Top 5 Places You're Forgetting to Clean — That Actually Matter

These often-missed areas impact more than just appearance — they affect your air quality, hygiene, and overall comfort.

When it comes to cleaning, most of us focus on the obvious: floors, counters, and maybe a quick sweep in the bathroom. But what about the hidden spots that quietly collect grime, germs, and allergens? These overlooked areas impact the cleanliness, air quality, and feel of your home or office — and they’re easy to add to your routine once you know what to look for.

Light Switches & Door Handles These are some of the most-touched surfaces in any space, but they’re usually ignored during routine cleaning. In high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or shared offices, they can harbor bacteria and viruses. Wiping them down weekly with a disinfectant or alcohol-based cleaner helps reduce the spread of germs and keeps surfaces looking cleaner, longer.

Baseboards Low on the wall and easy to forget, baseboards are a magnet for dust, pet hair, and scuff marks. Even when your floors are spotless, dirty baseboards can make a room feel unfinished. A quick wipe with a damp cloth every few weeks instantly makes your space look sharper — especially in living rooms, hallways, and entryways.

Inside Trash Cans

Swapping out the liner doesn’t cut it. Even with bags, spills and residue build up inside the can over time. If you’ve noticed a lingering odor, that’s your sign. Rinse the bin with soap and warm water or spray it with a disinfectant at least once a month to keep things sanitary and odor-free.

Ceiling Fans & Air Vents

These stay out of sight — but definitely not out of mind when it comes to dust. Fan blades and vent covers collect particles that get circulated through your space, especially when air conditioning or heating is running. A regular wipe-down improves air quality and keeps your system working more efficiently.

Remote Controls & Shared Devices

Remotes, keyboards, and shared devices get touched constantly, but rarely cleaned. Whether it’s in your living room or a shared office, these surfaces can carry more bacteria than you think. Wipe them down weekly with alcohol-based cleaner, especially during cold and flu season or in high-use environments.

Paying attention to these forgotten areas doesn’t just improve how your space looks — it makes it healthier, more comfortable, and easier to maintain. Whether you’re cleaning at home or keeping an office in shape, these small tweaks make a big impact.