After a long winter of closed windows, track-in debris, and cozy indoor living, as the days begin to get warmer and brighter, it’s time for spring cleaning. This is an opportunity to refresh and reorganize your home by cleaning and sanitizing every visible surface. But even the most thorough cleaning fanatic often overlooks some hidden areas.
From dusty ceiling fan blades and dirty lighting to things hidden behind appliance doors, there are some dirty spots in your home that you rarely think to tackle. We reached out to several home cleaning and product experts to find out which areas are often neglected during spring cleaning so you can make sure your home gets a deep clean this time around.
1. Window treatments
It’s common to overlook window treatments, says Erika Flynn, executive director of brand management, creative services and corporate communications at Springs Window Fashions in Middleton, Wisconsin. “Dust, allergens, and buildup like 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 keep your home feeling bright and clean.”
Flynn offers the following cleaning tips depending on the type of window treatment you have:
- Cellular Shades: Use a hair dryer on a cool setting or gently vacuum with a brush attachment to blow away trapped dust.
- Wooden curtains: Wipe with a microfiber cloth and avoid water-based cleaners that can damage the finish.
- Sheer and Curtains: Gently wash or steam in place to refresh clothes without damaging them.
- Roller Shades and Solar Shades: A quick wipe with mild soap and water does the job. Just avoid rubbing too hard.
2. Light switches
Don’t forget to walk around your house and clean the light switches on every wall. “Every day, these places are constantly being touched,” notes Jaco DeLeon, operations manager for Beers Brothers Cleaning in Birmingham, Alabama. “Our fingers and hands transfer sweat, oil and dirt that, one after the other, gradually discolors the light switch.” They recommend 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 minutes.
3. Upholstered furniture
Brian Young, owner of Heavenly Touch Carpet Care in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, says people often skip upholstered furniture when cleaning because they can’t really see dirt on the couch the way you can on a countertop. “This matters because couches absorb body oils, dead skin, dust particles, food particles, and all that,” explains Young. “If you or your children spend too much time on the furniture, it can actually cause skin irritation or allergies.” To clean upholstered furniture, Young recommends vacuuming it once a month using a 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 clean the ceiling fan blades. “Many homeowners overlook them because they’re out of direct sight and require a ladder or step stool to reach, which can feel inconvenient,” explains Irina Balaban, CEO and cofounder of Elite Meds NY in New York City. “Ceiling fans collect a lot of dust and allergens over time, and neglecting them can trigger poor indoor air quality and allergies,” she adds. To clean ceiling fans, she recommends using a microfiber cloth or a broom with an extendable handle. Be sure to place a drop cloth or old sheet underneath to catch falling dust.
5. Mattresses.
People often leave mattresses because they are out of sight, out of mind. Plus, they look too big and awkward to handle, Young says. “But it’s important to clean mattresses because the average person sheds about a pound of dead skin each year, and most of that ends up in your mattress,” explains Young. “It’s 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. Drain the overflow drains.
Here’s one you’ve probably never thought about: the overflow drain in your bathroom sink. You know that little hole near the top of most bathroom sinks? This hole is actually an overflow drain designed to prevent a sink from overflowing when someone forgets to turn off the faucet. “Everyone overlooks the overflow drain when cleaning the bathroom, but cleaning the overflow hole is easy,” says Cameron Figgins, president of Absolute Restoration and Consulting in Los Angeles, California. Simply take a small bottle brush or pipe cleaner and push it into the overflow drain. Rub gently, then add baking soda and warm water to the hole to flush it out, followed by about half a cup of white vinegar. “You’ll spend 3 minutes or less at the sink per bathroom, but it can get rid of odors that no amount of countertop scrubbing will ever fix,” notes Figgins.
7. Vent hoods
Another area that people don’t think about cleaning is the vent hood in your kitchen, but it tends to attract a lot of grease over time. “If you cook at home a lot, it starts to look bad within 3 to 6 months, so you need to take it out and clean it at least once a year,” says Chris Wilt, owner of Alpine Maids in Denver, Colorado. Separate the vent hood and let the metal pieces soak in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes to an hour. Next, use a steel wool scrubber to clean the vent. Wait for it to dry before backing it up.
8. Internal equipment
While you may remember to clean the surfaces of appliances, how often do you open them up and give them a good scrub from the inside? Many people forget to clean the inside of refrigerator drawers and compartments, says Balaban. “It’s often overlooked because it involves emptying food and drink, which can feel like a big job. Yet, hidden areas can collect food spills and bacteria, causing odors or contamination.” Remove all drawers and shelves; wash them in warm, soapy water; And let them air dry before replacing.
Figgins also wants homeowners to remember to 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 if not cleaned properly, your washer starts to smell in 2 to 3 months,” says Figgins. The detergent dispenser drawer in both these devices is equally bad. “A few minutes of scrubbing these areas with white vinegar, followed by an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar can get your washing machine and dishwasher fresh and clean again.”
Finally, don’t forget about your toaster tray, says Wilt. “It’s not a difficult cleaning task, but most people don’t do it because they don’t know their toaster has a removable crumb tray,” he explains. Clean it once a month by removing the tray from under your toaster and washing it with soap and warm water. Let it dry before putting it back inside the toaster.
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