10 Things People Forget to Clean When Spring Cleaning
In this post, I’m sharing 10 things people forget to clean during spring cleaning. Most people overlook these hidden areas that collect dust, grime, and allergens year-round. Keep reading to see if you miss these neglected spots.
Every spring, I naturally want to refresh my home. I open the windows, clean the blinds, wash the bedding, and slowly work through my spring cleaning checklist.
Honestly, I don’t deep clean everything on my spring cleaning list. I really don’t have time to do it all at once. I like to spread the cleaning tasks monthly or quarterly to make spring cleaning easier.
It’s never about perfection for me. It’s about getting as much done as I can to make my home feel refreshed, clean, and peaceful.
I still believe spring cleaning is essential seasonal cleaning for us. In our home, we close the windows all winter long. Spring cleaning really helps reduce allergens and keep the home fresh and tidy.
You probably have a spring cleaning list you use every year. But there are usually some forgotten spots that you might overlook. These aren’t the obvious cleaning tasks, so it’s easy to forget. Let’s talk about these often-missed spots today.
Are you ready for a truly clean home this spring? Let’s dive in.
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10 Things People Forget to Clean When Spring Cleaning
1// Air Vents
I used to think air vents just needed a quick wipe now and then. I had no idea how much dust could hide inside them.
Then one time, I took the vent cover off and saw the dust buildup. It makes me notice that it’s an essential task we need to take care of.
Why does it matter? Clean vents mean better air quality in your home. If you have allergies like I do, this makes a noticeable difference. Plus, keeping clean vents makes your HVAC system run more efficiently.
How to clean: Turn off your HVAC system, remove the vent covers, and wash them with warm soapy water. While they’re drying, use your vacuum cleaner to remove any visible dirt and dust from the vents. This article provides a detailed guide on the steps and maintenance of air vents.
2// Dishwasher Filter
Dishwasher filters are the thing that people easily forget to clean. You may use your dishwasher every day and clean the inside regularly. But dishwasher filter? You might not even notice it’s an issue until you find the dishes don’t seem as clean as they used to be.
The dishwasher filter needs to be cleaned every one to three months. It depends on how often you use the dishwasher.
Add this kitchen maintenance task to your seasonal cleaning list if you miss it.
How to clean: Check your user manual to find the filter. It’s usually located at the bottom. Remove the filter, soak it in hot soapy water for a few minutes, and scrub any food particles away.
Don’t forget the rubber seal around the door. Mold and mildew often hide in those folds. Wipe it down with all-purpose cleaner.
This article gives you thorough step-by-step instructions and additional cleaning tips you’ll want to know.
3// Inside Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
When was the last time you cleaned inside your kitchen cabinets?
No surprise that you can’t remember. People tend to clean what’s visible, so hidden spaces, just like inside kitchen cabinets and drawers, are usually forgotten. They need to be cleaned as dishes and food are stored right here.
How to clean: Don’t take out all items from every kitchen cabinet and drawer. Only empty one cabinet or drawer at a time. Use your handheld vacuum to remove any crumbs or debris. For the best result, wipe down the shelves with an all-purpose cleaner.
Pro tip: While you’re cleaning, keep what you’re using and toss any unused or expired items. Take this chance to declutter and organize your spaces.
Remember, tackle one cabinet or drawer each time, and you’ll get your kitchen done in a week or two without feeling overwhelmed.
Related Spring Cleaning Post:
7 Tips to Make Spring Cleaning Easier
Easy Spring Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Home
4// Behind and Under the Refrigerator
Do you clean the top of your refrigerator regularly? Do you move the refrigerator out and vacuum behind it? Do you vacuum the fridge coils?
These are the frequently missed spots that most people overlook. Hidden dust bunnies accumulate behind and underneath large appliances, such as the fridge, stove, and dryer. Failing to clean them can affect performance, efficiency, and even safety.
How to clean: Always clean from top to bottom. Dust and wipe the top of the fridge. Ensure you unplug the appliance and pull it away from the wall. Ask your family member to help if you can’t do it by yourself.
Vacuum underneath and behind the fridge. I usually use a Swiffer duster with extendable handle to clean the walls behind. It traps all the dust and debris there. Dust and spiderwebs most likely accumulate there.
Cleaning fridge coils helps improve efficiency and make it last longer. Don’t forget to dust and wipe down the sides of the fridge, too.
5// Door Frames
Door frames are one of those often missed spots. I barely clean door frames. I rarely notice them, though they’re always there. These are the areas I always forget to clean.
Maybe you have a similar experience. Until you actually look closely at them, you do not see all the dust, dirt, and scuff marks.
How to clean: Dust before wiping down your door frames. Using a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer duster is good enough to remove all dust and debris.
Spray the all-purpose cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the door frames. Test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the paint.
For stubborn scuff marks, you can use a magic eraser. Just dampen it and gently rub the marks away (don’t rub too hard). Test it in a small hidden spot to make sure it won’t damage the finish.
6// Bathroom Exhaust Fans
One of the most neglected and overlooked spots is bathroom fans. You won’t notice it until one day it starts getting noisy. Then, you look up and see it is caked with dust and lint.
The bathroom exhaust fan needs to be cleaned at least once or twice a year.
A powerful bathroom fan helps remove excess moisture and odors, and prevents mold growth. Keeping your bathroom fan clean can reduce noise and promote efficiency.
How to clean: Always safety first, turn off the power to the fan at your circuit breaker. Remove the cover and soak it in warm, soapy water. If there’s a light attached, wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth instead.
Vacuum the fan motor and blades inside. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the housing and motor components if they are grimy. Allow everything to dry completely before reattaching the cover.
Casey has a step-by-step cleaning guide that is easy to follow.
7// Mattresses
You probably wash your sheets periodically, but how often do you clean your mattress?
I know, it’s one of those out of sight, out of mind things. Many people don’t clean their mattresses. They tend to forget to clean them.
Regular mattress cleaning is important because dead skin flakes, pet hair, dust and crumbs accumulate there.
How to clean: Strip all the bedding. For the best result, use a mattress vacuum cleaner to remove all the dust and debris. I highly recommend buying one if you don’t already have one, as a mattress isn’t cheap. A cordless mattress vacuum cleaner makes cleaning easier, more effective, and it’s affordable.
If you don’t use a mattress vacuum cleaner, use a clean upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum your entire mattress.
For stains, spot clean with a mixture of 1 drop of dish soap and 1 cup of warm water. Spray the solution lightly on the stains and blot with a damp clean rag. Avoid over-saturating the mattress, which might develop mold inside. After that, use a clean dry rag to absorb any excess moisture.
Next, simply sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the mattress surface and let it sit for a few hours. It helps to remove the odors and freshen your mattress. Finally, vacuum it all up.
Pro tip: Flip or rotate your mattress regularly (usually 3 to 6 months) to prevent premature sagging and promote even wear. Better check your product manual for instructions. Some mattresses are for one-sided use and should only be rotated, but not flipped.
8// Garbage Cans
People forget to clean garbage cans. I know, no one likes to clean nasty trash cans.
Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor one, with the right steps and cleaning tools, we can get them done in no time. Get ready with your cleaning supplies and pick a sunny day, let’s go!
How to clean an indoor trash can: Take out the trash bag and clean out any debris inside it.
Spray the mixture of dish soap and white vinegar inside the trash can. Let it sit for a few minutes and use a handheld scrub brush to scrub it.
Use your garden hose to rinse the trash can thoroughly and let it air dry in the sun. If not, dry wipe with a microfiber cloth. When it’s completely dry, put a new trash bag.
How to clean an outdoor garbage can: Tackle this cleaning task on the garbage collection day. Empty the garbage can and then use the garden hose to rinse it inside and out.
Ready for a bucket of cleaning solution (combine 1 part dish soap with 4 parts white vinegar and 2 parts water). Dip your long-handled brush in the cleaning solution and scrub all over the inside of the garbage can. Rinse thoroughly with your garden hose water.
Use the scrub brush to clean the outside of the garbage can. Scrub and rinse well. When you’re done, open the lid and let it dry in the sun.
9// High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch surfaces, like door handles, light switches, TV remotes, countertops, and smartphones, should be cleaned daily. Every household is different, so prioritize your frequently touched areas.
This cleaning task should be done daily or weekly, not just for spring cleaning. But spring cleaning is a good time and a reminder to add it to your cleaning routine if you haven’t already.
How to clean: Cleaning surfaces removes dirt and prevents the spread of germs. Use soap and water or a household cleaner to clean surfaces.
For electronics, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Personally, I use alcohol prep pads to clean our phone screens, tablets, and earbuds. They are individually wrapped, so I can also take a few with me when I’m out. Very handy for daily disinfecting.
Don’t forget to disinfect your home when someone in your house has been sick. Be reminded to clean surfaces before you disinfect them.
I keep containers of disinfecting wipes under the kitchen sink and bathroom sink. They are easily accessible, so I can quickly grab and use them whenever I need.
10// Vacuum Cleaner
Last but not least, many people forget to clean their cleaning tools.
You might know you need to clean your cleaning tools, but it just isn’t happening, right?
I have to admit, I always forget to clean the vacuum cleaner. Though I empty the canister after each use, not washing the filters regularly causes weak suction. When it happens, I know it’s time to wash the filters and clean the brush roll.
We all need to clean and maintain our cleaning supplies and tools periodically. Dirty cleaning supplies make deep cleaning so much harder.
How to clean: Empty your canister after each use. Wash the filters under the water and rinse well. Let it air dry completely for at least 24 hours before replacing it. This should be done every 3 months.
Check for wrapped strings and hair around the brush roll. Use scissors to cut them away.
Use a microfiber cloth with all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the exterior of the vacuum.
Jillee has a step-by-step guide that you may be interested in.
Again, every vacuum cleaner is different, be sure to read your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions.
Final Thought on Spring Cleaning
I’ve found that these 10 things are often forgotten during spring cleaning. They’re the often-missed spots that need attention.
What I’ve learned over the years is that spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a massive deep cleaning project that takes a couple of entire weekends. Too many cleaning tasks can look overwhelming for most people.
If you feel overwhelmed by spring cleaning, tackling every item on the spring cleaning list is unrealistic.
You don’t have to clean every item in a day or an entire weekend. Knowing what actually needs your attention is far more important.
You can choose 2 or 3 tasks from this cleaning list each weekend during spring. Start with the areas that bother you most.
Maybe it’s the dusty and grimy kitchen blinds you stare at every day. Or the air vents covered with dust bunnies that’s been annoying you for months. Whatever it is, just start there.
Spreading the cleaning tasks over the month is also a low-effort, low-stress idea. Consistent improvement helps reach the goals without burnout.
I have a 30 Day Spring Cleaning Challenge for you. You may want to follow each day’s challenge or create your own with the template. Tackling one small cleaning task a day is more doable and manageable.
We have different homes and have different needs. Set realistic goals for your spring cleaning and focus on what’s important for your home. If there are overlooked areas, no problem, list them out and tackle them this spring.
Happy cleaning!
More Home Cleaning Resources:
The Ultimate Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
How to Clean Your House Fast and Efficiently
My Minimalist Cleaning Schedule
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