How hard can cleaning be? We all think we’ve got it figured out—grab a wet cloth, wipe the counters, sweep the floors, and maybe throw in some vacuuming. Yet, no matter how often we clean, our homes never quite feel spotless, do they? Even the cleanest among us have blind spots.
I’ve been guilty of letting certain areas go. Who has the time to give the light switches a good scrub when you’re balancing a baby on one arm and your sanity on the other? It wasn’t until I accidentally dropped something behind the couch that I realized I had a whole ecosystem growing back there.
The bottom line is that germs and dust don’t wait for your to-do list to empty itself—they’ll keep multiplying if overlooked. Here are some spots you might be missing that could use a good clean.
1. Light Switches and Door Handles
You and everyone else touch them multiple times a day, but when was the last time they were wiped down? These high-contact surfaces can harbor more germs than you’d think.
A quick disinfectant wipe can make a world of difference. These spots often get missed because they don’t look dirty, but they can accumulate bacteria that are invisible to the eye.
2. Underneath Large Appliances
Most of us don’t clean it if we can’t see it, especially if it takes more energy than we can immediately muster. Pulling out your fridge, stove, or washing machine every now and then will reveal a treasure trove of dust, crumbs, and that serving spoon you haven’t seen in weeks.
A quick clean underneath can prevent buildup and even help your appliances run more efficiently.
3. The Tops of Cabinets
If you’ve ever climbed up to grab something from the top of your cabinets, you’ve probably noticed the thick layer of dust clinging to the surface. Spoiler alert: it’s still there.
It’s easy to forget because you don’t see it every day, but cleaning this area can help reduce allergens and freshen up the air in your kitchen.
4. Remote Controls
These little devices are handled constantly, but how often do you clean them? Your remote is a hotspot for germs and grime, especially if it’s shared among family members.
Grab an antibacterial wipe and give it a quick scrub. It takes less than a minute and can make a huge difference.
5. Ceiling Fan Blades
Ceiling fans are often running just enough to keep you from noticing the dust settling on their blades. The next time you turn it off, take a peek. It’s a dust bunny haven up there.
Regular cleaning of the fan blades helps with dust and improves air quality in the room. Use a pillowcase to wipe the blades and the motor and to keep the dust from spreading each time you switch it on.
6. Behind the Toilet
Sure, you clean the toilet bowl, but the area behind the toilet tends to get ignored. It’s a dark, forgotten corner that accumulates dust, hair, and all sorts of grime.
It’s not glamorous, but scrubbing behind the toilet can seriously freshen up the entire bathroom. Even just swiping the mop up and over it while you’re cleaning the floor will do the trick.
7. Window Tracks
The windows may sparkle after a good clean, but have you checked the tracks? Those narrow spaces collect dirt, dead bugs, and plenty of dust.
Run a vacuum or a brush through the window tracks, and suddenly, your windows will feel brand new. Some baking soda and vinegar would also be helpful to loosen the dirt before wiping.
8. Shower Curtain Liners
You see the mildew, but somehow, it’s easy to pretend it’s not there. You just look away when you shower and keep the curtain from touching your skin when you step out of the tub.
Shower curtain liners are moisture magnets and can quickly become a breeding ground for mold. Toss them in the washing machine or replace them every few months to keep things fresh and clean.
9. Dishwasher Filter
Even the machine that cleans needs cleaning. Over time, your dishwasher filter can become clogged with food particles and grease, making it less efficient.
A regular rinse of the filter can help your dishwasher run like new and keep your dishes sparkling. The frequency of the washing depends on whether your filler is manual or self-cleaning.
10. Inside the Washing Machine
Believe it or not, when they’re done cleaning your laundry, washing machines need a good cleaning, too. Detergent residue, lint, and mildew can build up, leaving your clothes smelling less than fresh.
Run an empty load with some cleaning solution or vinegar to keep your washing machine in top shape. Leave the machine door open between washes to let it dry and smell better.
11. Baseboards
These sneaky strips along your walls collect dust and dirt, but they often get overlooked during routine cleaning. Give them a good wipe-down, and you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.
Cleaning the baseboards freshens up the room and helps prevent dust from building up on the floor.
12. Lamp Shades
The lovely lampshade that makes your room look dreamy is great, but it also attracts dust like a full-time job. Cloth and paper lamp shades, in particular, can get grimy after a while.
A gentle vacuum or a microfiber cloth can do wonders in restoring their original brightness. Be careful with the material and be sure to switch off the lightbulb before cleaning your lampshade.
13. Air Vents
If your home has central heating or air conditioning, you’ve got vents. And those vents are likely clogged with dust and dirt. Out-of-the-way spots like these can affect the air quality in your home.
A quick vacuum or wiping will help keep the air in your home cleaner and the system running smoothly. If you haven’t done so, you may also need to schedule maintenance of your vents as well.
14. Refrigerator Coils
Tucked away behind the sleek facade of your refrigerator lies a less glamorous reality – dirty coils. Over time, these coils can accumulate a significant amount of dust and debris, forcing your fridge to exert more effort to maintain its cool interior.
This not only places additional strain on the appliance but can also lead to an uptick in your energy bills. Vacuuming the coils and regular cleaning can enhance your refrigerator’s efficiency.
15. Knife Block
When you think about it, it makes sense—your knife block touches your (hopefully washed) utensils after they’ve encountered fresh and raw food products, but how often do you clean it? Those little slots can harbor bacteria if left unchecked.
Turn it upside down and shake out the crumbs, then give it a good clean with some soapy water or vinegar to keep things sanitary.
16. Behind Picture Frames
We often clean around picture frames but seldom behind them, although dust prefers to accumulate on those concealed spots. When you’re tidying up next, take a moment to detach the frames and quickly clean their backsides.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the glass front as well, preventing water streaks and damage. This keeps your artwork in pristine condition and your walls free of dust.
17. The Coffee Maker
Your morning lifesaver could be hiding mold and mineral deposits, especially if you don’t clean it regularly. Over time, water and coffee oils build up, affecting the flavor of your coffee.
Run some vinegar through your coffee maker, followed by water, and it’ll be ready to brew the best cup again.
18. The Trash Can Itself
You take out the trash regularly, but when was the last time you actually cleaned the garbage can itself? Even with the best liners, the inside of the can can still get grimy from spills, leaks, or tiny tears in the bags. Those unnoticed messes can create an unpleasant odor or even attract pests.
Giving the garbage can a thorough scrub with soap, warm water, and a little elbow grease will help keep foul smells at bay and prevent harmful bacteria from spreading.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
