn areas, transforming your cleaning routine into a more efficient and enjoyable process.

Use a Sock on a Stick for Narrow Spaces

Attach a sock to a yardstick or a long-handled kitchen tool to reach into narrow gaps between appliances or under furniture. Secure it with a rubber band, then use it to reach into tight spaces. A microfiber sock works best, as it effectively grabs dust and dirt.

Compressed Air for Keyboards and Electronics

Dust and crumbs can get stuck between the keys of your keyboard or other small electronics. Compressed air is perfect for blasting away debris from hard-to-reach crevices, leaving electronics clean without risking damage.

Dust Ceiling Fans With a Pillowcase

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Ceiling fans collect dust that can be difficult to reach without making a mess. To trap the dust, slide an old pillowcase over each blade, then gently pull it back while wiping. The dust stays inside the pillowcase instead of falling to the floor.

Clean Vents With a Foam Brush

Air vents can collect dust and grime over time. A foam paintbrush is the perfect tool for getting into those small slats. Run the foam brush along the inside of the vent to collect dust and dirt, keeping your airflow clean and fresh.

Remove Gunk From Shower Tracks With Vinegar and a Toothbrush

The tracks of sliding shower doors are notorious for collecting grime. Fill the tracks with white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the dirt. Then, use an old toothbrush to clean the tracks before rinsing with water.

Clean Under Appliances With a Broom Handle and Microfiber Cloth

It’s tricky to clean under appliances like your fridge or stove. Wrap a microfiber cloth around the handle of a broom or mop, securing it with a rubber band. Slide it under your appliances to trap dust and dirt without moving them.

Use a Butter Knife for Tight Corners

Wrap a damp cleaning cloth around a butter knife to quickly clean the tight spaces where countertops and appliances meet. The slim edge can reach into crevices where larger tools can’t go, helping you get rid of stubborn crumbs and dirt.

Tennis Ball for Baseboards

To clean baseboards without bending over, cut a small X into a tennis ball and place it on the end of a broom handle. Wrap a microfiber cloth around the tennis ball and run it along your baseboards to wipe away dust while standing up.

Vacuum Cleaner Attachments for High Places

Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to dust hard-to-reach areas like ceiling corners, the tops of cabinets, and behind furniture. The extension wand can help you reach high places without needing a ladder or step stool.

Lint Roller for Lampshades

Lampshades are often overlooked and hard to clean due to their delicate fabric. A lint roller is the perfect tool for removing dust from lampshades. Roll it over the fabric, and it will pick up dust and lint without damaging the material.

Tongs and a Microfiber Cloth for Blinds

Dusting window blinds can be tedious, but a pair of kitchen tongs makes it easier. Wrap a microfiber cloth around each side of the tongs and secure with rubber bands. Use the tongs to clean both sides of the blinds simultaneously by sliding them along each slat.

Use a Long Brush for Dryer Vents

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Dryer vents can easily become clogged with lint, posing a fire hazard. Purchase a long, flexible dryer vent brush to clean the vent tube. This tool can reach deep inside to remove lint buildup that’s hard to access with a regular vacuum.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.