You Missed a Spot! 16 Places Everyone Forgets to Clean
Even the tidiest people overlook certain spots when cleaning their homes. While your floors sparkle and counters shine, hidden dirt and germs might still be lurking in these forgotten cleaning spots.
1. Washing Machine – Yes, It Needs Cleaning Too!
Who washes the washer? Many assume their washing machine stays clean since it’s constantly exposed to soap and hot water. However, over time, detergent residue and bacteria build up, leading to musty-smelling laundry.
How to clean it:
- Run a cycle with vinegar and baking soda (without laundry) to eliminate odors and buildup.
- Avoid adding vinegar directly with detergent, as it can break down the cleaning agents.
- Toss in this Safer Choice tablet for quick and easy cleaning.
2. Dishwasher – Hidden Grease and Food Particles
Just like washing machines, dishwashers collect calcium buildup, soap scum, and trapped food particles over time. Even if you use the sanitize cycle, deep cleaning is necessary.
How to clean it:
- Use a store-bought dishwasher cleaner or run an empty cycle with vinegar to break down grime.
- Toss in this Safer Choice tablet for quick and easy cleaning.
3. Garbage Cans – A Hidden Source of Bacteria
Even after taking out the trash, bacteria and odors linger inside the can.
How to clean it:
- Rinse with hot soapy water regularly.
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean the lid and edges after each bag change.
4. Vents – Dust and Allergens Lurking Above
From range hoods to hallway vents, dust accumulates over time, reducing air quality.
How to clean it:
- Use your vacuum’s hose attachment to suck up dust.
- Wipe vents down with a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup.
5. Bathroom Drawers – The Unexpected Mess
Hair, makeup residue, and personal care products leave behind gunk and grime in your bathroom drawers.
How to clean it:
- Wipe the inside with a damp microfiber cloth to remove residue.
6. Cell Phones – More Bacteria Than a Toilet Seat
Studies show that cell phones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats. Cringing yet?
How to clean it:
- Wipe your phone with a disinfectant wipe at least once a week.
7. Light Switches – High-Touch, High-Germ Areas
Just like your phone, light switches are touched multiple times a day, making them a hotspot for bacteria.
How to clean it:
- Use sanitizing wipes or a cloth with rubbing alcohol to disinfect switches.
8. Ceiling Fans – Dust Bombs Waiting to Drop
Before turning on your fan this spring, make sure it’s not covered in dust!
How to clean it:
- Use a pillowcase to trap dust as you wipe each blade.
- Use this fan dusting tool for quick and easy cleaning on all hard-to-reach surfaces.
9. Throw Pillows – Overlooked and Overused
We wash our bedding, but what about throw pillows? Over time, they collect dust mites, pet hair, and allergens.
How to clean it:
- Wash removable covers in the laundry.
- For non-removable pillows, use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray.
- This steamer vacuum is a total game changer for soft fabrics.
10. Top of Door Frames – The Dust Nobody Sees
Unless you’re reaching for a hidden spare key, chances are you don’t notice the dust on top of door frames.
How to clean it:
- Use a microfiber duster or vacuum attachment to remove hidden dust.
11. Baseboards – Dust’s Favorite Hiding Place
Baseboards accumulate dust and grime over time. If you rarely look at them up close, you may not notice how dirty they are.
How to clean it:
- Scrub with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or damp microfiber cloth.
- Follow up with a dryer sheet to repel future dust.
12. Remotes, Keyboard, and Mouse – Germ Hotspots
Your remote, keyboard, and mouse collect just as many germs as your phone!
How to clean it:
- Use disinfecting wipes regularly to keep them germ-free.
13. Shower Curtain Liner – Mold and Mildew Magnet
Your shower curtain liner is exposed to moisture daily, making it a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
How to clean it:
- Most liners are machine washable—check the care label before washing.
- Replace when necessary.
14. Your Mattress – More Than Just a Bed
Sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites settle into your mattress over time, even with regular sheet changes.
How to clean it:
- Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and let it sit before vacuuming.
- Deep clean at least every 6 months.
15. Your Car’s Steering Wheel – A Germ Playground
You’re constantly touching your steering wheel after handling gas pumps, groceries, and public doors. Hand sanitizer helps, but germs still linger.
How to clean it:
- Keep sanitizing wipes in your car for quick cleanups.
16. Floors – More Than Just Mopping
Yes, you clean your floors—but have you restored them lately? Over time, wear and tear can dull their shine.
How to refresh your floors:
- Use Quick Shine to bring back the luster of your hardwood and tile.
- Post your before-and-after pictures with #QuickShineFloors for a chance to be featured!