How To Clean The Most Annoying Spots In Your Home

Daniel Mitchell in How To

7/6/25

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Some parts of your home are just the worst to clean. They’re hard to reach, easy to forget, or just flat-out frustrating to deal with. Here’s how to clean the places you keep putting off or don’t even know need cleaning.

Behind and Under the Refrigerator

This is one of those places you don’t see but definitely feel. This is where most of the dust, crumbs, and spills around your fridge build up, sometimes even attracting pests. If you can’t roll you fridge away from the wall, use a long-handled duster or vacuum hose to reach underneath and clean what it can. If you can roll it out, use a microfiber cloth with warm soapy water to clean the back panel and take the time to wipe the floor and wall.

Modern appliances and new design in kitchen. Loft kitchen and apartment

Inside the Dishwasher Filter and Spray Arms

Though your dishwasher is meant to keep things clean, it gets pretty dirty itself, especially in the finer mechanics. Filters trap food debris and grease, and clogged spray arms leave water spots on your dishes. Take the filter out and scrub it with a small brush under warm water. Use a toothpick or pin to clear spray arm holes. Run a hot vinegar rinse once a month to freshen it up and keep it running well.

Residential Dishwasher Filter Cleaning by Caucasian Professional Appliances Repair Worker.

Bathtub Drains and Overflow Plates

Bathtub drains gather a lot of soap scum, hair, and other gunk. The overflow plate, that circle of metal under the faucet, gets dirty too, but many people don’t even know they can be removed, let alone cleaned. Unscrew the overflow plate and clean inside using a flexible drain brush. Pour boiling water followed by baking soda and vinegar down the drain, then flush again after 15 minutes.

Sliding Door Tracks

Sliding door tracks trap dirt, bugs, and pet hair, and they’re tough to clean with a cloth alone. Start by vacuuming out loose debris with a nozzle attachment. Then, use a toothbrush dipped in warm vinegar to scrub the tracks. Wrap a cloth around a butter knife to reach deep corners.

Delightful design of a room with a glass door leading to a balcony

Window Tracks

Speaking of tracks, window tracks also gather plenty of dirt, bugs, and even mold, especially in humid weather. Start by vacuuming the area, then use a cotton swab or toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub out buildup. Don’t forget the tiny weep holes at the bottom edge of the frame, they help drain water out of the tracks and can clog easily.

Windowsill, heating grid ventilation. Winter apartment heating. Modern double glazed windows

Washer Detergent Drawer and Rubber Gasket

Dozens of wash cycles can cause mildew, soap scum, and other debris to build up in your washing machine, which can then make your laundry smell stale. Remove the detergent drawer and rinse it in the sink, scrubbing with an old toothbrush to clear out residue. Wipe inside where the drawer slides in, too. Don’t forget the rubber gasket around the door. Pull it back gently and wipe out trapped lint, moisture, and mold with a vinegar-soaked cloth.

Washing machine with laundry detergent powder for washing concept

Inside the Bathroom Exhaust Fan Cover

People often forget that their bathroom fan needs cleaning too. Turn off the power, then remove the plastic fan cover. You’ll likely see a thick coating of lint and dust on both the cover and the fan blades. Wash the cover in warm, soapy water and let it dry. Use a vacuum brush or cloth to clean the fan itself.

Dirty ventilation grille in the kitchen on the wall. Communication in the kitchen. Grease and dirt on the ventilation.

Cabinet Tops and Fridge Tops

Out of sight, out of mind. The tops of cabinets and refrigerators gather layers of greasy dust, especially in kitchens. Get at a safe angle and wipe with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. To make the next cleaning easier, line the surface with wax paper or newspaper.

A cat laying on the top of an open fridge, looking down into it and trying to reach in with its paw.

While these places might seem frustrating to deep clean, staying on top of them means less work overall and a cleaner home more often. Now that you know where to look, keep an eye on these places and tidy them up when you can. Your home will feel fresher for it.