The 5 easy cleaning jobs you’re probably forgetting!
In the madness of our everyday lives, it’s so easy to overlook forgotten cleaning spots in our homes. So, if you’ve mopped the floor, wiped down the surfaces, vacuumed all the pet hair from the sofa, and things still don’t feel fresh, these 5 cleaning jobs are thankfully as easy to get done as they are to forget!
By Alex- 25th Feb 2026
- 4min read
1. Light switches and door handles
Light switches and door handles are used every single day, but are easily overlooked when it comes to cleaning! Germs and grime can easily build up on these areas in your home, so it’s important to clean them now and again.
Luckily, it takes almost no time at all to get them sparkling. Simply spray a small amount of antibacterial cleaner onto a cloth (not directly onto light switches), wipe the switch or handle, and give it a quick dry. All done!
If your door handles are brass, you should clean them with a brass cleaner once a year or so to get them back to their sparkling best.
2. Washing machine drawer
We trust our washing machines to clean our dirty laundry – but what if it isn’t clean to begin with? Over time, the drawer where you pop your detergent and conditioner can get caked in soap build-up and mould.
To clean, remove the drawer from the washing machine and clean it with hot, soapy water, using an old toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies. Clean the area inside the washing machine where the drawer went, using a toothbrush to pay particular attention to the jets.
If you want to give your washing machine a full clean while you’re at it, it’s an easy job to do and makes a huge difference. You can learn all about it on our blog post about how to keep your washing machine clean.
3. Descaling the kettle
When was the last time you looked inside your kettle? After a while, limescale buildup can start to appear on the inside of your kettle, which affects how it performs as well as the quality of your cuppas!
Depending on where you live and the hardness of your water, it’s a good idea to descale your kettle every couple of months or so.
Fill your kettle halfway with water and bring to the boil. Unplug it, then add your descaler – best to do this near the sink in case it bubbles over. Leave it to work its magic for a few minutes – if your limescale is particularly stubborn, try plugging it back in and turning it on until it starts fizzing.
Once all the limescale has been dealt with, empty out your kettle, fill it with fresh water, boil it, and discard. Repeat this process once more to make sure there’s no descaler left. Then you can marvel at how shiny it looks!
While you’re at it, give the outside of your kettle a quick wipe with a surface wipe or antibacterial spray for a thorough clean.
4. Skirting boards
The skirting boards around your home collect more dust than you realise, and it’s so easy to forget about them! Not only this, but they easily get scuffed by family members and vacuum cleaners. Giving them a quick clean every once in a while makes a big difference to the look of your home.
Start by giving them a dust. If they haven’t been done in a while, it may be easier to give them a once-over with the vacuum cleaner first. We find that a damp microfibre cloth is the best for dusting, as it absorbs the dust and cleans the surface at the same time.
For any stubborn marks or stains, try giving them a scrub with a mild cream cleaner.
If your skirting boards are very old (or very mucky), don’t forget you can grab some specialist skirting board paint to give them a new lease of life. Its gloss finish will also protect your skirting boards from daily wear and tear in the future!
5. The bin lid
It makes sense that the bin lid can become pretty grimy over time – but it’s one of the most easily forgotten cleaning jobs. Giving it a quick clean will cut down on bacteria as well as nasty smells!
For a quick clean, remove the bin lid, spray the inside and outside with an antibacterial spray, then wipe with a cloth. For a deeper clean, fill your sink with hot water and washing-up liquid, then use cloths and brushes to get into all the nooks and crannies before drying the bin lid.
Alternatively, plastic bin lids (and some metal ones) are also dishwasher safe, so it’s as easy as putting them through on a normal washing cycle. Don’t worry about putting it through with plates and bowls – dishwashers get hot enough to kill off any bacteria, and they’ll all come out sparkling. As long as you’ve cleaned your dishwasher, that is!
You can grab all your cleaning essentials at the value you know and love with wilko – just visit our Cleaning & Laundry hub for inspiration!
What are the jobs you keep forgetting? Any cleaning hacks to share? Get in touch with us on: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & X.
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