8 Unexpectedly Grimy Areas Professional Cleaners Always Tackle (That You Likely Overlook)

You might believe you're thorough in cleaning every corner of your house, ensuring it’s perfectly clean. But unless you’re a cleaning expert, there are likely a few spots you overlook. If you're aiming to achieve the cleanest home possible, you may need to expand your usual routine to cover some often-forgotten areas. So, what are you missing? Here are eight surprising spots professional cleaners never forget when tidying up a home.

High-Traffic Areas

Some of the most neglected yet dirtiest areas in your home are also the most obvious. “Cleaning frequently touched surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and handles on drawers and cabinets is crucial for maintaining a healthy home,” says Robin Murphy, founder of ChirpChirp Cleaning and Maid Brigade in White Plains, New York. “These surfaces are constantly being touched by everyone, making them hotspots for dirt and germs, including bacteria and viruses. Regularly wiping and disinfecting them helps prevent the spread of illnesses. Plus, oils and grime from hands accumulate over time, making them appear dirty if not cleaned regularly,” she adds.

Inside of Trash Bins

Sure, you change the trash bag, but do you ever clean the inside of your trash can? “Even with a bag, liquids or food remnants can leak through, leading to bacteria buildup at the bottom of the bin,” says Murphy. “If not cleaned, this can result in unpleasant odors and invite pests. Taking the time to disinfect the inside of these bins eliminates germs and odors, leaving them hygienic and fresh,” she explains.

Gas Stove Drip Trays

Rochelle Wilkinson, founder of Dirt Detective Cleaning, often cleans a hidden spot found on many large gas stoves. “There’s a metal tray (similar to a toaster oven tray) that can be removed, scrubbed, and cleaned,” she says. “This tray typically collects a good amount of grease drippings.”

While this may not seem like a major issue, Wilkinson emphasizes that cleaning this tray is essential for preventing grease fires. “I’ve often pulled it out to clean, and homeowners are often surprised to discover it’s even there,” she says.

Coffee Maker Drip Tray

If you own a coffee or espresso maker, it likely has a drip tray where you place your cup. These trays can accumulate more than just water, says Wilkinson. “You can remove these trays, and they’re often filled with old coffee and sometimes coffee grounds,” she explains. “If your coffee maker has a grinder on top, there’s usually a compartment to catch the leftover grounds, and they need to be emptied into the trash. After that, rinse the tray clean.”

Pull-Out Kitchen Sink Sprayer

It may sound unpleasant, but the pull-out sink sprayer can become quite dirty, says Wilkinson. “The pull-out sprayer on a kitchen sink, unlike a metal faucet head with a mesh screen, is typically made of plastic and has 15 to 25 tiny pinhole nozzles,” she explains. “If you pull it down and aim it toward yourself (with the water off, of course), you’ll likely find a black, slimy residue on it.” To clean it, use a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and vinegar.

The Kitchen Sink Drain

While you’re in the kitchen, Wilkinson recommends cleaning your sink drain, particularly if you have a garbage disposal. “It can accumulate a slimy residue and turn your sink drain a dark brown or nearly black,” she explains. “This is usually caused by coffee, spaghetti sauce, and other food items being poured down the disposal.”

She suggests cleaning the area with dish soap and using a sponge that’s not your regular dishwashing sponge. Scrub the drain well, and if it’s still discolored, she advises applying a liquid bleach cleaner and scrubbing again until the drain looks as good as new.

Pillows

While it’s common knowledge to wash your pillowcases frequently, you may not realize that the pillows themselves also need to be cleaned on a regular basis. “Wash your pillows every three months,” recommends Wilkinson. “Mites often take up residence in pillows, and you definitely don’t want them near your face, where you could become their next meal.”

Light Bulbs

Even if you consider yourself a pro at dusting, chances are you might be forgetting about your light bulbs. Wilkinson explains, “Light bulbs are often hidden behind lampshades, making it easy to overlook how much dust has accumulated on them.”

When cleaning light bulbs, take care. “Make sure they’ve been off for at least 3 to 4 minutes, so they aren’t still hot and won’t burst when wiped with a slightly damp cloth,” Wilkinson advises.