The 15 Most Overlooked Spots During a Deep Clean (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the best deep-cleaning routines tend to miss a few key areas. These hidden grime magnets can make your home feel less fresh, even when everything else is spotless. Ready to tackle the sneaky dirt? Let’s go!

1. Ceiling Fans Light Fixtures
The Problem: Dust and grime love to cling to fan blades, motor housings, and light covers, making them look dull and spreading allergens.
The Fix:
Option 1: If you're old school like me, lay a sheet under the fan, grab a duster, and hand wipe the motor housing, blades, and light covers for a thorough clean.
Option 2: For a quick, mess-free method, slip an old pillowcase over each blade and pull the dust off in one go!

2. Light Fixtures
The Problem: Dust, cobwebs, and dead bugs collect inside and around light fixtures, dimming their brightness.
The Fix: Remove glass covers and wash them with warm, soapy water—or, if they’re dishwasher-safe, place them on the top rack for an easy clean. For fixtures that can’t be taken down, use a microfiber cloth or an extendable duster to wipe away dust. Finish with a quick polish using a damp cloth to restore their shine!

3. Air Vents & Filters
The Problem: HVAC vents collect dust, allergens, and pet hair, affecting air quality.
The Fix: Option 1: Regularly vacuum vents and replace air filters to maintain clean air.
Option 2: Between deep cleans, use an extension duster or broom to dust off vents.

4. Behind & Under Appliances
The Problem: Food crumbs and dust build up behind the fridge, stove, and washer/dryer.
The Fix: Slide appliances out (if possible) and wipe down & vacuum the hidden areas.

5. Baseboards & Door Frames
The Problem: Dust tends to gather in those overlooked areas, making your home feel less than fresh.
The Fix: Skip the dryer sheets (some might recommend them, but as we know, the fragrances in those sheets can be quite toxic). Instead, grab a microfiber cloth to wipe down your surfaces. It naturally attracts and traps dust, helping keep your space cleaner for longer!

6. Inside Cabinets & Drawers
The Problem: Crumbs and dust gather in kitchen drawers and pantry shelves.
The Fix: Empty them out, vacuum, and wipe with a damp cloth before restocking.

7. Garbage Cans (Inside & Out)
The Problem: Even with liners, trash bins get grimy and smelly over time.
The Fix: Scrub them out with soap and water, then let them dry in the sun.

8. Mattress & Pillows
The Problem: Mattresses collect sweat, dust mites, and allergens.
The Fix: Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, let it sit, then vacuum it up.

9. Remote Controls & Light Switches
The Problem: These high-touch areas are germ hotspots.
The Fix: Wipe them down with disinfecting wipes or a vinegar-water mix.

10. Shower Curtain & Liner
The Problem: Mold and soap scum build up over time.
The Fix: Toss it in the washing machine with some vinegar for a fresh start.

11. Under the Furniture
The Problem: Dust bunnies love to hide under sofas, recliners, beds, and dressers—including in the nooks and crannies of recliners.
The Fix: When cleaning, regularly lift the leg rest on recliners to catch hidden crumbs, and use a vacuum extension or microfiber mop to reach underneath.

12. The Washing Machine & Dishwasher
The Problem: These high-touch appliances are germ hotspots.
The Fix: Wipe them down regularly with disinfecting wipes or a vinegar-water mix to keep them fresh and germ-free.
Dishwasher: A little extra deep cleaning tip for your dishwasher. Remove the filter on the bottom of the washer. Rinse the filter under hot running water before placing it back. For extra freshening, run a cup or two of vinegar & sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run a short or quick cycle.
Wash machine:
• Front-load washer: Add 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda directly into the tub.
• Top-load washer: To deep clean a top-loading washing machine, start a hot water cycle with 4 cups of vinegar. Once the cycle is complete, add 1 cup of baking soda and run another hot cycle.

13. Doormats & Entryways
The Problem: These collect dirt and bacteria from shoes.
The Fix: Shake them out, vacuum, and hose them down if needed.

14. Outside Front Doors & Screens
The Problem: Dust and grime settle into the details of front doors and thresholds, while screen doors collect layers of dust that can easily be overlooked.
The Fix: Spray and wipe down the door and threshold—Om Sweet Om Cleaning loves using Essentially Om Blessing Spray for a fresh touch. For screens, gently dust them with a microfiber cloth or, for an even better clean, use a Norwex Microfiber Dusting Mitt to trap and lift the dust with ease!

15. Window Railing & Sliding Glass Door Runners
The Problem: Dust, dead bugs, and grime love to settle in those hard-to-reach tracks.
The Fix: Grab a stiff brush (an old toothbrush works wonders), loosen the gunk, and vacuum it all up. For extra shine, wipe with a damp cloth and a bit of vinegar.

Did any of these catch you off guard? Or do you have a stubborn cleaning challenge you need a solution for? Drop a comment—Om Sweet Om Cleaning would love to help!