Keeping a clean home doesn’t always mean every corner is spotless. Even the most organized people have places they regularly overlook. Dust, bacteria, and grime tend to hide in unexpected spots—places that aren’t part of your usual cleaning routine. Over time, these forgotten areas can affect indoor air quality, trigger allergies, and make your home feel less fresh.
Here are the top 10 commonly forgotten spots in most homes—plus simple tips to keep them clean.
1. Light Switches & Door Handles
We touch them every day, but rarely clean them. These small surfaces collect:
- Germs
- Oils from hands
- Dirt and grime
Quick clean: Wipe with a disinfecting spray or an eco-friendly vinegar solution.
2. Behind & Under Appliances
Large appliances like your refrigerator, oven, and washer hide layers of:
- Dust
- Crumbs
- Spilled liquids
- Pet hair
This buildup can even attract pests.
Quick clean: Move appliances out gently once every 2–3 months and vacuum or mop behind them.
3. Ceiling Fans & Light Fixtures
Because they’re out of sight, dust collects fast. When the fan runs, it spreads dust throughout the room.
Quick clean: Use a microfiber duster or pillowcase over each blade to trap dust.
4. Baseboards & Door Frames
These low-traffic surfaces collect dust, scuff marks, and pet hair.
Quick clean: Wipe with a damp cloth or a natural cleaning spray every few weeks.
5. Remote Controls & Keyboards
Remotes, keyboards, and game controllers collect germs from constant handling.
Quick clean: Use disinfecting wipes or rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth.
6. Reusable Grocery Bags
These often carry bacteria from food, packaging, and surfaces.
Quick clean: Toss cloth bags into the washing machine or wipe reusable plastic bags with a disinfectant.
7. Shower Curtains & Liners
Shower liners are magnets for mold, mildew, and soap scum.
Quick clean: Wash cloth liners in warm water with baking soda; wipe plastic ones with vinegar solution.
8. Under the Bed
This forgotten zone collects:
- Dust bunnies
- Hair
- Lost items
- Allergens
Quick clean: Vacuum under the bed monthly—especially if you have pets.
9. The Tops of Doors & Cabinets
These high surfaces collect thick layers of dust over time.
Quick clean: Use a long-handled duster or microfiber cloth with a natural cleaner.
10. Inside Trash Cans
Even with liners, spills and odors can seep through.
Quick clean: Rinse with hot soapy water and spray with a vinegar/tea tree oil mixture to remove odors.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to overlook these hidden spots, but a little attention goes a long way. By adding these areas to your monthly routine, your home stays cleaner, fresher, and healthier—especially when using eco-friendly products.