Even the tidiest homes can hide surprising amounts of grime in unexpected places. While we often focus on the obvious—like floors, countertops, and bathrooms—many areas go unnoticed during regular cleaning routines. Tackling these often-overlooked spots can significantly improve your home’s cleanliness and even its air quality. Here’s a guide to identifying overlooked cleaning spots, and cleaning those sneaky areas, so your home can truly shine.
Refresh Your Mattress
Your mattress might not look dirty, but it can harbor dust mites, dead skin cells, and sweat over time. Regularly cleaning your mattress is essential for maintaining a healthy sleeping environment.
How to Clean It:
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris, especially along seams and edges.
- Spot Treat Stains: For stains, blot with a mild detergent and water mixture. Avoid soaking the mattress.
- Deodorize Naturally: Sprinkle baking soda across the surface, let it sit for an hour, and vacuum it up to neutralize odors.
Declutter and Deep Clean Closets
Closets aren’t just for storing clothes—they can also collect dust, mold, and bacteria, which can affect air quality and the freshness of your belongings.
How to Clean It:
- Empty the closet entirely to access every corner.
- Wipe down shelves, rods, and walls with a microfiber cloth and disinfectant.
- Vacuum the floor and baseboards, paying extra attention to corners.
- Organize your belongings before putting them back, and consider donating unused items.
Give Walls and Baseboards a Makeover
While floors get cleaned regularly, walls and baseboards often go unnoticed. Over time, they accumulate dust, cobwebs, and grease, which can dull the overall look of your space.
How to Clean It:
- Dust walls with a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment.
- Wipe down baseboards with a damp sponge or cloth dipped in warm, soapy water.
- For tough stains on walls, test a cleaner on a small area before applying it to the entire surface.
Tackle Hard-to-Reach Areas
Anything above eye level—like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of cabinets—can harbor layers of dust and allergens.
How to Clean It:
- Use an extendable duster to reach high surfaces.
- For sticky grime (like on kitchen cabinet tops), use a degreasing cleaner and a sponge.
- Make this part of your monthly cleaning routine to prevent buildup.
De-Grease the Range Hood
Your range hood works hard to keep your kitchen air clean, but it can accumulate grease and grime, which reduces its efficiency over time.
How to Clean It:
- Remove and soak the filters in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher.
- Wipe down the hood with a mixture of water and dish soap or a degreaser.
- Don’t forget to clean the edges and back of the hood, which often trap hidden grease.
Sanitize Frequently Touched Surfaces
Handles, knobs, and switches are some of the most touched surfaces in your home, making them prime locations for bacteria and viruses.
How to Clean It:
- Wipe down doorknobs, cabinet handles, and light switches with disinfectant wipes or a cloth dampened with surface cleaner.
- Make this a daily or weekly habit to maintain a healthy environment.
Check Under-Sink Connections
The pipes and connections under your sinks may not be visible, but they’re prone to humidity, which can lead to bacterial growth.
How to Clean It:
- Mix white vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil.
- Soak a microfiber cloth in the mixture, wrap it around the connections, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Wipe dry and repeat monthly to maintain better air quality.
Conclusion
Addressing these overlooked cleaning spots can elevate your home’s overall cleanliness and health. By incorporating these tasks into your regular routine, you’ll create a fresher, more inviting environment for you and your family.
At Onward Real Estate Team at Keller Williams, we know a clean and well-maintained home is more than just a place to live—it’s a reflection of your lifestyle. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply improving your space, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
References
How to Properly Clean Your Mattress