Cleaning a neglected house can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into manageable tasks will make it achievable.
From baseboards to ceiling fans, cleaning experts reveal their top 10 overlooked spots that gather dust and grime over time and the ones they urge you to tackle in a neglected property.
Armed with our cleaning tips and tricks, you'll have a fresh and revitalized home in no time.
1. Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans accumulate dust and dirt, which can scatter through the air when used. Regular cleaning keeps them efficient and reduces allergens.
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Out of sight, out of mind! Dust and grime have an easy time accumulating on ceiling fan blades since they're rarely within arm's reach.
'To address yours, first turn off the fan and cover furniture below with a drop cloth. Use a pillowcase to wipe each blade, trapping the dust inside. Follow up with a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution to remove stuck-on grime.'
You can use homemade cinnamon oil for cleaning, which is packed with natural bacteria-busting and mold-killing properties.
Once clean, Toner's tips for maintaining your ceiling fan's cleanliness include dusting the blades weekly with an extendable duster, running the fan on reverse during winter, and checking the fan motors annually to avoid clogging.
Keeping ceiling fans clean improves air quality and makes the space feel fresher.
With its plant-based formula, this eco-friendly spray cleans most non-porous surfaces including tile, stone, wood and glass. Its 'French lavender' scent is a pleasing mix of lavender, bergamot and chamomile.
With its sleek design, high performance and HEPA filter, cleaning expert Karina Toner recommends this air purifier for reducing airborne dust. Its long-life, high-torque motor can purify more than 1,000 square feet with the original filter.
With a soft, non-slip grip, this red duster has a slim profile for easy maneuvering in or around tight spaces. Even better, the microfiber unsnaps from the handle for convenient machine washing.
2. Baseboards
Baseboards are easy to overlook but tend to collect dust, pet hair, and grime – making an otherwise clean room look neglected.
Toner says, 'People rarely look down or take the time to crouch low, so baseboards are easily forgotten. Vacuum with a brush attachment, initially, to remove dust and debris, then wipe with a damp cloth soaked in warm water and a gentle detergent.'
Toner recommends Mr. Clean Magic Eraser from Amazon for removing scuffs and stains with ease.
To maintain cleanliness, Toner suggests wiping with a dry microfiber cloth monthly and adding a no-shoes rule to reduce tracked dirt. Our guide on the best ways to clean baseboards contains more expert-approved tips.
3. Behind appliances
The spaces behind refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines are magnets for dust and dirt.
Steven Ip, owner of Cleanzen Boston Cleaning Services, says, 'It's really no wonder areas like behind refrigerators are frequently neglected, given they're so difficult to access. But dust and debris build up here, affecting both cleanliness and appliance efficiency.
'To clean, pull the fridge away from the wall, and use a duster, such as this the Swiffer Duster from Target, which has an extendable handle to help reach those tougher spots. Follow by sweeping and mopping the floor.'
To maintain, aim to clean behind appliances at least every three months. Toner recommends these X-Protector Felt Furniture Sliders from Amazon to make accessing these areas easier.
4. Grout
Grout is porous, making it prone to mold, mildew, and discoloration over time. Neglecting it can make even a clean kitchen or bathroom look dirty.
Muffetta Krueger, founder of Muffetta Housekeeping, based in the New York tri-state area, says, 'Grout between tiles often goes unnoticed until it becomes discolored due to mold, mildew, or soap scum. It’s neglected because cleaning it requires effort and specialized tools.
'To clean, spray grout lines with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the grout with a stiff-bristled grout brush or an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda. Finally, rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a towel.'
Krueger recommends Grout-eez Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner from Walmart, adding, 'Designed to tackle even the most stubborn grout stains, this product works quickly and efficiently.'
To maintain, use a shower cleaner spray daily to minimize soap scum buildup, wipe down tiles after each shower, and re-seal grout annually with the help our guide: 'How to regrout between tiles when your grout is looking tired'.
5. Dishwasher filters
A neglected dishwasher filter can cause odors and reduce the machine’s cleaning efficiency. It’s an area often forgotten in regular cleaning routines.
Toner says, 'Many people don’t even realize dishwashers have filters that need cleaning, but the process is pretty straightforward. Begin by removing the filter and rinsing under warm water. Use a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent to scrub. Reassemble and run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner.'
Toner recommends Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets from Amazon and Dawn Platinum Powerwash Spray from Target, which comes with thousands of five-star customer reviews.
Clean the filter and run a hot water cycle with vinegar monthly to maintain and avoid clogs.
6. Inside trash cans
Even with liners, trash cans can develop odors and bacteria from spills or leaks.
Toner says, 'Liners hide messes, so many assume the bin is clean. To clean, simply remove the liner and wash the can with hot, soapy water. Disinfect with a vinegar or bleach solution, or use your preferred disinfectant sprays, then let the trash can dry completely before inserting a new liner.'
Toner recommends Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner Disinfectant Spray from Target, which has a pleasant lemon scent.
For better maintenance, Toner advises sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of the can to control odors, and emptying trash regularly to avoid leaks.
7. Shower curtain liners
Shower curtain liners are susceptible to soap scum, mildew, and mold, making your bathroom feel unclean.
Toner says, 'To clean, remove the liner and wash it in the washing machine with mild detergent and baking soda, then hang to dry or run a low-heat dryer cycle. For stubborn mildew, soak in a baking soda & vinegar solution or your preferred milder remover before washing.'
We recommend Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, available at Walmart, as a quality brand – plus, we like the twist-top lid on this version, making it easy to keep moisture out when storing.
Toner adds, 'For better maintenance, always stretch the liner out fully after a shower to avoid mildew, and replace liners every six months if they show wear.'
Regularly cleaning or replacing liners keeps your shower sanitary and inviting.
8. Window sills
Dust, cobwebs, and dirt often accumulate in window sills, particularly in neglected homes.
Joseph Passalacqua, CEO of Maid Sailors, says, 'Window tracks and sills are frequently overlooked because they fall into cleaning blind spots – areas we pass by daily without noticing their gradual deterioration. These areas significantly impact both aesthetics and indoor air quality.
'Begin cleaning with a thorough vacuum, using a narrow attachment to remove loose debris. We then like to apply Ecover's All-Purpose Cleaner, chosen for its powerful plant-based formula. Mix with warm water and work the solution into corners using a detail brush.'
Clean window sills brighten rooms and improve airflow. Also, check out the 12 items you should never store on a window sill.
9. Kitchen cabinet tops
Cabinet tops collect grease, dust, and grime, especially in kitchens without adequate ventilation.
Passalacqua says, 'Kitchen cabinet tops often become collection points for greasy residue and dust. These surfaces are typically neglected simply because they're above eye level and require extra effort to inspect and clean.
'Our approach involves using Method Heavy Duty Degreaser from Amazon for its eco-friendly, plant-based powerhouse formula that cuts through tough grease. We apply the solution with a microfiber cloth and allow it to sit for several minutes before wiping clean.'
For ongoing maintenance, Passalacqua suggests a monthly clean with a step stool or ladder, using a damp, microfiber cloth to collect dust before it can combine with airborne grease particles.
10. Bathroom exhaust fans
Bathroom fans trap dust and moisture, reducing efficiency and potentially spreading mold spores.
Passalacqua says, 'Bathroom exhaust fans are another critical yet neglected area, often overlooked because they require specific tools and safety precautions to clean properly.
'We address this by first disconnecting power and removing the cover. We use Seventh Generation Lemon All Purpose Cleaner from Target for its powerful yet gentle formula. The cover should soak for 15-20 minutes before gentle scrubbing with a soft brush.'
Passalacqua recommends dusting monthly and cleaning the fan cover quarterly. For more, check out 'How often should you clean and replace a bathroom extractor fan?'
So there you have it – 10 tips for cleaning a neglected house. By addressing these overlooked spots, you can restore cleanliness and comfort to your home.
Next, check out these four overlooked areas of your home to organize.
