Let’s be honest: life with kids or pets (or both) means your house is in a constant state of organised chaos. There’s always something sticky, mysterious furballs appear out of nowhere, and half your day is spent wondering what that smell is. But while you might think you’re on top of things with a regular tidy-up, there are some hidden grime traps you should probably be cleaning more often. Don’t panic! Here’s a fun guide to the spots you’re likely missing – and how to tackle them before they become a biological experiment.
1. The Sofa
Your sofa, aka ground zero for snack crumbs, pet hair, and the occasional juice spill. If your sofa could talk, it’d probably tell you it’s seen things it’ll never forget – especially if you have kids who treat it like their personal jungle gym or a pet that considers it their throne.
You might vacuum around it (when you can be bothered), but when was the last time you gave it a proper clean? We’re talking cushions off, hoovering up the lost treasures of snacks gone by, and maybe even a deep clean for those suspicious stains. Trust us, your sofa will thank you, and your home might even smell a little fresher, if it doesn’t, it might be time to take a look at new sofas at Shawcross! Clean and fresh is the aim!
2. Remote Controls
Here’s a fun fact: your TV remote is probably dirtier than your toilet seat. Let that sink in. If you’ve got kids or pets, this little device is probably getting manhandled by sticky fingers or used as a chew toy. Think about it—how many times have you cleaned your remote in the past month? Year? Ever?
Give it a good wipe with some antibacterial spray, and make it a regular thing. Not only will you cut down on the germs, but you’ll stop finding weird smudges on the buttons that you’re too scared to investigate.
3. Light Switches
Light switches are one of those things you never think about until they’re basically a Jackson Pollock painting of fingerprints. But think about how often they’re touched – especially by small, sticky hands—and how rarely they get cleaned. Yikes.
A quick wipe with some disinfectant will sort them out, and let’s face it, you probably need the extra exercise running from room to room anyway.
4. Pet Bowls
You wouldn’t eat off the same plate every day without washing it, right? So why do we do this to our pets? Their bowls are basically bacteria breeding grounds, especially when bits of kibble or wet food get stuck on the sides. And don’t even get me started on water bowls that grow a film of slime.
Give your pet’s bowls a proper wash daily. It’s a small task, but one that’ll make a big difference for your furry friend’s health—and for your peace of mind.
5. Door Handles
When was the last time you cleaned your door handles? Exactly. Kids and pets are constantly pushing, pulling, and pawing at them, leaving behind who knows what. Give your door handles a regular wipe-down, especially after that epic round of ‘chase the dog’ or ‘who can slam the door the loudest.’
So there you have it—five household items you should be cleaning more often (and probably aren’t). A little extra effort here and there, and your home will be sparkling (or at least less sticky), even with kids or pets in tow!
Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Lucy Clarke
