This is one rule we learn as adults – that things in our homes need to be not only pretty but also practical and functional. When buying new things, most of us tend to think about how they are going to look and whether they will fit in with the aesthetics of the room. What are some of the things that could cost us extra cleaning time? 

According to professional house cleaner Schar Ward, a bed might be one of them. If your bed is against the wall, odds are, there's a lot of dust bunnies there. Sadly, there are hardly any groundbreaking solutions for that – a bed in the middle of the room is hardly a viable choice. Luckily, nowadays, robot vacuums can easily get rid of that dust and dirt.

Another thing on Ward's list is non-removable couch cushions. Their design makes it harder to get to the crevices of the sofa. Just imagine the opposite, where you can flip the cushions and, even better, remove the covers and throw them in the washing machine. Nobody wants to scrape the crumbs from the sides of the couch!

Furniture and decorations with fancy ornaments will almost always be hard to clean. One example – chandeliers. They might look all majestic and regal, but dusting them can be a real dud. Professional cleaners recommend cleaning crystal chandeliers at least once a year. What's more, you need to wipe each individual dangling piece separately.

While we're on the topic of couches and sofas, let's talk about throw pillows. Sure, a couch without them might look a bit naked, and there's also the comfort factor. What if I want to take a nap while lounging? Professional cleaners just want to remind everyone to wash the pillow covers and the pillows themselves.

Drapes can also become serious dust collectors. Personally, I opt for no-drape windows, but I understand that they can add a lot of warmth and coziness to a room. I have gotten into lots of fights over the years with the people I've lived with over whether there should be drapes, but my stance is still 'no.' Ward also says that extra-long drapes can be a hassle to clean. A vacuum might get stuck in them if they're floor-length.

Next up, throw rugs. You might think that their function is to catch dirt, so why are they hard to clean? In reality, any kind of rug or carpet collects dust, odors, pet and human hairs, and all sorts of crumbs. Ward recommends going for a machine washable one.

But it's not only the intricate design that makes things hard to clean. Some things are more fickle than others because we either tend to use them more often or just get them dirtier quickly. The kitchen and the bathroom are the places in the home where there never seems to be enough cleaning.

A greasy stove top is one of the hardest household items to clean. Especially if there are old stains – it’s possible that not even Scrub Daddy will be able to help you. Cleaning experts say that your best bet is to not let the grease and mess sit. What now only requires a microfiber cloth and some warm soapy water might later need a whole lot of scrubbing.

Cleaning a bathroom is arguably the most draining task for most of us. It's important to clean it to avoid harmful germs, and it's best to do it properly. Cleaning company Molly Maid offers some tips on how best to tackle cleaning your bathroom. They say it's best to start by taking everything off the surfaces. That includes everything on the floor: the laundry basket, mats, and towels.

Then, dust the shelves and the cabinets. After that, you can move on to scrubbing the shower/tub, sink, and toilet. It's imperative to use the proper cleaning products and tools: bleaching gel/powder, a toilet cleaner, and a scrubbing brush. Don't do yourself a disservice by going the DIY route. Cleaning experts say that homemade solutions don't always get rid of all the nasties of the bathroom.