Think your home is clean? Think again. Dust, grime, and bacteria love to hide in places we don’t check often. Let’s dig into the forgotten corners and make sure everything is truly fresh.
1. Dishwasher & Washing Machine Filters
Appliances that clean for us still need a little TLC. To avoid musty smells, clogs, and buildup:
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Dishwasher: Remove and rinse the filter once a month. Wipe down door seals and run a cycle with vinegar and baking soda.
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Washing Machine: Clean the rubber gasket, detergent tray, and filter regularly. Run a hot cycle with white vinegar to break down soap residue.
- Dryer: While you're at it, give your clothes dryer a wipe to remove dust and lint, and give your lint filter a thorough clean.
2. Fans & Vents
Dust accumulates fast, and if you’re not cleaning these, you’re just circulating it through your air.
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Clean ceiling fans by using a pillowcase to catch dust as you wipe down fan blades.
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Vacuum vent covers then remove them and wash them with warm soapy water.
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Replace air filters to improve air quality.
- Consider investing in an air filter like this one.
3. Walls, Baseboards & Behind Appliances
Some of the grimiest places in your home are the ones you rarely see. Here's how to tackle them:
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Baseboards & Trim: Dust builds up quickly. Use a damp rag or Swedish cloth to wipe them clean. For stubborn spots, mix warm water with a little dish soap or vinegar.
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Underneath & Behind Large Appliances: Move your fridge, oven, and washer/dryer to clean the dust and grime that collects underneath. Use a long-handled duster or crevice tool to get into tight spaces. Yes, it's a pain but these are the places dust is gathering.
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Door Frames & Light Switch Plates: Wipe these often-overlooked spots to remove greasy buildup.
- Clean dirty walls with a light mixture of dish soap and warm water. Use a rag or Swedish cloth. Spray and wipe with All-Purpose cleaner for stubborn stains or greasy hand prints.
4. Bathroom Corners & Grout
Bacteria and dirt love to settle in damp bathroom corners. Here’s how to deep clean them:
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Grout & Tile: Use an old toothbrush or grout brush with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for a deep clean.
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Sink Edges & Faucets: A mix of vinegar and baking soda can break down buildup in hard-to-reach spots. Put some down your drain and follow with boiling water to make sure drains are nice and clean.
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Shower Tracks & Door Seals: Scrub with a grout brush and warm, soapy water to remove mold and soap scum.
- Put a fan on to really dry out after cleaning.
5. Backs of Kitchen Shelves & Cabinets
Your kitchen might look clean, but crumbs, grease, and dust lurk in hidden spaces. Here’s how to get them spotless:
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Pull Everything Out: Empty your pantry and shelves to wipe them down with warm water and mild soap. Toss any out-of-date food (especially herbs and spices!) and donate good food that you just know you're not going to get to before it expires.
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Use a Vacuum Attachment: A crevice tool is perfect for catching crumbs in tight spaces.
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Cabinet Doors & Handles: Wipe with a damp cloth and a touch of dish soap to cut through grease and fingerprints.
- Fridge: While you have the vacuum cleaner in the kitchen, pull everything out of the freezer (store in a cooler) and vacuum and wipe to remove all those crumbs that build up. Next move onto the fridge. Remove food from one shelf at a time from and wipe down, remove crispers and drawers and wash in the sink with a mild mix of dish soap. Dry before replacing.
6. The Right Tools for a Deep Clean
The right tools make a difference when tackling hidden dirt. Here are some must-haves:
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A HEPA filter vacuum: Picks up fine dust, allergens, and pet dander better than standard vacuums. This one is expensive but we've had this one for almost 10 years and it's still going strong.
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A grout brush or old toothbrush: Perfect for scrubbing bathroom corners, tile grout, and sink edges.
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Reusable cleaning cloths: Opt for rags or biodegradable Swedish cloths instead of paper towels.
- Good quality air filter: Make sure you choose one with a HEPA filter to remove potentially harmful VOCs from indoor air. We love this one.
With a little extra attention to these forgotten spots, your home will feel cleaner, fresher, and truly spring-ready.