With a constant focus on the big things that need cleaning, people often forget or overlook the smaller items/areas that require attention. Here, MarketWatch reports the top areas where people should focus their attention when cleaning.

1. The actual cleaning supplies — Supplies often have a shelf life, says Good Housekeeping. Just like anything else, make sure your supplies aren’t expired or risk losing cleaning effectiveness. According to reports:
 • Laundry detergent keeps for six months
 • Fabric softener keeps for one year
 • Dish soap will last up to a year and a half
 • Dishwasher detergent lasts three months
 • Disinfectant lasts two years
 • Multi-surface cleaners keep for up to two years
 • Metal polish lasts for two years, but throw it away sooner if it’s lumpy

2. Emergency preparedness plans and supplies — Whether the facility is located in areas prone to hurricanes, earthquakes or tornadoes, its important to periodically check emergency supplies. Make sure batteries are available and working, medical supplies haven’t expired, equipment/barricades are available and evacuation plans are current.

3. Condiments in the break room refrigerator — Despite what many people believe, condiments do have a shelf life. Reports recommend you replace the following:
 • Jams/jellies last one year
 • Mayonnaise lasts two to three months after the use by date
 • Hot sauce lasts five years
 • Pickles last one year
 • Soy sauce lasts two years
 • Mustard lasts one year
 • Ketchup lasts six months

4. Computer keyboards and mouse — Reportedly, any given keyboard and mouse are cesspools of germs and bacteria and should get a thorough cleaning regularly.

5. Chairs or items used by young children — Facilities that offer daycare services should clean and disinfect height chairs and similar type equipment. These should also be checked for proper functionality.

6. Computer files — Unless you’re incredibly disciplined, your computer could probably use some organization. Clean up your desktop, but then go deeper: Put completed projects onto external hard drives or the cloud, go through the hundreds of screenshots you can’t remember why you saved, and clean up whatever app you use to keep random notes.

If focusing on spring cleaning in the home, you can add these unexpected areas:
 • Spice rack — If you can’t remember when you bought a spice, it’s likely time to restock.
 • Purse or briefcase — Not only focus on cleaning out the garbage that tends to collect at the bottom, but it would be smart to disinfect, too.
 • Car trunk or glove compartment — Hidden areas of the car tend to harbor junk pushed aside to be dealt with later. It’s now later.
 • Makeup and brushes — Toss foundation that is more than 18 months old; powder more than two years old; lipstick more than one year old; mascara more than three months old and; gel eyeliner more than two months old

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