10 Hidden Places You’re Forgetting to Clean (And How to Clean Them)
We all have regular cleaning routines – wiping down counters, vacuuming floors, and scrubbing bathrooms. But even in the most well-maintained homes, some spots often escape our attention.
These hidden areas can accumulate dust, grime, and bacteria over time, potentially affecting both the cleanliness of your home and your family’s health. Let’s explore these commonly overlooked spots and learn the best ways to tackle them.
1. Ceiling Fan Blades
Why It’s Forgotten: Most of us rarely look up, which is why ceiling fan blades often become dust magnets without us noticing. Out of sight and out of reach, these blades can accumulate thick layers of dust that spread through your home every time you turn on the fan.
How to Clean: To clean them effectively, try this clever hack: use a pillowcase to trap dust as you wipe each blade. Simply slip the pillowcase around the blade and wipe, letting the dust fall inside instead of all over your floor or furniture. Follow up with a microfiber cloth for a thorough cleaning.
2. Behind Appliances
Why It’s Forgotten: The spaces behind your refrigerator, stove, and washer/dryer are notorious dust and dirt collectors. These appliances are heavy and cumbersome to move, which is why many people avoid cleaning behind them for months or even years.
How to Clean: To tackle these areas, carefully pull out each appliance (using proper lifting techniques or appliance sliders), and vacuum up dust and debris. Follow with a thorough mopping using a damp cloth and your preferred cleaning solution. Consider making this a quarterly task to prevent excessive buildup.
3. Underneath Furniture
Why It’s Forgotten: The space under your furniture can become a haven for dust bunnies and lost items. Because these areas are hidden from view and difficult to reach, they often go untouched during regular cleaning sessions.
How to Clean: Make these spaces more manageable by using a long-handled duster or your vacuum’s slim attachment to reach under furniture without moving it. For a deep clean, consider rearranging your furniture every few months to access these hidden areas properly.
4. Baseboards
Why It’s Forgotten: Baseboards are often ignored during daily cleaning routines, yet they collect a surprising amount of dust, pet hair, and scuff marks over time. Many people simply forget about them while focusing on more obvious surfaces.
How to Clean: Clean your baseboards by wiping them down with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn dirt in the grooves, use a small brush to get into the details. Consider making baseboard cleaning part of your monthly deep-cleaning routine.
5. Light Switches and Door Handles
Why It’s Forgotten: These high-touch surfaces are some of the most germ-laden areas in your home. Despite being touched frequently throughout the day, they’re rarely included in regular cleaning routines.
How to Clean: Give these spots proper attention by wiping them down with a disinfecting cloth or spray. Pay special attention to the edges and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate. Make this a weekly task, especially during cold and flu season.
6. Air Vents and Registers
Why It’s Forgotten: Air vents and registers often blend into the background of our homes, making them easy to forget. However, they can harbor dust and allergens that affect your indoor air quality.
How to Clean: Remove the covers and either dust them thoroughly or vacuum them with an attachment. For deeper cleaning, wash them with soap and water. Don’t forget to vacuum inside the ducts as far as you can reach safely.
7. The Top of Cabinets or Tall Furniture
Why It’s Forgotten: The tops of cabinets and tall furniture pieces are prime dust-collecting surfaces that are often overlooked simply because they’re out of our line of sight. These areas can accumulate thick layers of sticky dust over time.
How to Clean: Use a stable step ladder and a microfiber cloth to remove loose dust first. Follow up with a slightly damp cloth to remove any remaining grime. Consider placing wax paper on top to make future cleaning easier.
8. Window Tracks
Why It’s Forgotten: Window tracks are small and hidden by the window frame, making them easy to forget. However, they can collect dirt, dead insects, and debris that can affect your window’s operation.
How to Clean: Use an old toothbrush to loosen dirt and grime from the tracks. Follow up by wiping with a damp cloth to remove all debris. Regular cleaning will keep your windows sliding smoothly.
9. Behind the Toilet
Why It’s Forgotten: The area behind your toilet is one of the most commonly overlooked spots during regular bathroom cleaning. It’s awkward to reach and often ignored during quick cleaning sessions.
How to Clean: Use a long-handled mop or cloth to reach behind the toilet and thoroughly disinfect the area. Make this a regular part of your bathroom cleaning routine to prevent buildup of dust and germs.
10. Inside Drawers
Why It’s Forgotten: Drawer interiors, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, often become cluttered catch-alls that hide dirt and debris. The contents inside make it easy to forget about cleaning the drawer itself.
How to Clean: Empty each drawer completely, vacuum out any crumbs or debris, and wipe down with a damp cloth. Let it dry completely before replacing items. Consider using drawer organizers to make future cleaning easier.
Final Thoughts on Hidden Places to Clean
Maintaining a truly clean home means going beyond the obvious surfaces and paying attention to these often-forgotten spots. While some of these areas may not need attention as frequently as your daily cleaning tasks, incorporating them into your regular cleaning schedule will help maintain a healthier, cleaner living environment.
Consider creating a rotating schedule to tackle these hidden spots throughout the month, making the task more manageable and ensuring no area goes neglected for too long.