The living room is often considered the heart of the home – it’s where we gather with friends and family to relax and unwind. However, this high-traffic area can quickly become a hotspot for germs and dirt if not cleaned regularly. Here are nine common living room items that tend to get quite filthy.
The Couch
The couch is probably the most-used item in the living room. It’s where we sit to watch TV, read, nap, and hang out. All of this use means the couch collects dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and other debris. Food particles and dead skin cells often fall between the cushions. If you’ve ever dug your hand deep into the crevices of your couch, you know just how much junk accumulates over time. Give those cushions a vacuum and flip them over regularly to keep your couch as clean as possible.
Remote Controls
Remote controls see a lot of action as we constantly pick them up, touch all the buttons, and then set them back down. All that handling transfers dirt and oil from our hands onto the remote. And if anyone eats while watching TV, even more food debris joins the party. Disinfect remotes regularly with antimicrobial wipes to kill germs.
Throw Blankets
Cozy throw blankets draped on the couch or chair provide an inviting look and extra warmth. But they also tend to collect dust, pet dander, and spilled food and drinks that go unnoticed. Unless you wash them often, throw blankets become magnets for microscopic dirt and allergens. Toss them in the washing machine at least every couple of weeks for a refresh.
Area Rugs
Living room rugs help define spaces and add color and texture. But they also trap tracked-in dirt, dust, pet hair, and dander. Vacuuming helps get surface dirt out, but grime still builds up down in the fibers and backing of the rug. Professional rug cleaning is recommended every year or two to deep clean and sanitize rugs.
Light Switches and Door Handles
Light switches and doorknobs are touched constantly with dirty hands. That transfers many microbes to these high-touch surfaces. Disinfect doorknobs and light switches weekly or more often during cold and flu season to help stop the spread of bacteria and viruses.
TV Screen and Electronics
Fingertips leave behind oil and dirt on TV and laptop screens, tablets, game consoles, and other electronics. Dust also builds up over time. Wipe down screens and devices regularly to remove dirt and smudges. Microfiber cloths work well for dusting electronics without scratching delicate screens. Also clean the exterior of TVs, DVD players, gaming systems and other gear to keep your media center looking sharp.
Ceiling Fan Blades
The ceiling fan circulates air throughout the room. As it spins, it collects dust, pet hair, cobwebs, and anything else floating around up there. Over time, the blades can get quite filthy. Use a microfiber duster or vacuum with an extendable hose to reach and clean fan blades a few times a year.
Windows and Window Treatments
Living room windows let in welcome daylight. But they also attract dust, dirt, and fingerprints. Window treatments like blinds and curtains also trap dust and allergens. Vacuum blinds, and wash curtains and drapes occasionally according to manufacturer’s instructions. Use glass cleaner to wipe down windows inside and out.
Air Vents and Heating Units
Heating and cooling vents circulate air to regulate home temperatures. But that airflow also spreads dust and other particles from room to room. Use a vacuum hose attachment to remove debris from vent covers and radiator grilles. Similarly, clean portable heaters to remove built-up dirt. Change HVAC air filters as recommended to keep systems running efficiently.
Keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance helps keep living room dirt under control. But even the best housekeepers will likely be surprised at how filthy some seemingly innocent items can get! Target the living room hot spots highlighted here to keep your space fresh, healthy and looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dirty Living Room Items
What is the fastest way to clean a living room?
The quickest way to clean a living room is to focus on high-traffic areas. Quickly tidy clutter, vacuum rugs and upholstery, wipe down hard surfaces like tables and TV screens, and disinfect doorknobs and remote controls. This mini-cleaning hits the major hotspots that build up everyday grime in high-use living spaces.
How often should you disinfect living room surfaces?
Living room surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, remotes and electronics should be disinfected about once a week during cold and flu season. During other times, aim to disinfect high-touch surfaces every 2-3 weeks. More frequent disinfecting may be warranted if someone in the home is ill.
What’s the easiest way to clean blinds and windows?
For a quick blind cleaning, use a microfiber duster or vacuum hose with a brush to remove surface dust and grime. For a deeper clean, take blinds down and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap. Use glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth or paper towels to easily clean windows.
How do you deep clean upholstered furniture and rugs?
Regular vacuuming keeps surface dirt at bay on upholstery and rugs. But periodically they need a deeper clean. Professionally steam clean carpets every 6-12 months. Upholstery can be shampooed or steamed every 1-2 years. Always check manufacturer’s labels first and test cleaners in inconspicuous spots.
What’s the safest way to clean TV and laptop screens?
Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning electronics like TVs, laptops, tablets, and phones. They remove fingerprints and dust without scratching screens or leaving streaks. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive cleaners, and don’t spray liquid directly on screens. Dampen the microfiber cloth instead and gently wipe the surface.
Conclusion
The living room tends to be one of the most lived-in spaces in the home. That high traffic means plentiful opportunities for dirt, dust, debris, and germs to accumulate. Pay special attention to cleaning and disinfecting high-touch items like remotes, doorknobs, and electronics. Don’t forget hidden hotspots like ceiling fans and air vents too. Following a regular cleaning routine helps keep the living room fresher for both health and aesthetics. With extra vigilance of these nine key trouble spots, families can spend quality time together in a cleaner, more inviting living room space.