Most Overlooked Places in Your Home that Need Your Attention (And Easy Ways to Tackle Them)

When was the last time you cleaned your light switches? Or the space behind your fridge? While most of us focus on the obvious areas—countertops, floors, and bathrooms—there are hidden spots in your home that collect dust, bacteria, and grime. And a lot of it if forgotten about for a long time! These overlooked areas can impact your home’s cleanliness and even your health. I know just how easy it is to ignore these areas, but I hope this list helps you to remember to clean these things from time to time to keep your home or office looking and feeling fresh!

A clean space feels like a peaceful space

Six Commonly Forgotten Places and How to Clean Them Efficiently.

1. Light Switches, Light Fixtures, & Door Handles

Think about how often you touch light switches and door handles—daily, multiple times! Yet, they’re rarely part of a regular cleaning routine. Over time, they collect germs, dirt, and fingerprints. Light fixtures are often not eyelevel and therefore can be neglected and left dusty for too long causing not only health risks but fire hazards as well.

How to Clean:

• Use a disinfecting wipe or a cloth with your regularly used disinfecting or multi-surface cleaner.

• Avoid excessive liquid to prevent electrical issues.

• Do this at least once a week, or more often during flu season.

2. Baseboards & Moldings

Baseboards collect dust, pet hair, and dirt that often go unnoticed. Over time, this buildup can make a room look dull and unkempt and can be impossible to get clean with the only option being to replace all your baseboards and moldings. As a cleaning lady, I have seen many homes that have let this go for too long and their baseboards were ruined. The good news is, if this is you, you can start today!

How to Clean:

• Use a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment.

• For deeper cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap.

• Bonus tip: Rubbing a dryer sheet over baseboards can help repel dust.

3. Under & Behind Appliances

The space under and behind your fridge, stove, and washer/dryer can be a hotspot for dust, food crumbs, and even pests. Cleaning these spaces once or twice a year can be very beneficial to your home and your health.

How to Clean:

• Pull the appliance out (if possible) and sweep or vacuum the area.

• Wipe with a vinegar and water solution to remove grime (or your preferred multi-surface cleaner.

4. Ceiling Fans & Light Fixtures

One of the things I notice from doing a lot of free walkthrough estimates every year is that most people's ceiling fans are covered in dust-- no matter how clean the rest of their house is. I know it can seem like such a hassle to clean but if you don’t clean your ceiling fan regularly, it can spread dust and allergens every time you turn it on.

How to Clean:

• Use a pillowcase to trap dust as it falls while wiping each blade. If not, no big deal! You will just have to vacuum or sweep the dust after.

• For deeper cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth and multi-surface cleaner.

• Clean fans at least once a month, especially in bedrooms.

5. Behind & Under Furniture

Sofas, beds, and bookshelves hide a lot of dust and debris, making them a perfect spot for dust mites and allergens.

How to Clean:

• Move furniture slightly (or fully, if possible) to vacuum underneath.

• Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.

• Do this every 1-2 months for a healthier indoor environment.

6. Remote Controls & Electronics

TV remotes, keyboards, and gaming controllers are germ magnets, especially with frequent use. These are items that may not look as dirty as some other places but the buildup of germs and grime can be alarming if left uncleaned for too long.

How to Clean:

• Use a disinfecting wipe or alcohol-dampened cloth to clean buttons and surfaces.

• A toothbrush (preferably not your husband's but one that does not belong to anybody!) can help remove grime from small crevices.

• Clean these weekly for a germ-free home.

Final Thoughts

A cleaner home isn’t just about what’s visible—it’s also about the areas you don’t see. By adding these hidden spots to your cleaning routine, you’ll create a healthier, fresher space for you and your family.

Need help tackling these forgotten areas? Let Mary & Martha Cleaning take care of the details for you! Contact us today for a free estimate for professional home and office cleaning services!