How to clean hard-to-reach places around the home

Skirting boards collect dust fast because they sit right where everyday dirt and debris naturally settle. When neglected, they quickly make rooms look untidy. A floor duster such as our CleanTech™ Low Zone Floor Duster is the perfect tool for cleaning them effectively, with a head that folds into a right angle, allowing it to sit flush against the edge and capture dust in one smooth sweep. A broom and dustpan, such as the CleanTech™ Dustpan & Broom Sweep Set, helps to angle the broom head into the corner and sweeping directly towards the pan to capture any larger crumbs and leave edges clean and crumb-free.

Getting behind radiators without hassle 

Dust loves to build up behind radiators, creating hard-to-reach nuggets (as well as potentially reducing heating efficiency when temperatures drop). To clean them out, use a long-reach duster with a slim, flexible head that can slide easily between the wall and radiator fins. These effectively lift dust from areas that are often overlooked during day-to-day cleans.

For any stubborn dust that remains, try the hairdryer hack: place a towel under the radiator and use a hairdryer to blow dust down from the top. It’s a quick way to shift hidden debris before going in with a slim duster for a deeper clean. Place a towel under the radiator and use a hairdryer to blow dust down from the top. It’s a quick, no-fuss way to shift years of hidden debris before going in with a slim duster for a deeper clean.

Follow up with a long-handled dustpan and brush to sweep out anything the duster has dislodged. 
If this reveals stubborn dirt or grime on nearby tiled floors, our guide to cleaning tile and grout has expert tips for getting them looking their best.

Cobwebs, dust and grime can quickly accumulate in hard-to-reach ceiling corners, on light fittings and across ceiling fan blades. No need to reach for a ladder though… A long-reach duster with a 200° rotating head makes the job much easier, allowing you to adjust the angle to clean around fixtures, safely from the ground.

For ceiling fan blades, simply twist the duster so the head wraps over the top of the blade, then pull it towards you to trap and remove dust rather than scattering it around the room. This keeps dust under control and makes it possible to tackle high-up cleaning tasks with confidence.

High windows, skylights and fanlights don’t have to mean getting out the ladder. A squeegee attached to the CleanTech™ extension pole allows you to clean glass safely from floor level. Before washing the glass, use a long-reach duster around the frame and surrounding edges. This helps prevent dirt from being dragged across the surface, leaving you with a cleaner, streak-free finish.

Cleaning behind furniture gets forgotten (out of sight, out of mind). But the job is easy with a floor duster such as our CleanTech™ Low Zone Floor Duster. Its 90° rotating head can slide under sofas, beds and other hard-to-move furniture, without the need to move it. Pull dirt towards you with the duster, then collect it with a broom and dustpan. Keeping these tools close to hand makes tackling awkward spots, including behind large furniture, quick and hassle-free.

How to clean awkward kitchen areas

Crumbs and dirt can quickly build up behind fridges, washing machines and other appliances. A flat-angled floor duster or a long-handled dustpan and brush is able to slide into narrow gaps to remove dirt from behind fridges or washing machines, needing to lift the appliance. Focus on the visible gaps at the sides and underneath where dust tends to gather. Regular cleaning helps keep these areas under control and has the bonus of prolonging the life of your appliances over time.

The tops of kitchen cupboards and cabinets can collect a layer of greasy dust more quickly than you’d think, particularly near extraction vents. To clean these, start by using a long-reach duster to remove loose dust and debris, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth and degreaser or salt or bicarb solution to tackle any remaining residue. Cleaning this area monthly helps prevent heavy build-up, making it easier to keep your kitchen looking fresh, with less effort.

A portable cleaning caddy with a handle such as the CleanTech™ Cleaning Caddy is a simple way to keep essential tools organised and within easy reach. Stock it with your chemicals, accessories and equipment, so you're always prepared for awkward cleaning tasks, and don’t have to keep returning to and from the cleaning cupboard to collect different tools. To maximise space, our caddy has a hanging bracket that can be mounted inside a cupboard door or on a utility room wall, keeping everything accessible while freeing up valuable floor space and reducing clutter.