When it comes to keeping your home clean, most of us stick to the usual checklist. You know the drill: vacuum the floors, wipe down countertops, and scrub the bathroom. But even the cleanest and tidiest among us can overlook certain areas that collect more grime and dust than we realise. It’s easy to overlook those hidden, hard-to-reach areas that quietly collect dust, grime, and allergens. That’s why today, we’re sharing smart and practical cleaning home tips that help you tackle the places people forget to clean—yes, even the ones behind furniture and under the bed!

Whether you're spring cleaning or doing your weekly tidy-up, this guide will make sure no corner is left behind.

 1. Behind Furniture

 Why it's a forgotten spot: Out of sight, out of mind. Large sofas, beds, and dressers are hard to move, so people tend to ignore the area behind them for weeks—or even months.

Cleaning behind furniture can be tricky, but it’s essential to prevent dust buildup and allergens. It’s one of the most commonly forgotten spots in home cleaning routines. Large items like beds and sofas rarely get moved, allowing dust and dirt to collect unnoticed.

How to clean behind furniture:

• Use a slim vacuum nozzle or long-handled duster weekly for light cleaning

• Place furniture sliders under legs to move pieces easily once a month

• Vacuum thoroughly and mop if the surface allows

• Don’t forget to clean the baseboards and wall edges behind too

#Tip: If your cleaning includes wood furniture surfaces, don’t miss our guide on how to clean wood furniture the right way for safe, streak-free results.

2. Light Switches and Remotes

 These small, high-touch surfaces don’t look dirty—but they’re loaded with bacteria, oils, and dust. Cleaning remote controls and light switches is often skipped—but they’re some of the most-touched surfaces in your home. Wipe them weekly with a microfiber cloth and a disinfectant spray or alcohol-based wipe to keep germs at bay.

How to clean light switches and remotes:

• Turn off power before cleaning switches

• Use a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol or disinfectant spray (spray the cloth, not the device)

• Focus on button creases and switch edges

• Clean once a week, especially in high-traffic areas

3. Under the Bed 

This low, dark area is easy to forget unless you’re storing things down there—and even then, cleaning around storage bins is rarely done. It's easy to forget, but dust loves hiding under your bed. 

Tips for cleaning under the bed:

• Remove all items and shake out storage bins

• Use a vacuum with a crevice tool or long-handled duster

• Mop with a damp microfiber mop for a deeper clean

• Do this every 2–4 weeks to reduce dust mites and allergens

Use these tips for cleaning under the bed: move storage bins, vacuum thoroughly, and mop to remove allergens.

4. Lamp Shades

Lamp shades don’t show dirt easily, and they’re delicate, so people avoid them altogether. Dust quietly builds up, reducing light quality and air freshness. 

Not sure how to deep clean lamp shades? Use a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment for delicate fabrics. For glass or plastic shades, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick.

How to clean lamp shades:

• Use a lint roller to gently remove surface dust on fabric shades

• Vacuum on low with a brush attachment for delicate materials

• Wipe glass or plastic shades with a damp microfiber cloth

• Clean monthly or as needed depending on dust exposure

5. Ceiling Fans and Cabinet Tops

These are classic hard-to-reach places people forget to clean. Dust clings to fan blades and cabinet tops fast. Use a microfiber duster with an extendable handle and wipe with a damp cloth to keep grease and grime from building up.

How to clean ceiling fans and cabinet tops:

• Use an extendable microfiber duster weekly

• Place a sheet underneath the fan when cleaning to catch debris

• For sticky cabinet tops, use an all-purpose cleaner and warm water

• Follow up with a dry wipe to prevent streaking

For sticky cabinet tops, use an all-purpose cleaner and warm water. Our Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner – Calming Geranium is a great plant-powered option that cuts through grease while leaving behind a refreshing scent. 

6. Baseboards, Window Tracks & Door Frames

These overlooked areas in home cleaning collect more dirt than you th ink. They’re low or tucked away in corners. Grime builds slowly and silently—by the time you notice, because  the buildup is significant.  Run a damp cloth or cleaning wipe along baseboards, scrub window tracks with an old toothbrush, and don’t forget the tops of door frames!

How to clean them:

• Start by vacuuming loose dirt and debris

• Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar or soapy water to scrub window tracks

• Wipe baseboards and door frames with a damp cloth or dryer sheet

• Dry thoroughly to avoid water damage or mold

7. Drawer Handles, Appliances & Unexpected Spot 

Unexpected places that need cleaning often include remotes, drawer handles, and under appliances. From drawer pulls to under the refrigerator, there are plenty of unexpected places that need cleaning. Give handles a disinfecting wipe, and check under appliances for crumbs and dust bunnies that quietly collect over time.

How to clean them:

• Pull out appliances gently every 1–2 months and sweep or vacuum

• Use a degreaser or mild soap to clean drawer pulls, knobs, and appliance handles

• Wipe with a disinfecting cloth and dry completely

• Make it a part of your deep cleaning rotation to maintain hygiene

#Final Tip

Keep a monthly checklist to stay on top of these often-missed spots. Rotate focus areas week by week so cleaning them feels manageable, not overwhelming. Add these often-missed areas to a monthly checklist so they don’t fall through the cracks. 

Think you're cleaning efficiently? You might be falling for a few common misconceptions. Check out our blog on the Top 6 Cleaning Myths Busted to see what habits you should rethink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) What are the most common places people forget to clean at home?

A) Behind furniture, under beds, lamp shades, light switches, remotes, and ceiling fan blades.

Q2) How do I clean behind furniture without moving everything?

A) Use a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment. Move furniture occasionally for a deeper clean.

Q3) What’s the best method to deep clean lamp shades?

A) Use a lint roller or vacuum brush for fabric, and a damp microfiber cloth for hard surfaces.

Q4) Why should I bother cleaning light switches and remotes regularly?

A) They’re high-touch surfaces that collect bacteria, dust, and oils from fingers—cleaning helps reduce germ spread.

Q5) How do I reach and clean high or hard-to-access areas safely?

A) Use extendable tools, step stools, and clean with lightweight dusters or damp cloths.

Q6) What tools help with cleaning under the bed or tight spaces?

A) Crevice vacuum tools, slim mops, and microfiber dusters are ideal for tight or low-clearance spaces.

Q7) How often should I clean overlooked areas in the home? 

A) Aim to tackle them every 2–4 weeks, or at least once a month, depending on usage and dust buildup.

Cleaning these often-forgotten spots in your home can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. By incorporating these areas into your regular cleaning routine, you'll not only keep your home sparkling but also reduce the spread of germs and allergens.

So, grab your cleaning supplies, tackle these neglected areas, and enjoy a cleaner, fresher home!