Not all cleaning tasks are obvious, and some can go unnoticed for a while. However, even the less obvious ones need to be cleaned regularly to maintain a clean and sanitary vacation rental environment. To avoid the dreaded words, “You missed a spot,” here’s a list of some of the cleaning tasks that can be easily overlooked:
1. Overhead Fixtures
It’s easy to overlook cleaning tasks that are above our field of vision. However, overhead items like light fixtures, ceiling fans, air vents, and crown molding need to be part of a regular dusting routine. These fixtures accumulate dust, which can make a home look dirty and affect the air quality. You can use an extendable duster to help you clean these hard-to-reach areas.
2. Light Switch Covers
Light switches and their covers are touched many times throughout the day. Dirt and germs cling to these surfaces, and over time they can look grimy. You can clean the switch plate with a disinfectant spray or a cloth soaked in vinegar and hot water. Just make sure you don’t spray any liquids directly onto the light switch or socket, as this can risk an electrical short circuit.
3. Doorknobs
Doorknobs are another high-touch surface, and cleaning them is an easily overlooked cleaning task. They collect bacteria, dirt, and oils from hands with every touch. Handles in the bathroom and kitchen are especially prone to spreading germs. Scrub doorknobs, cabinet knobs, and appliance handles with a cloth and disinfectant solution.
4. Houseplants
Whether a houseplant is real or fake, it will collect dust on its leaves and pot over time. You can use a soft microfiber cloth and water to gently remove dust. Another option is to spray leaf shine on hard-leaved plants when they appear dusty and dull.
5. Baseboards
One of the most commonly overlooked cleaning tasks is wiping down baseboards. However, when they aren’t kept clean, the space can look dingy. Thankfully, this is a relatively easy task with immediate results. You can thoroughly dust baseboards with a dry microfiber cloth, then scrub away residual grime with warm water and dish soap. To save your knees, you can also use a vacuum attachment to clear dust and dirt from baseboards.
6. Walls
Vertical surfaces can collect dust, too, so one of the cleaning tasks that shouldn’t be skipped is dusting the walls. You can run a dry mop along the walls to remove dust and dirt. This makes the walls look less dull, removes allergens, and adds more brightness to the room.
7. Curtains
While windows are one of the most obvious cleaning tasks, their curtains can easily be overlooked. Curtains collect dust and dirt over time. If they are washable, you can wash them and hang them back up to dry. Or, vacuum them and dust the curtain rod and fasteners.
8. Window Sills
Much like curtains, window sills are another one of the easily overlooked cleaning tasks. Dust, dirt, fingerprints, and even dead bugs can accumulate on window sills. You can use a handheld vacuum or duster to remove these particles, then go over the window sills with a damp cloth to wipe away any leftover grime and smudges.
9. Silverware Trays
Silverware trays hold clean silverware so it’s ready for use. However, crumbs inevitably find their way into them. Cleaning these is one of the most often overlooked cleaning tasks because it’s not a visible area of a kitchen. If the silverware tray is dishwasher safe, you can run it through a cycle. Otherwise, you can wipe it out with a cloth and disinfectant.
10. Washing Machine and Dishwasher
Because washing machines and dishwashers regularly deal with soap and water, they are some of the most easily overlooked cleaning tasks. However, just like sinks and bathtubs, these items need attention, too. They will look and perform better with regular cleaning. This task is as simple as running a cycle with a special cleaner and wiping down the exterior.
These are some of the easily overlooked cleaning tasks that should be a part of regular housekeeping for vacation rentals. For a more complete guide on thoroughly cleaning vacation rentals, check out our spring cleaning checklist for vacation rental cleaning.
