Think your house is clean? You’ve probably forgotten at least one of these 13 places

I feel like I’m generally a clean person. I keep my things neat and organized, and the only thing that’s an eyesore in my home every now and then is an overstuffed closet. But when I moved out of my New York City apartment, I started to question that perception.

There was So lots of dust. Granted, I could attribute this to the fact that the building I lived in was over 100 years old, but I also have to consider something else: I neglected to clean some of the hidden and hard-to-reach places in my house — at least not as often as I should have.

However, it gave me comfort to know that I am not alone. My mother, Angie Olive, has been in the professional cleaning business in Missouri for 25 years and said she sees this all the time when people move out of their homes.

“Most things are out of sight and out of mind,” says Olive, owner of Alliance Construction Services in St. Louis. “If your exterior surfaces are clean, you think everything is clean. It’s not your fault that the stuff sliding down the side of your stove goes unnoticed until you leave.”

“Even if you clean your home year-round, you may still want to consider hiring a professional cleaning company to come in at least twice a year for a deep cleaning,” she adds.

There is a discussion going on on Reddit about places we often forget to clean is filled with great memories of these overlooked places.

Here are 13 places in your home that may need a thorough cleaning.

Shutters

Both my old and new apartment have built-in shutters that collect a lot of dust over the years. While it may seem like the only solution is regular dusting, I have found a tool that makes it a little easier: a blind cleaner dust brush.

(Tip: I also use this tool to clean my window air conditioner. You can use it for blinds, too.)

Door frames

The tops of door frames are another area that is notorious for almost always being dusty. You can use a feather duster, microfiber cloth, or vacuum to clean that area, and then use warm, soapy water to clean the rest of the frame.

Skirting boards

Cleaning baseboards is usually on the list of least desirable chores. RedditMany users ask for tips on how to make this easier on themselves — and their backs and knees. One user suggested knee pads, while another advocates using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

Olive suggests that after you’ve thoroughly cleaned your baseboards, you can maintain them by mopping them with a damp mop when you clean your floors. “As long as you don’t use harsh chemicals, it won’t harm your paint,” she said.

Under the couch and the bed

For this job, a robot vacuum might be the best and easiest option for regular maintenance. (CNET chose the Dreametech DreameBot D10 Plus (as the best overall robot vacuum cleaner for 2024.)

Ceiling fans

It’s a good idea to occasionally clean the entire ceiling fan, including the light fixtures, but the blades generally require the most attention. If your blades are heavily covered in dust, use a vacuum with the wand attachment first to minimize the amount of dust that falls to the floor—or worse, into your face—before dusting them with a feather duster or microfiber cloth.

You can also clean the pull cords and the lights with a microfiber cloth. Make sure the light switch is turned off and the lights have completely cooled down before touching them.

Grout

When I moved into my apartment a few years ago, I could never get the tiny bathroom clean — until I scrubbed the grout and revealed the true color. I used Zep Joint Cleaner and a joint brush and was amazed at the difference, just like a lot on TikTok who used the same product.

I poured the solution onto the grout and let it sit for two to three minutes before using the brush to scrub the grout, and swept the area clean. I now deep clean the grout about every six months and mop it regularly.

Remote controls

While most of us touch our TV remotes every day, we often forget to clean them, too. “They may not look dirty, but they’re usually full of bacteria,” Olive said.

A quick way to clean your remote is to use a disinfectant wipe and then let it air dry.

Door knobs

Doorknobs are another high-touch area that can be overlooked. Use a disinfectant wipe or Lysol to clean them, especially during cold and flu season.

(Tip: Clean your light switches at the same time you clean your doorknobs, as they are usually located close together.)

Tops of cabinets

When you cook on your stove, smoke, steam, and food particles travel up and often settle on your kitchen cabinets, leaving a thick, sticky residue if you forget to clean the area.

“Clean regularly with a degreaser on top of the cabinets,” Olive said. “Once the buildup is gone, you can maintain it.”

Another way to protect the tops of your kitchen cabinets from buildup is to line them with parchment paper or wax paper.

Knobs on the stove

Stove knobs can build up the same greasy residue, so it’s important to give them a thorough cleaning as well. Remove the knobs and soak them in warm, soapy water, scrubbing as needed, then rinse, dry, and replace.

Side of the stove

While your stove knobs are soaking, you can also give the sides of your stove a thorough cleaning. Take the appliance out and use a cleaner of your choice to remove any food residue that has built up.

“When you’re cooking, you don’t realize what you’re spilling between the appliance and the countertop,” Olive said. “Once you take your appliances out, you’re going to find a bunch of places you have to clean.”

If you’d rather prevent spills than clean them up, you might consider investing in a stove opening cover.

Oven

After you’ve tackled the outside of your stove, it’s time to clean the inside of the oven. You can try this chemical-free cleaning method to make your oven look like new again.

Walls

You don’t have to clean your walls every day, but they’re not immune to dirt, especially the ones in your kitchen and bathroom—and for me, the ones behind my dog’s food and water bowls. You can start by dusting your walls, then give them a Magic Eraser to remove any stains, scuffs, or splatters.

Expert Advice: Create a Routine That Works for You

While it may seem like a daunting task to keep every part of your home clean and free of dust, grease, and buildup, remember not to make it too hard on yourself.

“Work out your own routine and do a little bit at a time,” Olive said. “Don’t try to tackle everything at once.”