As the days start to get warmer and brighter after a long winter of closed windows, tracked-in debris, and cozy indoor living, it’s time for some spring cleaning. This is a chance to refresh and reset your home by decluttering and scrubbing every surface in sight. But even the most thorough cleaning frenzy often overlooks a few hidden areas.
From dusty ceiling fan blades and grimy light switches to what’s lurking behind appliance doors, some of the dirtiest spots in your home are the ones you rarely think about tackling. We reached out to several home cleaning and product experts to find out which areas are often neglected during spring cleaning so you can ensure your home gets a deep cleaning this time around.
1. Window Treatments
It’s common to overlook window treatments, says Erica Flynn, executive director of brand management, creative services and corporate communications at Springs Window Fashions in Middleton, Wisconsin. “Dust, allergens, and buildup love to hide in blinds, shades, and drapes, but a few quick maintenance tips can make a big difference in your home this season,” says Flynn. “It’s important to give your window treatments a little extra care to help extend their life and make your home feel brighter and cleaner.”
Flynn offers the following cleaning tips depending on the type of window treatment you have:
- Cellular shades: Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow out trapped dust or gently vacuum with a brush attachment.
- Wood blinds: Wipe with a microfiber cloth and avoid water-based cleaners that can warp the finish.
- Sheers and drapes: Launder gently or steam in place to refresh fabrics without damage.
- Roller shades and solar shades: A quick wipe with mild soap and water does the trick; just avoid scrubbing too hard.
2. Light Switches
Don’t forget to walk around your house and wipe down light switches on every wall. “Every day, these spots always get touched,” notes Jecko De Leon, operations manager at Bears Brothers Cleaning in Birmingham, Alabama. “Our fingers and hands transfer sweat, oils, and grime that, in succession, will slowly fade the color of the light switch.” He recommends cleaning them regularly with a simple towel and a general surface cleaner. This will save you money on new switches while improving the feeling of freshness in just minutes.
3. Upholstered Furniture
People often skip upholstered furniture when cleaning since they can’t really see dirt on a couch the same way you can see it on a countertop, says Brian Young, owner of Heavenly Touch Carpet Care in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. “It matters because couches soak up body oils, dead skin, dust mites, food crumbs, and all that stuff adds up,” explains Young. “If you or your kids spend a lot of time on the furniture, it can actually cause skin irritation or allergies.” To clean upholstered furniture, Young recommends vacuuming it once a month using the slim nozzle attachment. Don’t forget to get into all the crevices and corners that often collect dirt and dust.
4. Ceiling Fans
Another cleaning mistake is that people forget to wipe down ceiling fan blades. “Many homeowners overlook them because they are out of direct sight and require a ladder or step stool to reach, which can feel inconvenient,” explains Iryna Balaban, CEO and cofounder of Elite Maids NY in New York City. “Ceiling fans collect a significant amount of dust and allergens over time, and neglecting them can contribute to poor indoor air quality and trigger allergies,” she adds. To clean ceiling fans, she recommends using a microfiber cloth or a duster with an extendable handle. Be sure to place a drop cloth or old sheet underneath to catch falling dust.
5. Mattresses
People often skip mattresses since they are out of sight, out of mind. Plus, they seem too big and awkward to deal with, says Young. “But it’s important to clean mattresses because the average person sheds about a pound of dead skin per year, and most of that ends up in your mattress,” explains Young. “That is a buffet for dust mites, which can worsen allergies and asthma over time.” Vacuum your mattress every few months using an upholstery tool. Also, rotate it every 6 months.
6. Sink Overflow Drains
Here’s one you probably never thought of: the overflow drain in your bathroom sink. You know the small hole near the top of most bathroom sinks? That hole is actually an overflow drain designed to prevent a sink from overflowing when someone forgets to turn off the faucet. “Everyone ignores the overflow drain when cleaning the bathroom, but cleaning the overflow hole is easy,” says Cameron Figgins, president of Absolute Maintenance & Consulting in Los Angeles, California. Simply take a small bottle brush or pipe cleaner and push it into the overflow drain. Scrub gently, then pour baking soda and warm water into the hole to flush it out, followed by about half a cup of white vinegar. “You’ll spend 3 minutes or less per bathroom sink, but it can get rid of odors that no amount of countertop scrubbing will ever fix,” notes Figgins.
7. Vent Hoods
Another area people don’t think about cleaning is the vent hood in your kitchen, but it attracts so much grease over time. “If you cook at home often, it can start looking gross within 3 to 6 months, so you need to take it out and clean it at least once a year,” says Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids in Denver, Colorado. Take the vent hood apart and let the metal pieces soak in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, use a steel wool scrubber to clean off the vent. Wait for it to dry before putting it back up.
8. Inside Appliances
While you may remember to clean the surfaces of appliances, how often do you open them up and give them a good scrubbing inside? Many people forget to clean inside the refrigerator drawers and compartments, says Balaban. “This is often overlooked because it involves emptying food items, which can feel like a big task. Yet, food spills and bacteria can accumulate in hidden areas, leading to odors or contamination.” Remove all drawers and shelves; wash them in warm, soapy water; and let them air dry before replacing them.
Figgins wants homeowners to remember to also clean inside washing machines and dishwashers. Front-loading washing machines are notorious for trapping water inside the rubber door gasket, along with lint, hair, and soap scum. “That gunk can turn into visible mold and cause your washer to smell musty within 2 to 3 months if not cleaned properly,” says Figgins. The detergent dispenser drawer in both of these appliances is just as bad. “A few minutes scrubbing these parts with white vinegar, followed by an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar can have your washing machine and dishwasher smelling fresh and clean again.”
Finally, don’t forget about your toaster tray, says Willatt. “This isn’t a hard cleaning job, but most people don’t do it because they don’t know their toaster has a removable tray for crumbs,” he explains. Clean it once a month by taking out the tray at the bottom of your toaster and washing it with soap and warm water. Let it dry before putting it back inside the toaster.
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