12 Things That Always Get Forgotten in a Spring Clean

Spring cleaning usually means floors, windows, and maybe a closet or two. But there are a handful of spots that almost always get skipped—and they’re the same ones that make a house feel a little stale even after you’ve worked hard.

If you want the whole place to feel truly refreshed, these are the areas worth adding to your list.

Ceiling fans and light fixtures

Fans and light fixtures collect dust and bugs all winter. If you never look up, you’ll miss them. When the fan kicks on, that dust blows around the room and lands on surfaces you already cleaned.

Turn off the power, place an old sheet under the fan, and use a damp microfiber or pillowcase to wipe blades. Gently dust light fixtures and wipe glass shades. It’s one of those jobs that only takes a few minutes but makes your cleaning feel complete.

Air vents, returns, and filters

Spring is a good time to clean vent covers and returns and change filters. Dust builds up on grilles and in filters, and you’re breathing that air every day. Even if you stay on top of filter changes, the metal covers themselves get grimy.

Vacuum them with a brush attachment, then wipe with a damp cloth. If they’re really bad, remove and wash them in warm soapy water, then dry thoroughly before reinstalling. Your air feels fresher, and walls around vents look less dingy.

Behind and under large appliances

Crumbs, dust, and who-knows-what else collect under your stove and fridge. You don’t see it, but you can definitely smell it sometimes. Spring is a good time to slide them out (carefully) and sweep, vacuum, and mop underneath.

While you’re there, wipe the sides, back, and wall area. You don’t have to get it perfect, just reclaim the area from sticky spills and ancient cereal pieces. It’s one of those once- or twice-a-year jobs that really pays off.

Inside kitchen cabinets and drawers

You probably wipe cabinet fronts, but crumbs and dust collect inside drawers and on shelves too. Silverware drawers, spice drawers, and snack cabinets are the worst. Spring is a good excuse to pull things out and give them a fresh start.

Vacuum crumbs, wipe with a damp cloth, and let everything dry before putting items back. Toss anything expired or broken as you go. When you open a drawer and see clean dividers instead of crumbs, it makes everyday life feel more in order.

Under and behind couches and beds

Dust bunnies and small toys migrate under furniture all year. Out of sight, out of mind—until you move something and realize how much is under there. Use this season to pull couches and beds away from the wall and do a deep clean.

Vacuum underneath, along baseboards, and behind headboards. You’ll likely find socks, pencils, and a couple of mystery items. It’s not glamorous, but your air and floors will both feel better.

Door frames, switch plates, and handles

We touch door frames, light switches, and handles constantly, and they collect smudges, fingerprints, and dust. They’re easy to overlook when you’re focused on bigger areas, but they quietly make rooms look more worn.

Grab a cloth with a bit of mild cleaner and walk the house, wiping switches, plates, knobs, and the areas around them. It doesn’t take long, and it instantly brightens doors and walls without painting.

Shower curtain liner and bath mats

Bathrooms often get a scrub, but shower curtain liners and bath mats get skipped. Liners can collect soap scum and mildew, and mats hang on to moisture and odor. Check care tags and either wash or replace them.

A fresh liner and clean mats make the whole bathroom feel reset. If you’ve had the same ones for years, this might be the season to retire them and start fresh.

Inside trash cans and recycling bins

Even with bags, trash cans and recycling bins get sticky and smelly over time. Spring is a good time to take them outside, spray them out, and scrub with dish soap or cleaner.

Rinse well and let them dry completely in the sun if you can. You’ll notice fewer lingering smells in the house, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. It’s not fun, but it makes a big difference.

Window tracks and sliding door tracks

You can clean the glass and still have grime in the tracks. Dirt, bugs, and dust collect there and look awful up close. A vacuum with a crevice tool, some cotton swabs, and a little soapy water can transform those tracks.

Once they’re clean, things actually slide better, too. It’s one of those details that nobody brags about doing, but everyone notices when they open a window or door.

Under sink areas

Under-sink cabinets are usually a jumble of bottles, bags, and cleaning tools. They also catch leaks and drips, which can leave stains and smells. Empty them out, wipe the base and sides, and check for any signs of moisture.

Use bins or caddies to corral cleaners before you put them back. Just having that space wiped out and organized makes every sink in the house feel more functional.

Tops of doors, cabinets, and tall furniture

Anything tall with a flat top is a dust magnet—door tops, cabinet tops, tall dressers, and wardrobes. You almost never see these spots unless you’re up high, so they quietly build up thick layers.

Use a step stool and a microfiber cloth or duster to wipe them down. If cabinet tops are especially grimy, lay down wax paper or liner afterward to make the next cleanout easier.

Pet beds, carriers, and favorite corners

If you have pets, their beds, blankets, and favorite hangout spots collect fur and odor. Spring is a good time to wash what’s washable and vacuum what isn’t.

Lift or move beds and scratch posts to clean underneath, too. Fresh bedding and clean corners help the whole house smell better, not just that one room.