The 7 Most Forgotten Spots When Cleaning Your Home

Clean Home, Hidden Mess

You vacuum the floors, wipe the counters, scrub the sink – and feel like everything's spotless. But even the tidiest homes have hidden trouble spots that quietly collect dust, bacteria, and buildup. These aren't areas you see every day, which makes them easy to overlook, but they still impact the overall cleanliness, air quality, and feel of your space.

Behind and Under Furniture

Out of sight, out of mind – and also out of reach. Dust, crumbs, pet hair, and even forgotten socks love to gather under sofas, beds, and cabinets. Over time, that hidden buildup can lead to musty smells or worsen allergies. Every few weeks, move lighter furniture or use a vacuum attachment to reach under and behind larger pieces.

Light Switches and Door Handles

We touch them every day, but rarely think to clean them. Light switches and doorknobs are high-touch points that collect germs, skin oils, and fingerprints. Wipe them down weekly with a disinfecting cloth or gentle cleaner – especially in shared or high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

The Tops of Cabinets and Shelves

The tops of kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, and even ceiling fan blades are magnets for dust and grease. Use a microfiber duster with an extendable handle to reach these spots, or wipe them down every month or two with a damp cloth.

Baseboards and Trim

These low-profile details make a big visual impact when clean – and an even bigger one when they’re not. Dust, pet fur, and shoe scuffs collect along baseboards, door frames, and trim. Use a damp cloth or a gentle scrub brush to wipe them clean every month or so. It’s the kind of detail that instantly sharpens the look of any room.

Inside Trash Bins

You take out the trash, but when was the last time you cleaned the bin itself? Even with liners, spills and odors can linger inside. Once a month, rinse out your kitchen and bathroom trash cans with hot, soapy water, and disinfect with a natural spray or wipe.

Air Vents and Filters

Air vents and HVAC filters work hard to keep your space comfortable – and they collect a surprising amount of dust. Over time, dirty vents can circulate allergens or odors through your home. Wipe down vent covers monthly, and replace or clean your air filters every 1–3 months depending on usage and season.

Remote Controls and Keyboards

These are some of the germiest items in your home – and also the most touched. Whether it’s the TV remote, your computer keyboard, or gaming controllers, give them a quick clean with a disinfecting wipe once a week. Be sure to get between the buttons and let everything dry fully before use.