Even if you clean regularly, there are spots in every home that tend to get forgotten. Over time, dust, grime, and bacteria build up in these areas without anyone noticing. Here are twelve of the most commonly overlooked spots — and they're all things our team checks as part of our 100-Point Checklist.
1. Skirting Boards
It's amazing how much dust collects on skirting boards. Because they're low to the ground and out of your direct line of sight, they're easy to forget. A quick wipe with a damp cloth once a fortnight makes a big difference to how clean a room feels.
2. Light Switches and Door Handles
These are some of the most touched surfaces in your home, but they rarely get cleaned. Think about how many times a day everyone in the house touches them. A spray and wipe takes seconds and removes a surprising amount of grime.
3. The Top of the Fridge
Out of sight, out of mind. The top of your fridge collects a thick layer of dust and grease over time, especially if it's near the stove. It's worth pulling out a step stool every few weeks to give it a wipe down.
4. Behind the Toilet
The front of the toilet gets cleaned regularly, but the base and the area behind it often get missed. This is one of the spots where bacteria thrive, so it's worth paying extra attention to.
5. Ceiling Fan Blades
Ceiling fans are great in Perth's warm months, but their blades collect dust fast. When you turn the fan on, all that dust gets circulated around the room. Wipe the blades down regularly — an old pillowcase works brilliantly for this because it catches the dust instead of dropping it everywhere.
6. Under the Couch Cushions
Crumbs, coins, hair ties, and all sorts of mystery items end up under your couch cushions. Lift them up, vacuum underneath, and wipe down the frame. You might be surprised — or slightly horrified — by what you find.
7. Exhaust Fans
Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans pull moisture and grease out of the air, which means they get clogged with dust and grime over time. A blocked exhaust fan doesn't work properly, which can lead to mould in your bathroom. Remove the cover and give it a good clean every couple of months.
8. Window Tracks
Most people clean their windows but forget the tracks. Dirt, sand, and dead insects build up in those grooves over time. A vacuum with a crevice attachment followed by a wipe with a damp cloth sorts them out quickly.
9. Dishwasher Interior and Seals
Your dishwasher cleans your dishes, but it also needs cleaning itself. Food particles and residue build up around the door seal, the filter, and the spray arms. Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar every month to keep it fresh and working efficiently.
10. Bin Lids and Surrounds
You take the rubbish out, but when was the last time you actually cleaned the bin itself? The lid, the rim, and the inside of the bin can harbour bacteria and unpleasant odours. Give it a scrub with hot soapy water every time you put a new bag in.
11. Lamp Shades and Light Fixtures
Dust settles on lamp shades and light fixtures constantly, but because they're above eye level, they're easy to miss. A duster or lint roller works well for fabric shades, while glass fixtures can be wiped with a damp cloth.
12. The Washing Machine Rubber Seal
Front-loader washing machines have a rubber gasket around the door that traps moisture, lint, and sometimes mould. Pull the seal back and wipe it out regularly. If it's already looking dark or spotty, a paste of baking soda and vinegar left on for 15 minutes will help.