The Hardest Things to Clean in a House

Keeping a house clean and tidy is a continuous task that requires both time and effort. While some cleaning tasks are relatively straightforward, others can be notoriously difficult, often requiring specialized tools, products, and techniques. This article will delve into the hardest things to clean in a house, providing you with effective strategies to handle even the toughest of jobs.

[caption id="attachment_787" align="alignleft" width="1200"] How to Clean the Most Challenging Areas in Your Home[/caption]

1. Oven and Stove

Grease Buildup: One of the most challenging areas to clean in the kitchen is the oven and stove. Over time, grease and food splatters can build up, especially if cooking oils and fats are frequently used. These substances become baked onto the surfaces, making them incredibly difficult to remove with just a simple wipe-down. To effectively clean grease buildup, it's recommended to use a degreaser or a homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar. Apply the solution to the greasy areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Burnt-On Food: Burnt-on food residue is another common issue, particularly on stovetop grates and inside the oven. For stovetop grates, remove them and soak in hot, soapy water or a solution of water and vinegar. After soaking, scrub with a stiff brush. The oven interior, especially if not self-cleaning, can be addressed by applying a paste made from baking soda and water, allowing it to sit overnight, and then scrubbing away the residue.

Stovetop Grates and Burners: Stovetop grates and burners often accumulate burnt residue that requires intense scrubbing. Consider using ammonia in a sealed bag overnight to loosen stubborn grime or a specialized stove cleaner designed to tackle these areas.

Inside of the Oven: Cleaning the inside of the oven can be a particularly daunting task. If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, use it regularly to keep grime from building up. Otherwise, consider using commercial oven cleaners, which are formulated to break down the toughest baked-on messes.

2. Bathroom Grout

Mold and Mildew Growth: Grout, especially in bathrooms, is notorious for developing mold and mildew due to constant exposure to moisture. This not only looks unsightly but can also pose health risks. To clean grout effectively, use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste, apply it to the grout lines, and then scrub with a toothbrush or a grout brush. For mold and mildew, a diluted bleach solution or commercial mold remover can be applied, followed by thorough rinsing.

Discoloration: Over time, grout can become discolored from dirt, mold, and other contaminants. Whitening grout can be challenging, but a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can help restore its original color. Apply the mixture, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Hard to Reach Areas: Grout is often located in small or hard-to-reach areas, such as corners or around fixtures, making cleaning even more difficult. To tackle these spots, consider using a narrow brush or a steam cleaner, which can penetrate and sanitize the grout.

Deep Cleaning Requirement: Regular cleaning might not be enough to keep grout looking its best. Periodic deep cleaning, using stronger cleaners or professional-grade products, may be necessary to remove stubborn dirt and stains.

3. Carpets and Rugs

Stains: Carpets and rugs are magnets for spills, stains, and dirt, which can be difficult to remove once they’ve set in. Whether it’s a spilled glass of red wine, coffee, or juice, these stains can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers. Immediate action is crucial; blot the spill with a clean cloth, apply a stain remover, and gently blot the area until the stain is removed.

Embedded Dirt and Debris: Even with regular vacuuming, carpets accumulate dirt, dust, and debris deep within their fibers. This buildup can only be effectively removed with a deep cleaning method such as steam cleaning or hot water extraction. These methods not only remove dirt but also sanitize the carpet, making it look and feel fresh.

Pet Hair and Odors: For pet owners, carpets and rugs often harbor pet hair and odors. Pet hair can be stubborn to remove, especially from thicker carpets. Using a vacuum with a pet hair attachment or a rubber broom can help gather the hair more effectively. Odors can be neutralized using a baking soda treatment before vacuuming or with a specialized carpet deodorizer.

High-Traffic Areas: Carpets in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms tend to wear down and accumulate dirt faster than other areas. Regular deep cleaning, along with placing rugs or runners in these areas, can help prolong the life of your carpet.

4. Windows and Blinds

Hard-to-Reach Windows: Cleaning high or large windows can be a real challenge. These windows often require the use of ladders or extension poles to reach. To clean them effectively, use a squeegee attached to an extension pole along with a good quality glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar.

Streak-Free Finish: Achieving a streak-free finish on windows is another common challenge. To avoid streaks, clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly. Use a microfiber cloth or newspaper to wipe down the windows after applying the cleaner.

Blinds: Dust and dirt accumulate quickly on blinds, and cleaning each slat individually can be tedious. For effective cleaning, close the blinds and wipe them with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum attachment. For a deeper clean, remove the blinds and soak them in a tub of warm, soapy water.

Window Tracks: Window tracks often collect dirt, dust, and even dead insects, making them difficult to clean. A vacuum with a crevice tool can help remove loose debris, while an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water can scrub away the grime. Finish by wiping the tracks with a clean cloth.

5. Refrigerator and Freezer

Spilled Liquids and Food: Cleaning spills inside a refrigerator is particularly challenging as they often go unnoticed until they become sticky or hard. For fresh spills, wipe them up immediately with a damp cloth. For older, hardened spills, a mixture of baking soda and water can help loosen the residue for easier removal.

Odor Removal: Lingering odors from spoiled food can be difficult to eliminate. After cleaning the fridge, place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors. If the smell persists, consider wiping down the interior with a solution of vinegar and water.

Condensation and Mold: The fridge's moist environment can lead to condensation and mold growth, particularly in corners and on seals. Regularly wiping down these areas with a disinfectant can prevent mold from taking hold. If mold does appear, a bleach solution can be used to kill it effectively.

Defrosting the Freezer: Ice buildup in the freezer can become a problem, reducing efficiency and storage space. Defrosting the freezer can be a time-consuming task, especially if done manually. To speed up the process, turn off the freezer and place bowls of hot water inside to help melt the ice.

6. Upholstery and Fabric Furniture

Stains and Spills: Upholstery is susceptible to stains and spills, which can be difficult to clean, especially on light-colored or delicate fabrics. For spot cleaning, blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth, then apply an upholstery cleaner or a mixture of water and dish soap. Gently scrub the area and blot again to remove the cleaner.

Dust Mites and Allergens: Upholstered furniture can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a healthy home. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust and allergens from the fabric. For a deeper clean, consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaning service.

Wear and Tear: Fabric furniture, especially in high-use areas, can show signs of wear and tear over time. To maintain its appearance, rotate cushions regularly and avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading. For more stubborn dirt and stains, professional cleaning may be required.

Odors: Over time, upholstery can absorb odors from pets, cooking, and other sources. To freshen up your furniture, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum it up. For more persistent odors, use an upholstery deodorizer or consider steam cleaning.

7. Ceilings and Ceiling Fans

Dust and Cobwebs: Dusting ceiling fans and removing cobwebs from ceilings can be particularly challenging without the right tools. Use an extendable duster or a microfiber cloth attached to a long pole to clean these areas without needing a ladder. For ceiling fans, a pillowcase can be placed over each blade and then pulled back to catch dust and debris.

Stains and Marks: Ceilings, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, can accumulate smoke stains, grease, or watermarks, which are difficult to clean. A mild detergent mixed with water and a soft sponge can help remove most stains, but be careful not to damage the paint. For stubborn marks, a mixture of water and bleach can be used, followed by repainting if necessary.

High Ceilings: Cleaning high ceilings requires special equipment such as a ladder or scaffolding, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming. For regular maintenance, use a long-handled duster, but for a deep clean, consider hiring professional cleaners.

Delicate Paint: Ceilings often have delicate paint finishes that can be easily damaged if not cleaned carefully. Always test a small area first before using any cleaning solution and use gentle, circular motions