Are you wondering if you’ve also missed some of the places on this top 10 list of things you never clean?
Well despite our best efforts I think all of us can admit there are certain areas of our homes that we overlook during our routine cleaning.
And some things we probably haven’t even thought to clean very often (or at all!)
I know that I’m definitely guilty of this!
I mean aren’t we all a little too busy to go around inspecting every inch of our homes for dust and dirt?
Well that’s why I’m going to save you some time by telling you exactly where 10 of those long forgotten places are AND the best way to get them clean!
After tackling this list your house is sure to look (and smell!) freshened up!
1. Ceiling Fans
There’s nothing worse than turning a fan on after it hasn’t being used for a few months, only to see the little dust bunnies falling over every inch of your room.
And even if you don’t actually see it falling, chances are that there is quite a bit of accumulated dust up there.
How to Clean Them:
My favorite way to clean ceiling fans is with a pillowcase!
Just take a pillowcase and place it over the ceiling fan so that the blade is inside it.
Then just place your hand on top of the pillowcase and pull it off the end of the blade, wiping the blade clean and keeping all the dust and debris inside the pillowcase.
Voila! It doesn’t get much easier, and the mess is completely contained!
If you want to get it really clean then I recommend wiping the blade with a damp cloth afterwards as well.
2. Drawers
Now this is especially true with bathroom drawers, but all drawers need a good cleaning out from time to time. Before you say “not mine!” take everything out and take a good look, chances are that there is dust, hair, food crumbs, toothpaste, and who knows what else hiding down there!
How to clean them:
Start by removing everything including any drawer organizers from the drawer, and then vacuum out any larger debris. Then take a slightly damp cloth and wipe them out. Done and done!
Another great way to make drawers easier to clean out is by using a removable drawer liner!
3. Corners
There is nothing worse than having guests over only to have someone point out that there is a spiderweb in the corner of the room.
Kids are great at that, aren’t they? Haha!
How to clean them:
Any vacuum with an extended want should do the trick.
Just be sure to run it all the way from the floor to the ceiling, and then double check to make sure that it actually got everything!
If you’re pressed for time, a long handled duster should work well too!
4. Blinds
I can’t be the only one who forgets about these sometimes, right?
Or who turns them around the other way so no one can see the dust? Haha!
How to clean them:
There are a few different ways that work well, and even special tools that you can buy to make cleaning the blinds easier!
But if you don’t have anything like that on hand, you can just use a clean sock!
Just run some water over the sock and wring it out until it’s damp but not dripping.
Then put it over your hand, and run it across your blinds one at a time, stopping to rinse it in between if necessary.
You may want to make sure it’s an older sock that you’re getting rid of or keeping specifically for washing the blinds, since the dirt may stain it.
5. Baseboards
I feel like when it comes to baseboards, it’s not so much that I forget about cleaning them, but more that they tend to get pushed to the bottom of the priorities list.
And when you’re busy it can seem like you never quite have time for those things at the bottom of the list.
How to clean them:
The secret weapon for cleaning baseboards easily and efficiently is….*drum roll please* dryer sheets!
Just run them across your baseboards and they seem to attract the dust and dirt to them like a magnet!
You can even get them damp to better handle anything that’s stuck on or for dust that’s really built up over time.
6. Top of the Refrigerator
I always wonder if the reason I forget about this spot is because I’m so short I never see it, haha!
But dust definitely accumulates quickly up there!
How to clean it:
This one is pretty basic, just a damp paper towel or cloth wiped over the top should have it looking good as new!
7. Windowsills
No matter how new they are, it seems like windows always let in some dust.
And the window tracks can be a real hassle to clean, but I do have a trick to make it easier!
How to clean them:
Start by vacuuming any loose dirt that may be in the tracks.
Then use either a spray cleaner, or just soapy water in a spray bottle, and spray it throughout the track.
Let it sit for several minutes to loosen up the dirt that’s left, and then take an old toothbrush and run it along the length of the window tracks.
Be sure to scrub the edges and corners as well! Then just take a paper towel or a clean cloth and wipe along the track to get the remaining dirt and water out.
8. Tile Grout
Even if you mop regularly, chances are it’s not really getting the grout in between your floor tiles clean.
And the same goes for the grout on your counters or backslash.
Just wiping a cloth across the surface probably won’t get all the dirt that builds up in the grout.
How to clean it:
Another great job for that toothbrush!
Just use a spray cleaner or soapy water in a spray bottle and spray the grout.
Then use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout thoroughly.
Now rinse and wipe the area a second time, using either a paper towel or cleaning cloth, or a mop if you’re working on the floor.
9. Throw Pillows
The cases on throw pillows probably need to be washed pretty regularly (depending on how much use they get) but the pillows themselves should be washed periodically as well.
How to clean them:
Check the tags on your throw pillows, most of them can be put in the washing machine.
If not then you can probably still either hand wash or spot clean them.
Don’t forget to add some fabric softener or essential oils when washing them for an extra fresh scent!
10. Trash Cans
And to finish off this top 10 list of places you never clean, we have the trash can!
One of those places most of tend to forget about I think.
But they can definitely be the cause of unpleasant odors in your home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom!
How to clean them:
Soap and water may be enough to do the trick, but if you find that there’s still an odor after cleaning your trash can, you may need to use bleach as well to really get rid of it.
If you don’t like using bleach then vinegar is another option that may help eliminate odors.
Once your trash can is clean and dry, you can also add a few drops of essential oil to the bottom of it before you put in a trash bag to keep it smelling fresher longer!
I hope this top 10 list of things you never clean inspired you to tackle a few of those spots where hidden dust and dirt can build up!
And if you’re looking for more help with cleaning, be sure to check out:
How to Make Your House Smell Amazing (Naturally!)
How to Clean Your House When You’re Depressed
Free Spring Cleaning Checklist + How to Spring Clean You House in 5 Days!
What’s your own top 10 places you forget to clean? How do you clean those sometimes forgotten places in your home? Share your own ideas in the comments section below!
