If your weekly cleaning schedule includes a lot of scrubbing, polishing, and vacuuming, you may be surprised that there are other areas in your home you neglect. These overlooked areas get dirtier with time as they accumulate dust, pet dander, and even mold. Thankfully, our agents have listed five things that homeowners neglect the most.

1. Throw Pillows
   Throw pillows decorate beds and couches, add comfort, and even help to make living room forts. However, they also accumulate a lot of dirt, especially if you place snacks on them during movie nights.
   
   The method to wash your throw pillows depends on the material and whether it's removable. Removable covers are ideal for busy households, and you can wash and dry them every few weeks. Before you place a throw pillow in the washing machine, pre-treat stained spots with a color-safe prewash spray.
   
   Check the manufacturer's care label for cleaning instructions if you can't remove the covers. Some pillows require spot cleaning, while others like velvets and silk need the use of a dry-cleaning solution. Gentle washing with water is typically okay for cotton and polyester.
   
   
2. Tops of Cabinets and Door Frames
   Many homeowners neglect areas that are out of sight when cleaning. The door frame is a commonly ignored spot that accumulates a lot of dust. A simple swipe with a microfiber cloth will show you how much dirt you have been missing.
   
   If your upper cabinets in the kitchen don't extend to the ceiling, the tops harbor a lot of dust and grease. If dish detergent isn't enough to remove the greasy gunk, use a degreaser. Also, don't forget the tops of bookshelves and picture frames as they accumulate dust and dead bugs.
   
   
3. Behind the Fridge
   Since refrigerators are heavy to move regularly, many homeowners don't clean the area behind the appliance for months on end. However, the food particles and dust that build up in this spot result in allergies and pests. Also, mold can proliferate due to damp conditions.
   
   First, unplug the appliance and shift it away from the wall. Then, use a vacuum to remove dust on the coils underneath the fridge gently. A small duster is handy to remove any leftover dirt on the coils.
   
   The next step is cleaning the walls behind the refrigerator with a microfiber cloth. A mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water removes the grime and grease on the wall. Finally, clean the floor space where the appliance sits.
   
   
4. Doorknobs and Handles
   Doorknobs and handles receive plenty of physical contact every day. As you transfer oil from your hands to the doorknobs, germs, dirt, and other foreign particles stick to the fixtures as well.
   
   Vinegar and water make a non-toxic solution for doorknobs and handles. Also, use disinfectant wipes to sanitize the fixtures, especially if kids run around the residence constantly. In addition to the doorknobs, clean and sanitize remote controls and light switches.
   
   
5. Curtains
   Curtains add beauty to your home and block pollutants coming in from outside. However, they absorb odors and accumulate dust, debris, and pollen over time. You may also face a mold problem if dirt builds up for too long on the curtains.
   
   Vacuum the curtains frequently to remove loose pet hair, dust, and dirt. If the tag on your curtains recommends machine washing, shake off as much dirt as you can beforehand. Then, set the machine on the delicate setting and use low heat and a mild detergent.
   
   Place the curtains in the dryer on low heat and air dry them on a sunny day. Also, iron the curtains on low heat to prevent wrinkles and keep them looking fresh.

If you are looking for spotless Bakersfield homes for sale, we can help. Contact us today to find your dream home.