In India, people begin a thorough cleaning of their homes before the Diwali festival. While cabinets, fans, windows, and floors are usually cleaned, dust accumulated under sofas, beds, and heavy furniture often remains. Moving such furniture can be laborious, and there is a risk of damaging the flooring. Because of this, many postpone cleaning these areas, leaving them dirty.
However, there are ways to clean the space under and behind furniture without moving a sofa, bed, or large wardrobe. This does not require expensive cleaning agents or special machines; ordinary household items can be used to reach these difficult spots. Below are simple methods for cleaning dust and dirt accumulated under and behind furniture before Diwali.
How to Assess the Space Under Furniture
Before starting the cleaning, you should use your mobile phone's flashlight to carefully inspect the space under the sofa, bed, and wardrobe. This will help you understand the volume of accumulated dust and the available area for cleaning. You need to check the free space between the furniture and the floor, ensuring there are no wires, wooden planks, or furniture legs. If the space is limited, you can use a narrow brush or a cloth attached to a long handle. First, you must remove all toys, paper, and other items lying on the floor.
It is important to remember: if the sofa is electric or equipped with a motor, be sure to unplug it before starting work. Avoid putting hands or sticks into the moving parts of the device.
Creating a Long Brush from Old Socks or Cloth
If you do not have a professional long broom bought from a store, you can create one from an old sock or cotton fabric. Take any long, thin stick or pole you have at home and firmly attach a piece of cotton fabric or an old sock to one end. Ensure the fabric is securely fastened so it does not fall off during cleaning. Then, slowly rotate this pole under the sofa and bed, cleaning in small sections instead of scrubbing the same spot repeatedly. When dust starts to accumulate on the fabric, it should be shaken out or washed. This way, hidden dust under the furniture can be removed with minimal effort.
Dusting Behind Sofas and Wardrobes
Dust, cobwebs, and small debris often accumulate between the wall and the sofa or wardrobe, making them hard to reach by hand. For this purpose, a long brush or a thin stick can be used. First, gently remove cobwebs from the corners of the wall and behind the furniture. After that, sweep from top to bottom with the long brush. It is also recommended to wipe the baseboard along the wall with a dry cloth to remove stuck dust. Finally, the collected dust and debris should be swept up and disposed of.
Note: If there are electrical panels or wires behind the furniture, do not use a wet cloth or metal rods near them. When cleaning, avoid pulling or displacing electrical cables.
Cleaning with a Broom If No Vacuum Cleaner is Available
Even though not every home has a vacuum cleaner, this does not mean it is impossible to clean under furniture. In such cases, you can use a narrow broom. Slowly guide the broom under the sofa or bed and direct the dust in one direction. It is important not to spin the broom too fast, otherwise, the dust may scatter throughout the room. The collected dust should be removed immediately. If the broom is too thick and cannot fit under the furniture, you can tie a piece of thin cotton material to its front part to facilitate the process.
Final Wipe with a Damp Cloth
Even after removing dry dust, some dirt may remain on the floor. To eliminate it, use a slightly damp cotton cloth. Before use, the cloth must be moistened with water and thoroughly wrung out so that it does not drip. Then, using a long pole, gain access under the furniture and gently wipe the surface according to the type of floor. If you have wood or laminate flooring, try not to use too much water. After cleaning, allow the area to dry completely.
It should be noted that the same cleaning agent is not suitable for all types of floors. Especially before applying vinegar, strong chemicals, or steam on wooden floors, you must read the care instructions for them.
Precautions When Cleaning for Diwali
Do not attempt to move heavy wardrobes or furniture attached to the wall yourself, and never remove their safety fastenings. During cleaning, do not use excessive amounts of water. If you notice signs of dampness or leaks under the furniture, do not ignore them. If you find mold, do not blow it away with a broom, but address the cause of the increased humidity.
