Whether you’re trying to speed clean your home or you’re attempting to deep clean to stay healthy, chances are, you’re forgetting to clean something. These often overlooked areas in your house, hard to clean places in your car, and small things that everyone forgets can become germ and clutter hotspots if you let them go.
Add these to your cleaning list and schedule them regularly to make sure you don’t forget to clean anything on this list!
Places You Forget to Clean in Your Home
In the Bathroom
- Toothbrush holder
- Toilet handle
- Base and behind toilet
- Shower curtain You may be able to toss even vinyl liners in the washing machine.
- Door knobs, cupboard knobs and drawer handles
- Light switches Clean the switch plate and the actual switch.
- Faucets Use a razor blade to scrape around the edge of the faucet where minerals and water deposits accumulate, and then clean the knob and nozzle to remove mold and buildup.
- Step-stools
- Soap dispensers
- Shampoo/shower products
- Cabinets (fronts/sides/doors)
- Shower head
- Outside of shower/tub
In the Living Room
- Coasters
- Speakers
- Candy dish
- Electronics (buttons, remotes, screens, under cases, computers, keyboards) Clean electronics with this cloth so they don’t get damaged.
- Light bulbs
- Door jams
- Window sills
- Fireplace doors
- Holiday decor Declutter your holiday decor with these tips, and then clean it when you set it out and again before the holiday.
- Curtains/blinds
- Thermostat
- Diffusers Clean small diffusers with vinegar water and a Q-tip.
- Plants Wash both living and fake plants in the shower. For dried flowers and silk plants, take them outside and spray them with this floral cleaner.
- Chair/couch cushions
- Throw pillows
- Walls This is the best way to clean walls
- Ceiling
- Sides/crevices of staircase
- Kids toys As you declutter the kids’ toys or after someone is sick, give the toys a bath. Toss everything that doesn’t have batteries or fun in the kitchen sink and let them soak in dish soap or a solution of diluted bleach water.
- Vents/cold air returns
In the Kitchen and Dining Room
- Condiments
- Kitchen backsplash
- Curtains/blinds
- Range hood/vent
- Chandelier/overhead lights
- Top of cupboards
- Garbage bins
- Silverware tray
- Drawers
- Rugs
- Dishwasher (drain, inside the door, top, back, and the seal)
- Small kitchen appliances (toaster, can opener, coffee maker/Keurig)
- Backs of chairs
- Legs of tables
- Top of fridge
- Doors, including cabinet doors
- Lazy Susan
- Salt and pepper shakers/spices
- Door knobs, cupboard knobs and drawer handles
- Refrigerator drawers and shelves
In the Bedroom
- Behind/under the bed
- Blankets
- Mattress pad
- Bedskirt
- Pillow covers
In the Laundry Room and Entry Way
- Dryer vent (both inside and outside your house – use this vacuum attachment to clean the lint traps).
- Under and around the washing machine and dryer
- Brooms/mops
- Washing machine Clean the seal, around the door, and run a cleaning cycle (or two) with a deep cleaner.
- Shoe closet Clean the floor and walls, especially if there are a lot of scuffs.
- Coat closet
- Seasonal clothing (coats, hats, mittens, scarfs, etc.)
- Storage baskets
- Laundry baskets/hampers
Outside Your House
- Gutters
- Doorbell
- Screens
- Doorknobs
- Kick plate on doors
- Lights
- Pillars/decor
- Mailbox
- Water spigot/hose
- Patio furniture
- Garage door openers
Things That Everyone Forgets to Clean in the Car
Keep a tub of Lysol wipes in your car to quickly wipe down high-touch areas and knobs.
- Door handles (both inside and out)
- Wiper knob
- Gear shift
- Seatbelt (and buttons) Don’t forget to wipe the entire seatbelt regularly and spot clean as necessary. You may also need to reach alongside the seats to get the base of the seatbelt clip.
- Cup holders To keep your cupholders clean, place cupcake wrappers in each cupholder.
- Key fob/ring/keys
- Console/dash
- Steering wheel
Small Things You Often Overlook Cleaning
These small things that you often overlook cleaning are everyday items that you use regularly (but never remember to clean).
For small items, invest in a UV light cleaner.
- Wallet
- Credit cards
- Purse, including straps, interior, and exterior
- Makeup bag
- Hairbrush/comb
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Exercise mat
- Free weights
- Nail trimmers, tweezers
- Makeup brushes and applicators
- Suitcases
Even if you follow a daily or weekly cleaning routine, many of these items are often forgotten. Download the free printable checklist and add this to your home binder so you always remember to clean everything on this list!