At a Glance
- Professional cleaner with 25 years’ experience says most people overlook the same grimy zones
- Moving furniture once a season reveals dust and grease buildup most owners never notice
- Deep-cleaning these 15 areas twice a year keeps allergens down and appliances running longer
- Why it matters: Skipping hidden grime can shorten appliance life, trigger allergies, and lower home value at resale
Even tidy homes harbor secret dust traps. Daniel J. Whitman at News Of Losangeles asked her mom-owner of Alliance Building Services LLC in St. Louis and a pro cleaner for 25 years-where dirt hides best. The answer: everywhere you forget to look.
The Overlooked 15
1. Shutters
Built-in louvers collect dust on every slat. A blind-cleaner brush speeds the job; the same tool works on window A/C units.
2. Door frames
Run an extendable duster across the top edge first; finish with warm, soapy water on the rest of the frame.
3. Baseboards
Vacuum with a brush attachment, then swipe with a damp mop during routine floor cleaning. Knee pads save backs.
4. Under beds and couches
Robot vacuums handle daily upkeep; pull furniture out twice a year for a full vacuum and mop.
5. Ceiling-fan blades
Vacuum the blade tops before wiping; dust rains down otherwise. Cool bulbs before touching.
6. Grout
Zep Grout Cleaner and a stiff brush restore original color; apply, wait two to three minutes, scrub, wipe.
7. Remote controls
Disinfect once a month; germs thrive on buttons nobody thinks to sanitize.
8. Tops of cabinets
Cooking steam leaves sticky residue. Degrease regularly or line with parchment paper.
9. Doorknobs
Wipe with disinfectant during cold-and-flu season; hit light switches at the same time.
10. Stove knobs
Pop them off, soak in warm, soapy water, scrub, rinse, dry, replace.
11. Side of the stove
Pull the appliance out; food slides into the gap unnoticed. A stove-gap cover prevents future mess.
12. Oven
Clean the interior four times a year; a chemical-free paste of baking soda and vinegar lifts baked-on grime.
13. Walls
Dust first, then spot-clean with a Magic Eraser; kitchen and bath walls collect the most splatter.
14. Behind the refrigerator
Unplug, vacuum coils, and mop the floor. Dust bunnies and pet hair collect there year-round.
15. Houseplants
Wipe large leaves with a microfiber cloth; even faux plants hold dust that dulls foliage.
Create a Routine, Not a Marathon
“Work out your own routine and do a little each time,” says Angie Olive. “Don’t try to tackle everything at once.”
