Places in Our Homes We Forget to Clean as We Age: Tips for Staying on Top of Housework

Certain home areas can often be overlooked during cleaning routines as we age. This article will highlight some areas that tend to be neglected over time, whether due to physical limitations or simply because they’re out of sight. Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is still essential for our well-being.

1.  Behind and Underneath Large Furniture

The areas behind sofas, beds, and other large furniture are some of our homes’ most commonly overlooked spots. Dust, dirt, and sometimes even insects can accumulate in these spaces, affecting the air quality.

Tip: Moving large furniture regularly can be difficult, but there are simple tools that can help. Use an extendable duster or vacuum attachment to reach underneath and behind furniture without shifting heavy items. If this becomes too much of a task, consider asking for help from family members or employing professional cleaners for deep cleaning every few months.

2.  Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and even the tops of lampshades are notorious for gathering dust. Since they’re above eye level, it’s easy to forget about them, but regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the build-up of dust and allergens.

Tip: Invest in a long-handled duster or a specialised tool for cleaning ceiling fans. If you find it difficult to reach or balance while cleaning, don’t hesitate to ask someone else for assistance.

3.  Air Vents and Filters

Air vents and filters can easily become clogged with dust and dirt, reducing the efficiency of your heating or cooling systems and circulating unclean air throughout your home.

Tip: Check and clean your air vents and filters every three months. Many air conditioning service companies offer maintenance packages that can save you time and hassle.

4.  Inside Kitchen Cupboards and Drawers

While the outside of kitchen cupboards and worktops are often cleaned regularly, the insides are sometimes forgotten. Over time, crumbs, dust, and spilt liquids can gather inside drawers and cupboards, attracting pests.

Tip: Clean the insides of cupboards and drawers every few months. Wipe down the surfaces and check for expired food or no longer used items. 

5.  Skirting Boards

Skirting boards along the base of your walls tend to collect dust and grime, especially in high-traffic areas. Because they’re at floor level, they’re easy to forget, but keeping them clean can freshen up a room’s appearance.

Tip: Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment or a damp cloth to remove dust from skirting boards. If bending down is difficult, seek help or hire professional cleaners to handle this less frequently.

6.  The Tops of Cabinets and Wardrobes

High shelves and the tops of wardrobes or kitchen cabinets are prime locations for dust to gather unnoticed. These areas are easy to forget since they’re not in your line of sight, but they can impact the air quality in your home if left untouched.

Tip: Use a step stool or long-handled duster to clean these areas. If reaching these heights feels unsafe or physically strenuous, ask for help from a family member or consider having a cleaner include these areas in their routine.

7.  Window Tracks and Blinds

Although we might remember to clean window panes, window tracks and blinds can be easily overlooked. Dirt, dust, and even small insects can accumulate in window tracks, making them difficult to open and close.

Tip: Clean window tracks with a narrow attachment or soft brush vacuum cleaner. Wipe down blinds with a damp cloth or a special blind cleaning tool. 

Managing Housework as We Age

– Create a Cleaning Schedule: A cleaning schedule breaks down tasks into manageable portions throughout the week or month. Instead of cleaning the entire house in one go, spread out tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and kitchen cleaning across several days. 

– Involve Family Members: If you live with family or have regular visitors, delegate certain cleaning tasks to them. A simple roster can share the responsibility and ensure that the home stays in good condition without too much stress on any one person.

– Hire External Help: Many seniors find it beneficial to employ a cleaner for deep cleaning or more difficult tasks, especially those involving heavy lifting or reaching high areas.

Maintaining a clean and healthy home is important at any age, but as we get older, some areas require more attention. By focusing on often-overlooked places like behind furniture, inside cupboards, and window tracks, we can ensure that our homes remain clean and comfortable.