When was the last time you gave your home a deep clean? You know, that kind of scrubbing where you move the couch and discover a whole ecosystem of crumbs? Yeah, that. It’s one of those things we all know we should do, but often don’t because, let’s face it, life gets busy. Between work, family, and trying to find time to binge-watch your favorite series, it’s easy to let a few areas slide during your routine cleaning. But cleaning experts have recently pointed out six spots in our homes that often get overlooked. Spoiler alert: some of them are a little surprising!
1. The Top of the Fridge

Let’s start with the fridge, the unsung hero of our kitchens. It keeps our food fresh, so it’s only fitting we give it some love, right? But while you’re wiping down the inside and clearing out expired condiments, don’t forget about the top! Dust and grease can accumulate up there, turning it into a mini dust bunny hotel. Just grab a damp cloth and give it a quick wipe every now and then. Your kitchen will thank you!
2. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are the unsung champions of airflow, but they’re also sneaky little dust collectors. You might think they’re only spinning air, but they’re also spinning a fine layer of dust right onto your furniture. To avoid getting showered in dust when you turn them on, make it a habit to wipe the blades monthly. You can use a pillowcase to catch the dust and avoid it raining down on your head. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
3. Underneath Large Appliances
Ah, the mystery zone beneath your fridge and oven. It’s a place where forgotten socks, stray cat toys, and who-knows-what-else goes to die. Seriously, when was the last time you peeked under there? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to break out the vacuum. Not only will you reclaim lost items (hello, missing spatula!), but you’ll also help prevent dust buildup that can affect your home’s air quality. Just think of it as a treasure hunt!
4. Light Switches and Doorknobs
We touch these every single day, yet they’re often left out of our cleaning rituals. Think about it: how many times have you washed your hands and then touched a doorknob? It’s like playing a game of germ tag! Give your light switches and doorknobs a good wipe down with disinfecting wipes or a cloth soaked in a gentle cleaner. It’s a quick task that can significantly reduce the spread of germs. Your health will be all the better for it!
5. Behind the Toilet
We all know the bathroom can be a bit of a cleaning challenge, but how often do you clean behind the toilet? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably, “Uh, rarely.” This area is notorious for collecting dust and grime, and it’s just waiting to be discovered! A simple dusting followed by a good scrub can do wonders. Plus, it might just help you avoid that embarrassing moment when guests come over and you realize you forgot about that hidden spot!
6. The Inside of Your Microwave
Microwaves are our best friends when it comes to reheating leftovers. But as any leftover enthusiast knows, splatters happen — and they can get pretty gnarly. You might be tempted to just close the door and pretend it’s not there, but trust me, your microwave deserves better! A quick zap of water in a bowl will create steam and make those tough stains easier to wipe away. It’s like giving your microwave a spa day. And who doesn’t love a good spa day?
Making Cleaning Fun
Now that you know these often-overlooked areas, you might be thinking, “Great, just what I needed — more cleaning tasks!” But here’s a little secret: cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore! Put on your favorite playlist or an engaging podcast, and make it a fun little project. You can even reward yourself afterward with a treat or a little downtime. Who knew cleaning could feel so satisfying?
More from Decluttering Mom:













