6 Spots You'll Probably Forget to Clean During Your New Year Refresh

The New Year invites us to edit our closets, purge basements, and make those kitchen counters gleam. But even the most enthusiastic New Year refresh can miss some spots. 

By tackling these oft-forgotten spots now, you can set yourself up for a lighter, calmer, more streamlined year ahead. Here’s what experts say you're most likely overlooking during a New Year reset, plus why taking the time to address these areas can make your home feel genuinely refreshed.

Behind Large Appliances and Under Furniture

This is a common blind spot of a deep clean. “How often do you really move your large appliances and furniture to clean the areas underneath?” asks home maintenance expert Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.

Crumbs, dust, pet hair, and other debris can accumulate under refrigerators, stoves, and sofas. Left untouched, these hidden messes can contribute to odors and attract pests, says Michael Silva-Nash, President of Molly Maid.

A seasonal sweep here can dramatically improve how clean your home feels overall.

Dryer Vents

It’s an easy task to put off, but cleaning your dryer vent improves efficiency, reduces wear on your appliance, and helps protect your home.

“Lint builds up in your dryer vent over time and can lead to inefficient drying and even house fires,” Hicks says. “Grab a shop vac or long-hosed vacuum and clean out the dryer vent to start off the year right.”

Windows, Blinds, and Window Tracks

While some may save their windows for spring cleaning, winter is an ideal time to tackle them properly. Clean windows let in more natural light, instantly brightening rooms—a boon during the dark winter months.

Ceiling Fans and Air Vents

“Ceiling fans are typically forgotten because we tend not to look up towards the ceiling of the home—we focus on cleaning surfaces and floors,” Silva-Nash explains. “It’s important to clean off your ceiling fan at least once a month, as dust accumulates on top of the fan and when turned on, that dust will circulate throughout the air.”

Air vents are just as important. “Air vents are often a forgotten spot in the home to clean, but are just as important,” adds Silva-Nash. “Dust off air vents to remove any dust and allergens that can collect and impact the indoor air quality of the home.”

Addressing these areas improves airflow and quality and contributes to a healthier-feeling home (especially important during winter months when windows are often closed).

Baseboards

“Just like floors, baseboards can collect dust and scuffs and, if not cleaned, can make a room look dirty,” Silva-Nash explains. Wiping them down will likely take only a few minutes, yet it has a high visual impact, making even older rooms feel newly refreshed.

The Oven and Stovetop

After a season of holiday cooking, your oven is likely in need of some TLC. "Holiday cooking can take a toll on your oven. Even if you didn’t cook this holiday season, your oven is probably due for a deep clean," Hicks says. "Take a few minutes to clean your oven and stovetop area thoroughly."

A clean oven not only functions better but can make everyday cooking feel easier and more enjoyable.

How to Keep These Spots Clean All Year Long

The key to not forgetting these areas again? Smart scheduling in the new year. “Once you’ve finished your New Year reset cleaning, come up with a flexible cleaning schedule that will help you maintain the cleanliness for the rest of the year,” says Hicks.

Silva-Nash agrees: “The key to building small habits is consistency! Small, regular touch-ups in these areas can prevent big cleaning jobs from piling up.”

Pair forgotten tasks with ones you already do: Wipe baseboards while vacuuming, dust vents when dusting shelves, etc. These small habits will quickly become second nature.