14 Unexpectedly Grimy Areas You Might Be Overlooking While Vacuuming—but Shouldn't

1. Window Blinds and Drapes

Your window treatments are in need of some serious cleaning! Using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a soft brush attachment is a great way to remove dust from both your curtains and blinds. Aim to vacuum your blinds at least twice a month, and your curtains should get a cleaning at least once a month.

2. Mattress

Not to be too unsettling, but the hours you spend lying on your mattress each day can result in the buildup of dead skin cells, dust, dust mites, and other undesirable particles becoming trapped in your mattress.

It's recommended to vacuum your mattress at least twice annually, but if you're prone to allergies or just enjoy having a fresh, clean space to sleep, consider vacuuming it more frequently.

3. Cushions

Pillows collect oils from your face and hair while you sleep, and decorative pillows often gather crumbs, pet fur, and other debris. Regular vacuuming helps maintain their cleanliness between deep washes in the washing machine.

4. Pantry Shelves

Crumbs and spills are inevitable—and they can attract all kinds of pests to your pantry, offering them a buffet of treats. To prevent mice and other critters from feasting on your flour and sugar, make it a habit to vacuum your pantry shelves and floor at least twice a year. Keep a small vacuum nearby for quick clean-ups when you spot spilled rice or any other messes.

5. Book Collection

Whether you're a book lover or simply following the "bookshelf wealth" aesthetic, your shelves are likely filled with a collection of books that can take an eternity to dust.

The solution: Grab your vacuum with the brush attachment. It’s perfect for easily sweeping away a layer of dust from your books.

6. Garages and Sheds

Indeed, your garage and shed can accumulate dirt quickly—and that mess can pile up on the floor, making it both hazardous and unpleasant to look at. Break out the shop vac every few months, or as soon as you spot any spills, to keep things in order.

7. Your Oven

Before and after a thorough oven cleaning, you can use your vacuum to suck up the burnt crumbs and debris at the bottom, making the process much simpler and quicker.

8. Air Conditioner

In the height of summer, dust tends to build up quickly around your air conditioner. Use a vacuum equipped with a crevice tool and a soft brush attachment to clean the louvers and filters on your window unit or the coils of a central air system.

Regular cleaning helps maintain your air conditioner's efficiency and can lower your overall cooling expenses.

9. Lamp Shades

While dusting, you might focus more on the tabletop than the objects on it—and lampshades are notorious for collecting dust. Attach the upholstery tool to your vacuum to help minimize the dust buildup on your lampshades.

10. Your Closet

Your closet floor, shelves, and walls collect dust as well—and chances are, it’s been a while since they’ve had a proper vacuuming. Make vacuuming a quick weekly task as part of your bedroom clean, and give it a more thorough go when you’re organizing your wardrobe.

11. Under Your Bed

Getting under your bed can be tricky—especially if you have underbed storage that’s in the way—but the space under your bed can become a perfect hideout for dust bunnies. If it’s been a while since you last vacuumed under there, now is a great time to do it. (And perhaps consider adding it to your monthly cleaning routine!)

P.S. A robot vacuum is perfect for this task!

12. Refrigerator Coils

You’re aware that cleaning your refrigerator’s coils is essential for its efficient operation. But when was the last time you vacuumed them? Using the hose attachment on your vacuum, you can clean the coils in just a few minutes—this task should be done at least once a year, and more frequently if you have pets or a particularly dusty home.

13. Your Dryer's Lint Trap

Your clothes shed a significant amount of lint, which can accumulate in your dryer’s exhaust over time. This buildup may cause your dryer to operate inefficiently or even pose a fire risk—even if you empty the lint trap after each load. To keep things running smoothly, use your vacuum with a crevice tool to clean both the lint trap and the area beneath it inside the dryer.

14. Your Car Trunk

While detailing your car, it's easy to focus on cleaning the spots where you sit, but don’t forget your trunk. It’s often overlooked and in need of a thorough cleaning. Take out any items and give it a good vacuuming along with the rest of your car.