25 Things You Never Clean (But Really Should)

Curtains

Curtains can sometimes be overlooked because the dust and dirt that accumulate on them may not be immediately noticeable. "For homes with allergy-sufferers, cleaning drapes or curtains every three months can help alleviate symptoms," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "For those without allergies or respiratory issues, cleaning every six months should do." To keep curtains dust-free and looking good between deeper cleans, vacuum them weekly or biweekly.

Under Furniture

Just because you can't see under your furniture doesn't mean these areas should be neglected when it comes to cleaning. "Dust and dirt love to hide under beds, sofas, and other large pieces of furniture," says Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company. "A long-handled dust mop works well on hard surfaces, but for carpeted areas, you may need to use your vacuum cleaner or move the furniture to access the dirt."

Under Appliances

The area under appliances like ranges and refrigerators is typically neglected because you cannot see the dirt and dust accumulating there. "We recommend cleaning underneath appliances twice a year unless there is a spill or mess that needs to be cleaned immediately," says Cohoon. "Regular cleaning underneath appliances helps prevent the accumulation of dust, debris, and potential hazards, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of your appliances." Underneath lighter appliances, like the toaster or microwave, can be cleaned more regularly.

Door Frames

Door frames are easy to forget about during cleaning, but they can easily accumulate with dust and debris if neglected. "Door frames should be cleaned at least once a month to prevent the buildup of dust, allergens, and grime," says Cohoon. "Regular cleaning is important to maintain a hygienic living environment, improve indoor air quality, and enhance the overall appearance of the home."

Walls and Ceilings

sullivan island house white living room — Katie Charlotte Photography

Dust can blend in with walls and ceilings, making these areas easy to miss when cleaning. "The frequency of cleaning walls and ceilings in your home depends on factors such as the level of indoor pollution, the presence of smokers, cooking habits, and the overall cleanliness of the living space," says Cohoon. "In a typical household, cleaning walls and ceilings once or twice a year may be sufficient for routine maintenance." However, certain areas, such as kitchens where cooking residues are common, might require more frequent cleaning.

Trash Cans

Emptying out your trash can routinely isn't enough—it should be cleaned regularly, too. "At the very least, you should thoroughly clean your garbage can every month," says Mock. "If your family is large and you are going through a lot of trash each week, you might need to increase this frequency."

Baseboards

Baseboards can become dirty quickly, whether there are scuffs from furniture getting pushed around or accumulated dust. To keep yours sparkling clean, wipe down your baseboards once a month or when dust is clearly visible, says Mock.

Ceiling Fans

The top of ceiling fans can quickly gather dust and should be cleaned every other month to avoid buildup. If you have a ceiling fan in the kitchen, aim to wipe it down at least once a week when greasy foods are being cooked near the fan, says Mock.

Light Switches

Light switches are a high-touch area of your home that shouldn't be neglected. "During sick season, consider wiping them down every two weeks or every day when someone is sick at home," says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. "During other periods, every 2 to 4 weeks is fine."

Shower Curtain

Bathroom with shower and cabinet — AlexandrBognat/Getty Images

Even though your shower curtain is protected by the liner, it should still be cleaned about once a month to ensure it stays mildew-free. "Pro tip is to have two curtains so you can rotate them out while the one is being washed," says Mock. Most shower curtains are machine-washable, but be sure to check the care tag on yours to avoid any potential damage.

Dishwasher

To ensure your dishes are being cleaned properly, your dishwasher should also be cleaned. Aim to clean it every two to four months or when you notice it has lost its effectiveness, your dishes have an odor, the appliance has accumulated mold, or your dishes have hard water stains.

Garbage Disposal

Ideally, you should aim to clean your garbage disposal every two weeks. "The simplest way to do this is with baking soda and vinegar," says Cohoon. You can pour equal parts of both cleaning supplies down the disposal and let them sit for about 10 minutes before flushing with cold water. This will ensure any built-up grime or grease that can cause blockages drains properly.

Outdoor Furniture

Don't forget about your outdoor furniture during colder months, as they can wreak havoc on these pieces. "Even if you stored items in the garage or shed, they might not look great when you pull them out of storage," says Mock. "We recommend cleaning outdoor furniture and cushions to get your patio ready for summer. We also recommend you clean your patio furniture before storing it for the winter to make your spring cleaning even easier."

Door and Window Tracks

Door and window tracks can accumulate a lot of dirt if not cleaned regularly. "Remove loose debris by vacuuming, and use an old, dry toothbrush to dislodge the rest," says Mock. "If necessary, sprinkle with a light dusting of baking soda, spritz with a mixture of vinegar and water, and leave for five minutes. Wipe up the solution and grime with a clean rag or paper towel."

Kitchen Sponge

A selection of cleaning products on top of a kitchen sink. — SolStock/Getty Images

Because it's a cleaner itself, it may be hard to imagine needing to clean your sponge. But this all-purpose kitchen tool can be a breeding ground for bacteria. To keep your sponge clean, be sure to rinse and wring it out well after every use.

Microwave

Food splatter and spills can create a mess in your microwave, which can cause the appliance to build up with unwanted odors, bacteria, and mold if neglected for too long. To clean it, place a bowl of water with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in the microwave and run it on low for two minutes. Once the bowl is cool, remove it and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a microfiber cloth.

Shower Drain

Is standing water building up in your shower? It may be because you haven't cleaned out your drain in a while, and particles, oils, and hair have started to collect. To prevent this, aim to clean your shower drain weekly using our DIY drain cleaner.

Mop

Cleaning your floors with a dirty mop renders the chore useless. To ensure your floors are getting the deep clean they deserve, be sure to rinse your mop in a bucket of clean hot water after every use. Hang the mop to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Oven

Kitchen with blue cabinets — Tony Anderson/Getty Images

How often you use your oven will determine how frequently it should be cleaned. On average, you should be giving it an interior wipe-down after every two or three uses. "Most modern ovens have a self-cleaning feature, which uses high heat to burn off soils and residues without the use of cleaning agents," says George Hernandez, vice president of operations at PuroClean.. If you don't have this feature, most ovens can be cleaned using a soapy water solution and cloth, sponge, or soft brush.

Computer

Electrical equipment generates static, which means your computer is prone to attracting dust. And the keyboard can get especially grimy as a result of constant contact with your hands. For regular upkeep, aim to dust your computer weekly and wipe down your screen with a microfiber cleaning cloth. For extra stubborn grime, dampen the cloth with a mixture of mild soap and water.

Air Vents

Cleaning your air vents at least every six months is recommended to prevent them from filling up with dust and debris, which can then be released back into your home. To clean your air vents, wipe down the covers with a damp microfiber cloth and use a vacuum cleaner with the crevice tool to remove any dirt or debris from inside the vents.

Dryer Vents

Dryer exhaust vents must be inspected and cleaned at least once a year, depending on how much you use the appliance. This will improve cleanliness and avoid fires caused by clogged dryer vents. "Signs of a clogged dryer vent include clothing taking longer than normal to dry, a dryer vent hood flap that does not open properly, debris that appears around the outside of the dryer vent, and excessive heat in the room where the dryer is located," says Hernandez.

Toilet Brush

This is likely not at the top of anyone's to-do list, but cleaning your toilet brush and its cup regularly is a must. "The easiest way to do this is to place it between the toilet and toilet seat, then spray it with a strong disinfectant such as white vinegar or rubbing alcohol," says Jennifer Rodriguez, the chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers. "Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it using very hot water."

Coffee Maker

Close-up of modern coffee machine for making fresh coffee standing table in the kitchen — Anna Stills/Getty Images

This workhorse appliance deserves a regular cleaning. The best way to do so is by filling the water reservoir with one part white vinegar and two parts water and running two cycles. Once the second cycle is done, fill the reservoir with just regular water and run another two cycles or until any vinegar taste is gone.

Cosmetic Brushes

Your cosmetic brushes can build up with bacteria, which can then be transferred to your face and potentially cause blemishes. To avoid this, be sure to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week by rinsing them with mild dish soap and water.

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