Even if you have just one hour, rolling up your sleeves for a deep-cleaning session can yield surprisingly satisfying results. After all, it’s a no-brainer that a light dusting or a quick spritz with a bathroom cleaner is an excellent way to minimize the appearance of a messy home, but tackling grime will make you feel accomplished. What’s more, “taking the time to deep clean will save you time in the long run,” says Kadi Dulude, owner of Wizard of Homes, a cleaning company in New York City. Deep cleaning is especially important when it comes to hard-to-reach and often neglected places like shower heads, cabinet fronts, and forgotten carpet stains. 

Here we compiled six spots that probably need a little love and hacks on how to clean them. Plus, hand-picked cleaning products to get the job done.

1. Limescale and hard water spots

Why it’s dirty: Mineral deposits are caked on

The bathroom shower is probably the biggest mineral buildup offender. You can start by deep cleaning the showerhead: Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and then submerge the head in it (if you unscrew the showerhead) or tie it above the nozzle. “Leave overnight or at least a couple of hours,” says Will Cotter, owner of HappyCleans, a cleaning company in Oklahoma City. “Run hot water to flush out debris. Brush with a stiff bristle brush for nozzles that seem stuck.”

While the showerhead soaks, tackle stubborn stains around the faucets—and even inside the toilet bowl—with the Pink Stuff, the limescale-fighting darling on TikTok.

Stardrops Miracle Bathroom Foam Cleaner

2. Spots on area rugs and carpets

Why it’s dirty: Dust and debris are pushed into carpet fibers

Although regular vacuuming can keep crumbs and dust out of rugs and carpeting, true stains need to be spot-cleaned with a stain remover, Cotter says. For the most efficient rug or carpet deep cleaning, employ steam to loosen up the debris, then suck up the gunk with a hand-held vacuum, like Bissell LittleGreen portable carpet and upholstery cleaner, which allows you to focus on the trouble spot. A vinegar and soap solution can help manage funky odors, but true stains—especially those caused by pets—need something more serious. Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator tackles it all. 

Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator

3. Dull window treatments

Why it’s dirty: Blinds and curtains are dust magnets

Tackling the dust on windows and window treatments is often an after thought, but it shouldn’t be. Greying fabric or blinds can make the entire bedroom look dumpy.  If you have fabric window blinds, vacuum them using the smaller brush attachment and then deep clean them with a fabric or upholstery cleaner. Better yet: Arm yourself with a dusting arsenal and tackle not only the blinds, but also the area surrounding the window frame with specialty brushes. For wood or bamboo blinds, vacuum side to side and cover every nook and cranny with the brush attachment. Tip: “Never use any liquid cleansers,” Cotter says. “If these get wet, they’re prone to water stains.”


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