Cleaning Tips for Tricky Spots

Superhuman Cleaning Hacks

Wiping down the counter: Easy. Tackling the dust bunnies behind the fridge: Not so much. Face it, some places in your house require almost circus-performer-like contortions to clean properly. Here, expert tips for getting the grime out of five hard-to-reach areas.

Between Radiator Coils

Wrap a dustcloth around a yardstick to get in between close coils. Or use a radiator brush (Brushtech radiator and baseboard cleaning brush, about $14; Amazon). Follow with a wet rag and soapy water. Finish by drying the radiator with a clean rag to prevent rust.

Behind the Toilet

Use a clean toilet brush (not the one you use to clean the bowl) to reach behind the tank. Dried-on crusty stains? Hit them with a steam cleaner to loosen the grimy residue.

Along Horizontal Blinds

For a quick fix, bust out the vacuum. For a deeper clean, pop plastic or aluminum blinds out of their hardware and give them a bath in the tub using mild detergent; rehang once they’re dry. For wood styles, use a gloved hand to sweep the dust off each slat.

On Top of Ceiling-Fan Blades

Climb up on a stepladder and place a pillowcase over a blade, holding it closed to pull away dust. The case will contain the dirt.

In Back of the Refrigerator

Dust buildup on the coils can reduce your appliance’s efficiency. Set down a large piece of cardboard in front of the fridge to protect your floor, and wiggle the refrigerator out. Vacuum the coils, then wipe with a damp cloth.