The Spring Cleaning Spots a Professional Never Skips

Open wooden kitchen drawers organized with plates bowls cups and utensils — Credit:
Sara Tramp

Your spring cleaning routine might need a refresh itself. “People usually clean what they can see every day. Hidden areas get forgotten until the buildup becomes obvious,” says cleaning expert Leanne Neiland. These spots may not be part of your weekly routine, but addressing them once or twice a year can make a surprising difference.

Here are the spots you’re probably overlooking and should add to your spring cleaning checklist this upcoming season.

Leanne Neiland is a popular cleaning content creator and a nurse with a strong interest in infection control.

The Tops of Kitchen Cabinets

Most people wipe down their cabinet doors regularly, but the tops of cabinets often remain untouched for months (or even years). Out of sight doesn’t mean out of reach for dust and grease. In fact, kitchen cabinets are particularly prone to buildup because airborne cooking oils gradually settle on surfaces. Neiland considers these high ledges one of the most important areas to address during a seasonal reset. “I always focus on the tops of kitchen cabinets,” she says.

Cleaning the area is usually straightforward: an extendable microfiber mop, warm soapy water, and a quick wipe-down will remove most residue. For heavier buildup, a degreasing cleanser (such as a mild dish soap or vinegar) can help cut through sticky films left behind by cooking vapors.

Inside Kitchen Drawers

Drawers tend to collect more than just clutter: Crumbs, dust, and other debris can easily fall inside. Neiland makes a point of addressing them during spring cleaning. "Empty the space, clean it properly, then only put back what actually belongs there," says Neiland. Drawer liners can help make future cleanups easier, as can thoroughly decluttering. When every item has a clear home, daily tasks become noticeably more efficient.

Behind Kitchen Appliances

Most large appliances sit flush against the wall, making it easy to ignore the spaces behind them. Plus, moving them can be a huge hassle. But make no mistake about it: There's likely plenty of dust, crumbs, and sticky residues hidden there. According to Neiland, they’re one of the most overlooked zones in the home.

Even small appliances like toasters or coffee machines can cover buildup beneath or behind them. And while pulling out a refrigerator or stove might not be part of weekly cleaning, a seasonal reset is the perfect time to tackle the task. “Small habits help,” adds Neiland. “Wiping drawers when you notice crumbs and doing a quick check behind appliances every few months stops grime building up.” Overtime, those small habits make seasonal resets much simpler.

Along Baseboards

Baseboards run along the perimeter of nearly every room; yet they’re easy to overlook because they sit just outside our normal line of sight. Throughout the year though, they collect plenty of dirt and scuffs from foot traffic and activity—so they deserve your attention.

First, vacuum baseboards with a brush attachment. Then, gently scrub away marks and stains with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Dry completely with a another microfiber cloth to prevent water marks.

Since these areas may not catch your eye day-to-day, tackling them during a seasonal reset can make your entire home feel noticeably fresher. Plus, once these hidden areas are clean, maintaining them throughout the year becomes much easier.