10 Tricks to Help You Clean Those Impossible-to-Reach Spots
Sometimes it feels easier to avoid super small and narrow places around your home, rather than clean them (trust us, we completely understand). But these clever ideas will show you how to get rid of the gunk (no matter how small the space) in no time.
Keyboard Cracks
Why not use office supplies to clean your keyboard? First, turn over your keyboard and tap out any crumbs. Then, run the sticky side of on a Post-It Note between the keys to nab debris.
Window Tracks
Sometimes the hard plastic material on your vacuum's crevice tool doesn't allow for much flexibility. But if you put a toilet paper tube over the end, you can squish it until it fits any cranny you need to clean — including the area around your window.
Car Vents
Nothing makes a long drive feel longer than dust blowing into your face. To keep air fresh, use a sponge paintbrush from your craft supplies drawer to dust vents.
Narrow Blinds
If you don't want to get your hands dusty, there's a kitchen utensil you can use instead: tongs! All you have to do is secure a microfiber cloth using rubber bands, then close the tool on a strand and pull it across.
Dishwasher Filter and Screen
Don't toss that used toothbrush into the garbage — it's actually one the best cleaning tools for your dishwasher. Use soap, water and the bristly end of your brush to scrub off build-up on removable filters and screens.
Air Vents
Nothing cuts through dust quite like a dull butter knife. First, vacuum loose dust off of vents. Then wrap your utensil in a microfiber cloth, which will grab and hold onto dust particles.
Car Details
Sadly, some of the indented crevices in your car require more care than just running a rag over them. For those, use Q-Tips to rub off debris until no more gunk is visible.
Mattress Quilting and Trim
You spend one-third of your life on your mattress, and you'll be able to sleep soundly knowing it's clean with the help of the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. Use it to suck dirt and dust out of the folds and crevices in your mattress.
Shower Tracks
Who likes scrubbing the shower on their hands and knees? No one, that's who. To make this task less tedious, let a paper towel soaked in vinegar sit on the track for 30 minutes before scrubbing the grime away with a small brush.
Faucet Crevices
To banish mildew and bacteria from the nooks and crannies around your faucet, grab an old toothbrush. The bristles paired with warm water and soap will help you get into the deepest (and dirtiest!) places you can't see.
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
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