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These overlooked spots are prone to dust, dirt, and bacteria buildup.
We all know certain areas of the home need more cleaning than others, like the toilet bowl or kitchen counter. But there are many areas that tend to get overlooked when it comes to keeping things spic and span. Maybe you don’t have enough time—or maybe you’re so used to the dust and grime that you no longer notice it. But there is someone who notices, and that’s the house cleaner.
We asked three professional cleaners which areas of the home should be cleaned more often—and which cleaning tools and products they recommend. Whether it’s kitchen cabinets or light switches, these are areas that should be wiped or sprayed more often if you want to keep your home clean and sanitary.
Best Professional-Loved Cleaning Products
- Dawn Platinum Plus Powerwash Dish Spray (4-Pack), $18
- Mr. Scrub Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge (6-Pack), $8
- Hiware Window Blind Cleaner, $7
- Swiffer Duster, $10
- Homexcel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (12-Pack), $8
- Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner, $4 (was $6)
- Uimo Microfiber Feather Duster Kit With Extension Pole, $26 (was $30)
- Hdaiucov Magic Reusable Sponge (6-Pack), $9 (was $14)
- Dr. Wow Magic Sponge (50-Pack), $19
Kitchen Cabinets
Of all the surfaces you’ll find in the kitchen, cabinets probably get cleaned the least—which makes them harder to clean later on, especially if they’re caked with grease. “Kitchen cabinets, especially the front of cabinets, should be cleaned more often,” says Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids. “They’re resistant and will hardly stain, but it’s easier to remove grease that has stuck to it if you do it regularly.” Varela recommends using a cloth and dish soap to wipe them down.
Dawn Platinum Plus Powerwash Dish Spray (4-Pack)
“Nothing beats soapy water, but if the cabinets are really greasy, you can use Dawn Powerwash, which is like a concentrated version,” says Varela. “Spray on the surface, let it sit for 10 minutes and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.” Varela recommends microfiber cloths with a higher GSM (grams per square meter) for better absorbency and durability.
Mr. Scrub Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge (6-Pack)
If the grease layers are too thick and microfiber cloths aren’t getting the job done, Varela recommends softly rubbing the surface with Dawn Powerwash and a nonscratch sponge like this six-pack from Mr. Scrub. “For some reason, I’ve found they last for ages and, for the price, they’re a fantastic option,” she says.
Window Blinds
Have you ever glanced at your blinds on a sunny day and recoiled at the amount of dust? You’re not alone. “Window blinds are one of the areas that most people forget to clean,” says Varela. “It’s important to clean it more often because so much dust can accumulate over time without you noticing it.” Dirty blinds are not only unsightly, but they can also scatter allergens into the air whenever you open and close them.
Hiware Window Blind Cleaner
Varela likes using this microfiber duster for horizontal blinds. The triple-prong design tackles more surface space at once, so it cuts down on your overall dusting time. If the blinds are thick with stubborn grime, Varela suggests using warm vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. I personally use these on my blinds at home—and the reduced dusting time makes the task so much easier and less daunting.
Swiffer Duster
Another favorite in Varela’s toolkit is a Swiffer Duster, which she recommends using in conjunction with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any leftover dirt after you’ve tackled the dust. The duster has a removable handle that extends up to 3 feet, so you can reach those top slats without necessarily needing a stool.
Staircase Railing
Everyone knows it’s good practice to wipe down kitchen counters and breakfast tables, but when’s the last time you wiped down your staircase railing? “People touch the staircase railing all the time, but don’t always think to clean it,” says Rhonda Wilson, Quality Lead Cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning. Railings are prone to dirt and bacteria buildup from our hands, especially if you have kids running up and down all day.
Homexcel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (12-Pack)
“If you’re in a rush, wiping with a slightly damp microfiber cloth will do, then follow it up with a dry one to avoid water spots,” says Wilson. These Homexcel cloths are one of her go-to picks because they absorb a lot and don’t leave fuzz or lint behind. She also recommends the Amazon Basics cloths if you want something a bit larger.
Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner
If you need more cleaning power than a damp microfiber cloth, Wilson recommends spraying the cloth with a multipurpose cleaner like Lysol to ensure your handrails are sparkling clean (or Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Cleaner Spray, if you prefer something more eco-friendly). For a final touch, Wilson likes running a dryer sheet over the railing after the cleaning is finished. “This will repel dust and even cut down on static,” she says.
Ceilings
I barely look at my ceiling let alone clean it, so it’s no surprise that pros told me that many people don’t clean their ceilings often enough. Ceilings can harbor dust and grease from cooking, not to mention they make a great home for cobwebs over time. Keeping your ceilings clean makes for better air quality and an overall cleaner space.
Swiffer Duster With Super Extender Handle
“Trying to clean from the floor never works well for these high-up spots,” says Wilson. “You’ll need a heavy-duty long-handled Swiffer.” This Swiffer has a handle that extends up to 6 feet, which makes it easier to dust high ceilings. It’s also great for reaching ceiling vents and fans.
Uimo Microfiber Feather Duster Kit With Extension Pole
April Prothero, founder of Going GreenHouse, says the key to dusting ceilings more often is having a tool that makes it a cinch to do. “We use this extension duster that retracts and can be kept in a closet or storage area,” she says. The duster comes with three different heads that you can swap interchangeably. Best of all, the ultra-long extension pole expands up to 100 inches, so it’s perfect for eliminating cobwebs and dust on higher ceilings. It retracts down to 30 inches for easy storage when you’re done.
Switch Plates and Handles
Switch plates and handles are high-touch areas that are prone to all sorts of dirt accumulation and smudges, so Prothero highly recommends cleaning them as much as possible—especially since it’s the sort of dirtiness we might get too used to if we see it every day. “There are so many times I have gone to a home to do a consultation and point out dirty smudges and fingerprints on door frames and light switches that the home[owner] never even noticed until I pointed it out,” says Prothero.
Hdaiucov Magic Reusable Sponge (6-Pack)
Prothero uses these budget-friendly ridged sponges to wipe down light switches and handles around the home. “The name-brand sponges are expensive, and we love anything that can be reused,” she says. “These sponges work wonders on anything from cleaning car hubcaps to blinds or oven hoods.” Just moisten the sponge to quickly spruce up surfaces—no cleaning sprays needed.
Dr. Wow Magic Sponge (50-Pack)
Prothero recommends these melamine foam pads for more stubborn grime, like greasy knobs on kitchen drawers or paint stains on light switches. The pack comes with 50 sponges, and you can cut each sponge into smaller pieces if necessary—so you get a lot of bang for your buck. “I love these magic sponges so much,” said a five-star reviewer. “I own my own residential cleaning company, and these are a must-have on-hand product.”
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