Even the tidiest homes have their secrets, and often, it’s the most-used areas that get overlooked the most. At Scruples Maid Service, we clean thousands of homes across Northern Kentucky, and we’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to forget certain spots.
If you’re wondering how often you should clean those out-of-sight, out-of-mind places, we’ve got your back.
Here are 10 commonly overlooked areas in the home, and how often they really should be cleaned:
1. Ceiling Fans
How Often: Once a month
Dust builds up fast on fan blades, and when you turn them on, it spreads that dust all over your room. Monthly cleaning prevents buildup and helps keep your air cleaner.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a pillowcase to trap dust when wiping blades!
2. Baseboards
How Often: Every 1–2 months
Baseboards collect more dust, dirt, and pet hair than most people realize. Wipe them down every few weeks to keep your home looking polished from the ground up.
3. Inside Trash Cans
How Often: Once a month
Even if you use liners, spills and smells can linger. Wash trash cans with hot soapy water and a disinfectant spray at least once a month.
4. Light Switches & Doorknobs
How Often: Weekly
These high-touch areas are prime spots for germs. A quick weekly wipe with a disinfectant or sanitizing wipe goes a long way, especially during cold and flu season.
5. Behind and Under Furniture
How Often: Every 3–6 months
You’d be surprised how much dust (and crumbs!) collect under beds, sofas, and dressers. Move furniture occasionally to vacuum underneath and prevent allergens from piling up.
6. Air Vents & Registers
How Often: Every 1–2 months
Dusty vents don’t just look bad, they can also reduce air quality and HVAC efficiency. Vacuum or wipe them every couple of months to keep airflow clean.
7. Inside the Dishwasher
How Often: Once a month
It may be your cleaning appliance, but dishwashers need cleaning too. Food debris and limescale can build up and affect performance. Run a cleaning cycle or use a vinegar rinse monthly.
8. Shower Curtains & Liners
How Often: Monthly (washable fabric), every 6 months (replace plastic liners)
Mildew builds up quickly in damp environments. Wash cloth curtains monthly and replace plastic liners every few months, or when they begin to show signs of mold.
9. Window Tracks & Blinds
How Often: Every 2–3 months
Blinds trap dust, pollen, and pet dander. And don’t forget the window tracks – these grimy crevices are easy to miss but hard to ignore once you see them.
10. Washing Machine & Dryer
How Often: Monthly
Run a cleaning cycle in your washer and wipe down the rubber seal to prevent mold. For dryers, clean the lint trap after every use and vacuum behind the unit monthly to reduce fire hazards.
Let Scruples Handle the Overlooked Details
Keeping up with every corner of your home is hard—especially when life gets busy. That’s why we’re here. At Scruples Maid Service, we go beyond surface-level cleaning to tackle the areas most people forget. Our detailed cleaning checklists ensure a fresh, healthier home with every visit.
Ready to stop worrying about what you’re missing?
Schedule a cleaning with Scruples today and let us take care of the details!