When it comes to keeping our homes clean, most of us stick to the usual routine—vacuuming floors, wiping down counters, and scrubbing bathrooms. But even the most diligent cleaners tend to overlook certain items and spaces that quietly collect dust, grime, bacteria, and allergens over time. These forgotten areas can compromise your home’s overall hygiene, affect indoor air quality, and even contribute to health issues if left unchecked.
From everyday objects you use without thinking to tucked-away corners you rarely see, giving these items regular attention not only boosts cleanliness but also helps extend the life of your belongings. Whether you’re deep-cleaning or just sprucing up, identifying these commonly missed spots can make a big difference.
Here are some of the most frequently overlooked things you should be cleaning—why they matter, how often to clean them, and simple, effective methods to get the job done right.
1. Light Switches and Door Handles
Why Clean: These high-touch surfaces harbor germs and bacteria, especially during flu season. They are hotspots for cross-contamination.
How to Clean: Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dipped in a diluted solution of water and rubbing alcohol. Wipe thoroughly, ensuring the cloth isn’t overly wet to avoid damage.
2. Ceiling Fans
Why Clean: Dust accumulates on blades, which can be redistributed into the air every time the fan operates, exacerbating allergies.
How to Clean: Use a pillowcase to cover each blade and wipe the dust off. Follow up with a damp microfiber cloth for a thorough clean.
3. Underneath Furniture
Why Clean: Dust and debris settle under sofas, beds, and other furniture, becoming breeding grounds for pests.
How to Clean: Move furniture periodically and vacuum or mop underneath. For hard-to-reach areas, use a vacuum with a crevice attachment.
4. Remote Controls
Why Clean: These are handled frequently, often while eating, making them a magnet for bacteria and grease.
How to Clean: Use an alcohol-based wipe to clean all sides. For buttons, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
5. Refrigerator Coils
Why Clean: Dust buildup on coils reduces efficiency, increasing energy consumption and shortening the appliance’s lifespan.
How to Clean: Unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually at the back or bottom), and use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a coil cleaning brush.
6. Reusable Shopping Bags
Why Clean: Bags carry raw food items and groceries, becoming breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
How to Clean: Wash cloth bags in the washing machine using hot water. For plastic-lined bags, wipe them with a disinfectant cloth.
7. Pet Bowls and Toys
Why Clean: Bacteria from food residue and saliva can make pets sick.
How to Clean: Wash bowls daily with hot, soapy water. Clean toys by soaking them in a mixture of water and white vinegar, then rinse thoroughly.
8. Shower Curtains and Liners
Why Clean: Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, making curtains and liners unsanitary.
How to Clean: Wash fabric curtains in the washing machine with detergent and baking soda. For plastic liners, wipe them down with a mixture of vinegar and water.
9. Air Vents and Ducts
Why Clean: Dust and allergens collect in air vents, compromising air quality.
How to Clean: Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust. Wipe vent covers with a damp cloth. For deep cleaning, consider hiring professionals.
10. Keyboard and Mouse
Why Clean: Crumbs, dust, and oils accumulate, creating a breeding ground for germs.
How to Clean: Turn off the devices and use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe surfaces with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
11. Inside Washing Machines
Why Clean: Detergent residue and moisture create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
How to Clean: Run an empty cycle with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. Wipe the drum and door seal afterward.
12. Dishwasher Filters
Why Clean: Food particles accumulate, reducing efficiency and causing unpleasant odors.
How to Clean: Remove the filter and soak it in warm, soapy water. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly before reinserting.
13. Behind Appliances
Why Clean: Dust and grime accumulate behind stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines, potentially causing malfunctions or attracting pests.
How to Clean: Move appliances carefully and vacuum the area. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth.
14. Mattresses
Why Clean: Dead skin cells and dust mites accumulate over time, triggering allergies.
How to Clean: Vacuum the surface with a clean upholstery attachment. Sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for an hour, and vacuum again.
15. Trash Cans
Why Clean: Even with liners, spills and leaks can create foul odors and bacterial growth.
How to Clean: Rinse the can with hot water. Scrub with a solution of water, dish soap, and vinegar. Let it air dry before replacing the liner.
16. Houseplants (Leaves and Soil)
Why Clean: Dust on leaves blocks sunlight, reducing photosynthesis. Mold can grow in damp soil.
How to Clean: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth. Remove moldy topsoil and replace it with fresh soil.
17. Vacuum Cleaner
Why Clean: A dirty vacuum reduces suction power and spreads dust.
How to Clean: Empty the canister or replace the bag. Wash filters and brush rolls as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
18. Window Tracks
Why Clean: Dirt and debris collect in tracks, making windows harder to open and close.
How to Clean: Use a vacuum to remove loose debris. Scrub with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
19. Baseboards
Why Clean: Dust and grime accumulate on baseboards, diminishing the overall appearance of a clean room.
How to Clean: Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning solution.
20. Phone and Tablet Screens
Why Clean: These devices harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat due to frequent handling.
How to Clean: Use a microfiber cloth and a screen-safe cleaner to wipe down the surfaces.
Ready To Clean?
Addressing these often-overlooked areas can make your home cleaner, healthier, and more inviting. By incorporating these tasks into your regular cleaning routine, you’ll maintain a more hygienic environment while prolonging the lifespan of your belongings.
The Silent Killer: What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
This week alone we’ve read 6 different articles describing the tragic and preventable deaths of entire families and individuals from carbon monoxide poisoning. Parents, children and pets. All found dead in their beds.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a silent, insidious danger that claims lives each year, often without warning. Known as the “silent killer,” this colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas poses a significant threat in both residential and travel settings. Understanding how carbon monoxide works on the body, why it is so dangerous, and how to prevent exposure is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
READ: The Silent Killer: What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
