In case your usual cleansing routine consists of a fast zip around the carpets with the vacuum cleaner, there is likely to be a number of areas of the house that also need your attention (sorry). But don’t worry, reaching those tricky spots for an intensive clean needn’t require acrobatic skills and armloads of apparatus – here’s what it is advisable to know …
Under furniture
Reaching dust, dirt and hair under low-seated sofas or beds can feel like an inconceivable task (anyone else come across enormous hay bales of pet hair from time to time?), so using a vacuum cleaner designed for hard-to-reach spaces will prove a wise move for cleanliness levels and your back.
The brand new Shark Stratos cordless range contains a sensor that robotically detects the dirt you possibly can’t see, adjusting cleansing power for as much as 50% more dirt pick-up* – perfect for those tricky spots. The suction robotically decreases once the debris is cleared. And the wand bends on the touch of a button, meaning it will possibly reach under beds, sofas and low tables so that you don’t should. Less straining and doubling over to choose up all that fluff can only be a great thing, right?
Ceilings and lightweight fixtures
Let’s be honest – how often do you really clean up high? A great method to start is with a monthly dust to remove any lingering dirt, fluff or hairs, especially for households with pets or allergy victims (you would possibly not spot the dust till up close – so be prepared).
Long-handled dusters with microfibre heads are great for ceilings (they won’t capture all of the dust and dirt, but will dislodge it so that you can vacuum away afterwards). Or try a tool akin to Shark’s upright cleaner with lift-away technology – the hosepipe might be detached from the bottom and used to scrub high above your head.
While your focus is on all things high, take the time to wipe the tops of door frames and alter any bulbs on the blink. Avoid using anything which may scratch delicate areas akin to ceilings (follow soft brush attachments) and be gentle around decorative mouldings.
Stairs
The staircase takes a pounding so it needs regular TLC, but removing all of the dirt, fluff and pet hair that pile up might be an onerous, to not say backbreaking, task.
One method to ease the load is to make use of a conveyable vacuum cleaner – or at the least one which effortlessly lifts away from its fundamental unit, akin to the upright version of Stratos. It has powered brushes that rotate to attract within the dirt and fluff – even in portable mode. The eight-metre power cord means you’ll have loads of flex to cover the entire staircase, too.
In case your staircase has picket treads, using a steam mop post-vacuum will thoroughly clean and revive them. Shark’s steam mops work brilliantly on marble, tile and stone too, to go away your staircase sparkling.
Curtains, blinds and shutters
In case you’ve never cleaned your curtains or blinds, you’re definitely not alone, nevertheless it is likely to be time to begin. Experts say we must always be tackling them once a month, if no more often (not only does keep them looking smart nevertheless it helps minimise allergy risk and may also help curtains and blinds to last more, too).
Depending on the kind of curtains, blinds or shutters, most might be vacuumed on a mild setting using a soft brush attachment (check for any stains or marks, and spot-treat as you go). Remember to do either side.
With shutters, when you’ve vacuumed, wipe them down with a microfibre cloth (an old sock will do when you don’t have one), and don’t forget the windowsills afterwards.
All the time aim to scrub from top to bottom to avoid having to re-do areas because they’ve been showered in freshly dislodged dust.
*Versus Shark IZ400 in ECO mode.
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