As we step into a new year, there's no better time to refresh and revitalize your home. While most of us focus on cleaning the obvious areas—like countertops, floors, and bathrooms—there are several spots in our homes that tend to be overlooked. These hidden or neglected areas can accumulate dust, grime, and bacteria without us even realizing it. By taking the time to deep clean these often-missed spaces, you’ll not only create a healthier environment but also set the tone for a more organized and stress-free year ahead. In this post, we'll highlight the key areas that deserve a little extra attention and share some expert tips to make sure your home is truly sparkling inside and out.
01.
BASEBOARDS & CORNERS
Baseboards are those sneaky spots that often get ignored. They're low, tough to reach, and before you know it, dust and dirt have quietly gathered, just waiting to surprise you when you finally take a closer look!​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Grab a microfiber cloth or duster to give your baseboards a quick wipe-down. For those stubborn spots, mix a little all-purpose cleaner with water or use a magic eraser for some extra power. And don’t skip the corners—dust bunnies love to hide there!
02.
BEHIND & UNDER FURNITURE
Cleaning behind or under furniture is one of those "out of sight, out of mind" moments—especially when it means shifting heavy stuff like sofas, beds, and entertainment centers! But trust us, those hidden spots are worth the effort!​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Move your furniture to give those hidden spots a good vacuum or sweep. A long nozzle attachment will help you reach those tight corners. For less effort, consider using a robot vacuum to keep these areas clean on the regular!
03.
CEILING FANS & LIGHT FIXTURES
Ceiling fans and light fixtures are great at hiding dust and cobwebs up high, and it's easy to forget about them! They usually need a ladder to reach, so make sure to give them some attention before they pile up.​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
First, turn off the fan, then grab a microfiber cloth or a ceiling fan duster to give the blades a good wipe. For light fixtures, carefully remove the glass covers and clean them with some glass cleaner. And while you're at it, don’t forget to give those lightbulbs a quick wipe, too!
04.
AIR VENTS & DUCTS
Air vents and ducts are often overlooked because they’re not visible, and people assume they’re cleaned automatically when the HVAC system is serviced.
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Wipe down the vent covers with a damp cloth and vacuum the vent openings. If you have a lot of dust buildup, you may want to schedule a professional air duct cleaning service.
05.
REFRIGERATOR COILS & INTERIOR
We usually focus on cleaning the inside of the fridge but tend to forget about the coils at the back or underneath. Similarly, spills in drawers or on shelves often get overlooked until they turn into sticky messes.​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Vacuum or dust off the coils at the back or underneath the fridge to keep it running smoothly. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and door seals with mild soap and water. And while you’re at it, clear out any expired food or forgotten leftovers! It’s also a great time to declutter your fridge by organizing items so you can easily find what you need.
06.
BEHIND & UNDER KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Similar to furniture, kitchen appliances like the stove, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher tend to hide a lot of crumbs, grease, and food splatters. People often clean the surface but skip the hard-to-reach spots behind and underneath.​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Pull out your large appliances to clean behind them—vacuum or sweep up any crumbs and debris, then use a damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces. For the floor underneath, grab a mop or sponge to tackle any sticky residue and give it a fresh clean!
07.
BATHROOM EXHAUST FANS
Bathroom exhaust fans are vital for removing moisture and preventing mold, but they’re often neglected due to their high position and the fact that they’re out of sight.
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Turn off the power to the fan, take off the cover, and use a vacuum or brush to clear away dust and lint. If it's extra dirty, give it a wipe-down with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaning solution.
08.
SHOWERHEAD & FAUCETS
Over time, mineral deposits and soap scum build up on showerheads, faucets, and tiles. They can be easy to ignore during quick cleanings, but they can also affect water pressure and cleanliness.
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Use a vinegar solution to soak showerheads and faucets to dissolve mineral deposits. You can wrap a plastic bag filled with vinegar around the showerhead, secure it with a rubber band, and let it sit for an hour or overnight.
09.
TRASH CANS (INCLUDING KITCHEN & BATHROOM)
We’re quick to empty trash cans, but we often forget to clean them—leading to lingering odors and bacteria buildup over time.​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Empty the trash, then wipe both the inside and outside of the bin with disinfectant. Let it dry completely before adding a fresh bag. For an extra touch, spray with a deodorizer to keep any lingering smells at bay!
10.
MATTRESSES
Mattresses are often forgotten about during routine cleaning because they don’t get dirty as visibly as other areas. But mattresses can collect dust, dead skin cells, and allergens.
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment. If there are any stains, use a mild detergent and water to spot clean. Flip or rotate your mattress every few months to keep it in good condition.
11.
WINDOW TRACKS & SILLS
Window tracks and sills can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime, but because they’re not visible most of the time, they often get overlooked.
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Use a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub out dirt from window tracks and sills. Wipe down with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to avoid mold growth.
12.
REMOTE CONTROLS, LIGHT SWITCHES & DOOR HANDLES
These high-touch spots are easy to overlook during regular cleaning, but they’re the VIP spots for bacteria and germs to hang out!​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Give your remotes, light switches, and doorknobs a good wipe with disinfecting wipes or a cloth dampened with a gentle cleaner. Pay extra attention to those spots that get the most hand action—those are the real germ hotspots!
13.
WALLS & DOORS
Walls and doors tend to collect dust, fingerprints, and scuff marks without us noticing—especially when we’re busy tackling floors and furniture!​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Use a microfiber cloth or mop to gently wipe down walls and doors. You can also use a magic eraser to tackle scuff marks and dirt. For painted walls, be sure to test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous spot first.
14.
CLOSET FLOORS & SHELVES
Closet floors and shelves often get overlooked, buried under shoes, clothes, and boxes. Since closets are more about storage than display, it’s easy to forget these spaces need a little love too!​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
For a deep clean, empty out the closet and give the floor a good vacuum or sweep. Wipe down the shelves, then tackle any clutter and organize items you no longer need. Not only will this keep your closet fresh and tidy, but decluttering and organizing will also make it easier to find what you're looking for and create a more peaceful, stress-free space!
15.
PET AREAS
Pet owners are great at cleaning up after their furry friends, but spots like pet beds, litter boxes, and cages often get overlooked when it comes to a deep clean. Time to give those spots some extra TLC!​
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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:
Make sure to wash your pet’s bed regularly, vacuum up all that fur, and give the litter box a good disinfecting. Don’t forget to clean their cage and toys too—keeping everything fresh and odor-free will make both you and your pet happy!
