Top Places You Always Forget to Clean (and How to Clean Them)

No one wants to spend their free time scrubbing and dusting, but even with a regular cleaning routine, some spots are easy to overlook. These neglected areas can accumulate dirt, grime, and germs, impacting the overall cleanliness of your home. Here are 9 places you probably forget to clean and practical tips on how to clean them efficiently.

1. Cleaning Your Dishwasher

If you’ve never cleaned your dishwasher, you’re in for a surprise. Even the appliance responsible for spotless dishes needs regular maintenance to stay free of mold, food particles, and bad odors.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher:

• Remove the filter and rinse it under hot water. Scrub it gently with dish soap and a soft brush.
• Use a dishwasher-safe cleaning tablet or run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack.
• Wipe down the inside walls and seals with a damp cloth.

Tip: Regular cleaning keeps your dishes truly clean and prevents unpleasant smells.

2. Washing Machine Maintenance

It’s easy to assume your washing machine cleans itself, but it’s prone to mold, mildew, and detergent buildup. Knowing how to clean your washing machine keeps your laundry fresh.

How to Clean:

• Outside: Wipe down with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
• Inside: Run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of bleach or white vinegar.
• Filter: Check your manual for instructions. Be prepared to drain any trapped water with towels and a bucket.

Don’t forget to clean the lint trap in your dryer—it’s another sneaky spot where dust accumulates.

3. Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fan blades are dust magnets, and when you turn them on, they scatter debris across the room. If you’re wondering how to clean ceiling fan blades without a mess, here’s a simple hack:

How to Clean:

• Slip an old pillowcase over each blade.
• Gently press the fabric on both sides of the blade and pull it off. The dust stays inside the pillowcase!
• Wipe any remaining residue with a damp microfiber cloth.

4. Curtains and Blinds

Curtains and blinds are often forgotten when cleaning but gather dust, allergens, and odors over time.

How to Clean:

• Curtains: Check care labels. Many can be machine washed, while others may require dry cleaning.
• Blinds: Use a microfiber cloth or duster to wipe each slat. For stubborn spots, lightly dampen the cloth with a cleaning solution.

Tip: Pay special attention to the handles or cords that you touch daily.

5. Pillows (Not Just Pillowcases!)

Throw pillows and bed pillows are easily overlooked but collect dust mites, oils, and allergens.

How to Clean:

• Throw pillows: Check care instructions. Some can be machine washed, while others may require spot cleaning.
• Bed pillows: Wash them in the machine every few months (use a gentle cycle with mild detergent) or freshen them with baking soda and a vacuum.

Clean pillows mean better sleep and fewer allergens.

6. Garbage and Recycling Bins

Even with bags, garbage bins collect crumbs, spills, and odors. Do you forget to clean them regularly? It’s time to change that!

How to Clean:

• Rinse bins with warm, soapy water.
• For a deeper clean, spray with a disinfectant or a mix of vinegar and water, then scrub and rinse.
• Allow to dry completely before replacing the bag.

7. Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags are eco-friendly but can harbor crumbs, germs, and bacteria—especially when used for groceries.

How to Clean:

• Machine wash cloth bags on a gentle cycle.
• For non-washable bags, wipe down with a disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes.
• Pay attention to the corners and handles where dirt tends to hide.

Tip: Clean your bags regularly, especially after transporting fresh produce.

8. TV Remotes

TV remotes are handled constantly but rarely cleaned, making them a hotspot for germs, oils, and pet fur.

How to Clean:

• Wipe the remote with a sanitizing wipe.
• Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the remote to prevent internal damage.
• Use a cotton swab to clean around the buttons.

Sanitizing your remote once a week keeps germs in check.

9. Cleaning Supplies

Your cleaning tools need cleaning too! Dirty supplies like mops, vacuums, and sponges can spread grime instead of removing it.

How to Clean:

• Mops: Wash reusable mop heads in the washing machine or soak in a bleach solution.
• Vacuums: Empty the canister, wipe it down, and check filters regularly.
• Toilet brushes: Soak in a bleach and water solution after each use.

Keeping your supplies clean ensures they work effectively and keeps your home cleaner.

Simplify Your Cleaning with Simply Clean

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget to clean these hidden spots. At Simply Clean, we specialize in professional, thorough cleaning to keep your home fresh and sparkling. Whether it’s sanitizing forgotten areas like TV remotes or giving your dishwasher a deep clean, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t let forgotten spots add up! Contact Simply Clean today and enjoy a truly clean home.