As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time for an end of year deep cleaning. We tend to focus on the obvious spots, but so many areas get overlooked. These forgotten nooks and crannies can really make a difference in how truly clean your home feels. Let’s uncover those spots you might have missed.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t forget the space under and behind appliances like refrigerators and stoves, where dust and debris often gather.
- The tops of kitchen cabinets and refrigerators accumulate grease and dust and should be wiped down regularly.
- Areas like behind the toilet, ceiling fan blades, and window sills are easily missed but collect significant dust.
- High-touch items such as light switches and remote controls harbor germs and need regular disinfecting.
- Baseboards, door frames, and even remote controls are often overlooked during routine cleaning but are important for a thorough end of year deep cleaning.
1. Under Appliances
Okay, let’s talk about the dark, mysterious abyss under your fridge and oven. You know, the place where rogue peas, dust bunnies the size of small rodents, and maybe even a lost toy or two go to retire. It’s probably one of the most neglected spots in the entire house.
When was the last time you actually looked under there? If you’re like most people, probably never. But trust me, it’s a breeding ground for all sorts of gunk. Think dried-up spills, crumbs that have been there since the last millennium, and a whole lot of dust. It’s not just gross; it can actually affect how your appliances run, especially the fridge.
Here’s a quick game plan:
- First, pull out the appliance if you can. Be careful, though! If it’s too heavy, just do your best to reach underneath.
- Use a broom or a vacuum with a crevice tool to get the loose stuff. You’d be surprised what comes out.
- For any sticky messes, a good old-fashioned scrub with hot, soapy water usually does the trick. A degreasing dish soap is your friend here.
Don’t forget to check the vents on your refrigerator too. Dust buildup can make it work harder and use more energy. A quick vacuuming of those can make a difference.
It might seem like a pain, but getting under there will make your kitchen feel so much cleaner. Plus, you might find that missing sock you’ve been looking for! For some tips on keeping your kitchen clean, check out this guide to natural cleaning methods.
2. Tops of Kitchen Cabinets
Okay, let’s talk about the tops of your kitchen cabinets. You know, that often-ignored space above your cabinets? It’s like a magnet for dust, grease, and all sorts of kitchen gunk that floats up when you’re cooking. This sticky layer can be a real pain to clean if left too long.
Think about it: every time you boil water, fry something, or even just use the oven, tiny particles go airborne. They settle up there, mixing with cooking oils and forming a film that’s not exactly pretty. Plus, it can start to smell if it builds up too much.
To tackle this, you’ll want a good degreaser. A simple mix of warm water and a bit of dish soap that cuts grease works wonders. Grab a sturdy cloth or a sponge, dip it in your cleaning solution, and give those tops a good scrub. You might need a step stool to reach comfortably, so make sure it’s stable. After wiping down, a dry cloth can help buff it up.
This area is often overlooked because it’s out of sight, but it’s a prime spot for grime to accumulate. Regular attention here makes a big difference in the overall cleanliness of your kitchen.
For maintenance, consider lining the tops with parchment paper or wax paper. It’s a simple trick that makes future cleanups way easier. Just swap out the paper when it gets dirty. It’s a small step that saves a lot of scrubbing later on. You can find some great microfiber cloths that are perfect for this kind of job.
3. Behind the Toilet
Okay, let’s talk about that often-overlooked spot: behind the toilet. It’s easy to just wipe down the front and sides, but the back? That area can become a haven for dust bunnies and maybe even some questionable splatters. Seriously, it’s a prime spot for grime to gather.
Here’s how to tackle it:
- First, give the floor behind the toilet a good sweep or vacuum. Get rid of any loose debris before you start scrubbing.
- Use your vacuum’s crevice tool or a long, thin brush to reach into that tight space between the tank and the wall, and along the base.
- Spray a good all-purpose cleaner back there and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps loosen up any dried-on gunk.
- Grab an old toothbrush or a small scrub brush to really get into the nooks and crannies. Follow up with a damp microfiber cloth to wipe everything clean and shiny.
This little area might not seem like much, but a clean bathroom is all about the details. Don’t let this spot be the one that gets forgotten!
4. Ceiling Fan Blades
Okay, let’s talk about those ceiling fan blades. You know, the ones that are constantly spinning, collecting dust bunnies like they’re going out of style? It’s easy to forget about them, especially when they’re way up there. But trust me, a dusty ceiling fan can really make a difference in your home’s air quality and overall cleanliness.
Don’t let them become dust magnets! A quick wipe-down can make a surprising difference.
Here’s a simple way to tackle them:
- Safety first: Always turn off the fan and make sure the blades have stopped completely before you start. Seriously, don’t skip this.
- Dust ’em off: Grab an old pillowcase or a microfiber cloth. Slide the pillowcase over one blade at a time, and pull it back off. This traps the dust inside the case, preventing it from falling all over your furniture. If you don’t have a pillowcase handy, a microfiber cloth or a dedicated ceiling fan duster works great too.
- Wipe down: After dusting, you can give the blades a quick wipe with a damp cloth, especially if there’s any grime built up. Just make sure they’re dry before you turn the fan back on.
It’s amazing how much dust can accumulate on ceiling fan blades. They’re often overlooked because they’re out of sight, out of mind. But think about it – that dust is circulating in the air you breathe. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your home healthier and cleaner.
If you’re looking for tools to help with your cleaning routine, consider checking out some cleaning supplies that can make tasks like this much easier.
5. Behind the Stove
Okay, let’s talk about the space behind your stove. You know, that dark, often-ignored area where crumbs and grease seem to magically migrate? It’s a prime spot for hidden gunk that can attract pests and even become a fire hazard if things get too built up.
When you’re cooking, especially if you’re frying or searing, little bits of food and grease can easily escape and end up back there. Over time, this stuff can get pretty sticky and gross. Plus, dust bunnies love to gather in that forgotten zone.
Here’s a simple way to tackle it:
- First, carefully pull your stove away from the wall. If it’s a gas stove, you might want to turn off the gas line just to be safe.
- Use a broom or a vacuum with a crevice tool to get all the loose debris, crumbs, and dust bunnies out of the space.
- Wipe down the floor and the wall behind the stove with an all-purpose cleaner or a degreaser. A damp cloth should do the trick for most messes.
- Don’t forget to clean the sides of the stove itself, where they meet the wall or countertop.
This area is often overlooked because it’s not visible during everyday use. However, neglecting it can lead to unpleasant odors, attract unwanted critters, and potentially pose a safety risk due to accumulated grease and dust.
Give it a good scrub, and you’ll be surprised at how much cleaner your whole kitchen feels. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen truly spotless.
6. Baseboards
Oh, baseboards. They’re like the unsung heroes of your walls, quietly collecting dust bunnies and scuffs from everyday life. You know, the kind of dirt that just seems to magically appear, especially if you have pets or kids running around. Honestly, they’re probably dirtier than you think.
Cleaning them can feel like a chore, but it makes a surprising difference. You can tackle them in a few ways. First, give them a good once-over with a vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment. This is great for getting up loose dust and cobwebs without making a mess. If you have wood baseboards, a damp cloth with a bit of wood cleaner works wonders. Just make sure it’s not too wet, especially if they’re painted.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Dust first: Use a vacuum brush or a dry microfiber cloth to get all the loose stuff.
- Wipe down: Use a damp cloth with an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner specific to your baseboard material.
- Tackle tough spots: For scuffs or stubborn marks, a magic eraser can be a lifesaver.
If you’ve got painted baseboards, a gentle cleaner is key. You don’t want to strip the paint, right? For natural wood, you’ll want to use something that won’t damage the finish. It’s a good idea to check out cleaning wood baseboards for specific tips.
Keeping your baseboards clean isn’t just about looks; it helps reduce the amount of dust circulating in your home. Think of it as a little extra step for healthier air.
Once they’re clean, you can actually maintain them pretty easily. Just give them a quick wipe with a damp mop when you’re cleaning your floors. It’s way easier than a full scrub down later.
7. Light Switches
Okay, let’s talk about light switches. You know, those little things you flick on and off a hundred times a day without even thinking about it? They get touched by so many hands – yours, your family’s, guests, maybe even the dog if they’re feeling particularly helpful. Because of all that touching, they can become little germ magnets. It’s a good idea to give them a quick wipe-down regularly, especially during cold and flu season.
Think about it: your fingers are often carrying whatever they’ve touched throughout the day, and then you press that switch. Over time, a bit of grime and maybe some sticky residue can build up. It’s not usually a big, visible mess, but it’s there.
Here’s a simple way to tackle them:
- Grab a disinfectant wipe or a cloth sprayed with a multi-purpose cleaner. Make sure the cleaner is safe for the switch’s material, though most plastic ones are fine with standard cleaners.
- Give each switch a good wipe, paying attention to the surface and the edges.
- If you’re using a spray cleaner, let the switch stay wet for a minute or two as per the product’s instructions to make sure it disinfects properly.
- Wipe it dry with a clean cloth if needed.
It’s a super quick task, maybe takes two minutes for the whole house, but it makes a difference in keeping those high-traffic spots a little cleaner.
8. Window Sills
Okay, let’s talk about window sills. You know, those ledges where your windows sit? They’re like the forgotten front porch of your house, collecting all sorts of dust, pollen, and who knows what else.
Seriously, these little ledges can get surprisingly grimy. Think about it: every time you open or close your windows, you’re potentially stirring up whatever’s settled there. And if you have plants on your windowsills, you’ve got soil dust and water spots to deal with too.
Here’s a quick game plan for tackling them:
- Clear the decks: Remove any items from the windowsill. This makes it way easier to get to all the nooks and crannies.
- Dust ’em off: Grab a dry microfiber cloth or a duster and wipe away all the loose dust. Get into the corners!
- Wipe down: Use a damp cloth with a little bit of all-purpose cleaner or even just warm, soapy water. Give them a good scrub, especially if there are any sticky spots or water marks.
- Dry and done: Make sure to dry the sills completely with a clean, dry cloth. This prevents water stains and keeps them looking fresh.
Neglecting your window sills means that all the hard work you did cleaning the rest of your room can be undone by a simple breeze. Dust just floats right back in!
It might seem like a small thing, but clean window sills really do make your whole room feel brighter and cleaner. It’s one of those details that makes a big difference.
9. Door Frames
You know, those vertical pieces of wood or metal that surround your doorways? They get surprisingly grimy. Think about it: hands touch them, pets brush against them, and dust just seems to settle there. It’s time to give your door frames some love.
Door frames are often overlooked because they’re just… there. But a quick wipe-down can make a big difference in how clean your whole house feels. They collect fingerprints, scuffs from furniture moving, and general household dust.
Here’s a simple way to tackle them:
- Start with a dry microfiber cloth to get rid of loose dust and cobwebs. Get into those corners!
- Next, use a damp cloth with a little bit of mild cleaner. For tougher spots, a bit of all-purpose cleaner works wonders. Just make sure it’s safe for your frame’s material.
- Don’t forget the top of the frame! This is where dust bunnies love to hang out.
Cleaning door frames might seem like a small task, but it really adds to the overall polished look of your home. It’s one of those details that people notice, even if they don’t know why.
If you’re looking for some good cleaning supplies to have on hand, check out this list of essential cleaning supplies that will help you get the job done.
10. Remote Controls
Okay, let’s talk about the little guys we use every single day but rarely think about cleaning: remote controls. Seriously, think about how many hands touch that TV remote, the gaming console controller, or even the remote for your smart lights. They’re basically germ magnets, just hanging out on your coffee table.
These high-touch items are often overlooked, yet they can harbor a surprising amount of bacteria. It’s not about them looking dirty; it’s about what you can’t see. A quick wipe-down once a month is a good goal, especially if you have kids or pets, or during cold and flu season.
Here’s a simple way to tackle them:
- Grab a disinfectant wipe (or a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with a disinfectant spray). Make sure it’s not too wet, you don’t want to damage the electronics.
- Gently wipe down the entire remote, paying extra attention to the buttons and any crevices where gunk can hide.
- Let it air dry completely before using it again. Easy peasy!
You might be surprised at how much cleaner your remotes feel and look after a quick sanitizing session. It’s a small step that makes a difference in keeping your living space a bit healthier.
You Did It!
Whew! We’ve gone through a lot of spots that tend to get overlooked during a regular cleaning. It might seem like a lot, but remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Pick a few things each week, or tackle one forgotten area each weekend. Your home will feel so much fresher and cleaner when you give these often-missed spots some attention. Plus, knowing you’ve really gotten into those nooks and crannies is a pretty great feeling. Happy cleaning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to clean these often-forgotten spots?
These areas often collect a lot of dust, grease, and even food bits. Cleaning them makes your home healthier, looks better, and can even help appliances work better by removing dust from vents or coils.
How often should I clean under my appliances?
It’s a good idea to check and clean under your fridge and oven at least twice a year, or whenever you do a major spring or fall cleaning. You might be surprised by what you find!
What’s the best way to clean the tops of kitchen cabinets?
Use hot, soapy water. A degreasing dish soap works well because cooking can leave a greasy film. You might need a step stool to reach them easily.
My ceiling fan blades are really dusty. What’s the easiest way to clean them?
First, turn off the fan! You can use a duster with an extendable handle or a damp cloth. Wiping from the top down helps keep dust from falling everywhere. A dry cloth can give them a nice shine afterward.
How do I clean behind the toilet?
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor area behind the toilet. Then, spray an all-purpose cleaner and let it sit. Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to scrub any grime, and wipe it clean with a cloth.
Are remote controls really that dirty?
Yes! We touch them all the time, and they can collect germs and dust. Wiping them down with a disinfectant wipe about once a month can help keep them cleaner.
