Deep cleaning is the ultimate way to refresh your home and get rid of hidden dirt and germs—but even with the best intentions, certain areas are often overlooked. These forgotten spots can harbor dust, bacteria, and grime, undermining your hard work.
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals, here are the top 10 commonly missed areas during deep cleaning—and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
We walk under them every day, but ceiling fans and light fixtures are magnets for dust and cobwebs. When left uncleaned, they can spread dust across your home every time you switch them on.
Tip: Use a microfiber duster or vacuum with an extension to clean fan blades and fixtures safely.
Baseboards and Door Frames
Baseboards are low on the wall—and often low on the regular cleaning priority list. But they collect dirt, scuff marks, and dust easily, especially in high-traffic areas.
Tip: Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution for a fresh, detailed finish.
Air Vents and AC Duct Covers
These often go unnoticed but can collect layers of dust that affect your indoor air quality. Cleaning air vents is crucial for allergy prevention and a healthy home.
Tip: Remove and wash vent covers, and consider professional AC duct cleaning for a deeper refresh.
Under and Behind Appliances
Crumbs, grease, and even pests can lurk behind your oven, fridge, and washing machine. These areas rarely see the light of day unless you move the appliance.
Tip: Pull out appliances carefully and clean the floor and walls behind them.
Inside Kitchen Drawers and Cabinets
It’s easy to forget the interior of drawers and cabinets during routine kitchen deep cleaning. Crumbs, dust, and old food wrappers tend to accumulate over time.
Tip: Empty them out, vacuum or wipe the interior, and organize as you go.
Shower Curtains and Bathroom Vents
Mold and mildew can cling to shower curtains, especially the liners. Bathroom exhaust fans also collect dust, reducing their effectiveness.
Tip: Wash or replace your curtain regularly and wipe down vents with a damp cloth or vacuum.
Mattress and Under the Bed
We wash sheets but forget the mattress itself! Dust mites and dead skin cells build up over time. And don’t forget to check under the bed for forgotten messes.
Tip: Vacuum your mattress and under the bed, and consider a mattress protector.
Light Switches and Door Handles
High-touch surfaces like light switches and doorknobs harbor germs and bacteria but are often skipped during deep cleaning.
Tip: Disinfect these spots with an antibacterial wipe or cloth regularly.
Behind the Toilet and Bathroom Corners
While we often clean the toilet bowl, the base and behind the toilet can get grimy fast. Bathroom cleaning corners are also mold-prone areas.
Tip: Use a narrow brush or cloth to reach tight areas, and disinfect thoroughly.
10. Remote Controls, Keyboards & Electronics
Devices like remotes and keyboards are handled daily but rarely cleaned. They’re some of the germiest items in the home.
Tip: Wipe down electronics gently with disinfectant-safe wipes.
Don’t Miss a Spot!
Deep cleaning is all about the details. By paying attention to these often-forgotten areas, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and fresher home. For best results, consider hiring professionals who know exactly where to look.
