Let’s be honest when life gets busy, it’s easy to focus on the basics: counters, floors, and maybe a quick vacuum. But there are a few sneaky spots in your home that collect dust, grime, and bacteria without you even noticing.
But, at Maid to Shine, we don’t cut corners and we don’t rely on harsh chemicals either. Here are 10 often overlooked areas we always make sure to refresh:
1. Light Switches & Door Handles
These are some of the most-touched surfaces in your home and the most ignored.
How to Clean:
Spray a microfiber cloth lightly with a non toxic all purpose cleaner (never spray directly on switches). Wipe thoroughly, paying attention to edges and crevices. For sticky spots, use a cotton swab dipped in your solution.
2. Baseboards
Dust, pet hair, and scuffs collect here fast and make even clean rooms feel dingy.
How to Clean:
Start by running a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment along the boards. Then wipe with a damp cloth and a few drops of gentle dish soap in warm water. Use a magic eraser for stubborn marks (test first on painted surfaces).
3. Behind the Toilet
Out of sight, out of mind until you realize how much grime collects back there.
How to Clean:
Use a narrow cleaning brush or microfiber mop to reach behind the toilet. Spray with a gentle bathroom cleaner and let it sit for a minute before wiping. Don’t forget to get the floor and base too!
4. Tops of Cabinets & Refrigerator
These spots gather grease and dust a sticky combo that’s hard to miss once you check.
How to Clean:
Wipe with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of degreasing soap. For thick buildup, let the cloth sit on the spot for 1–2 minutes before wiping. Lay down wax paper afterward to make future cleaning easier.
5. Ceiling Fans
If you see dust flying when the fan spins it’s past time.
How to Clean:
Turn the fan off and use a pillowcase: slide it over a blade, gently press, and pull the dust off into the case. Then wipe each blade with a damp cloth and your favorite non-toxic cleaner.
6. Window Tracks
They fill up with dirt, dead bugs, and mold fast especially in humid areas.
How to Clean:
Vacuum loose debris first. Then sprinkle baking soda into the track, spritz with vinegar, and let it fizz. Scrub with a toothbrush or detail brush and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
7. Inside the Microwave
Splattered food can harden quickly and be tough to remove without harsh scrubbing.
How to Clean:
Fill a microwave safe bowl with water and a few lemon slices (or a splash of vinegar). Microwave for 3–5 minutes, let steam sit for a minute, then wipe down the interior with a soft cloth.
8. Air Vents & Return Covers
These can clog with dust and reduce air quality especially if you haven’t looked at them in months.
How to Clean:
Remove the vent covers and vacuum thoroughly. Wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry before putting them back. Wipe surrounding wall areas while you’re at it.
9. Remote Controls
Tons of germs, food smudges, and fingerprints but rarely cleaned.
How to Clean:
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol or a gentle disinfectant. Wipe down the remote, using a cotton swab for tight spaces between buttons. Avoid dripping liquid into the electronics.
10. Under Furniture
Out of sight doesn’t mean clean! Dust, crumbs, and pet fur gather here fast.
How to Clean:
Use a low profile vacuum attachment or extendable duster to reach underneath. If you’re mopping, use a flat head mop with a gentle cleaner to slide underneath hard floors.
From light switches to ceiling fans, it’s easy to miss the little things until they aren’t so little anymore.
At Maid to Shine, we don’t just clean what’s visible. We handle the hidden grime, dusty corners, and forgotten spots thoroughly and without harsh chemicals.
Ready to hand it off to the pros?
$200 OFF your first clean, on us!
maidtoshinecleaners.com/special
