BlogMost homes look tidy on the surface—but grime loves the places we skip. Use this pro checklist to target the hidden zones that quietly collect dust, bacteria, and odours. Each item includes a quick method and recommended frequency.
Kitchen & Laundry
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Under & behind appliances (fridge/oven/washing machine)
How: Pull forward, vacuum dust, wipe with degreaser; clean coils if accessible.
How often: Every 3–6 months.
Link: Big reset due? Book a Deep Cleaning. -
Top of cabinets & rangehood undersides
How: Dry dust → degreaser on a cloth; line cabinet tops with cut-to-size paper for easy swaps.
Often: Quarterly. -
Dishwasher filter & spray arms
How: Remove filter, rinse, brush debris; toothpick blockages in arms; run hot cycle with dishwasher cleaner.
Often: Monthly. -
Microwave vents & turntable rollers
How: Steam bowl (water + lemon), wipe; pop off roller ring to clean gunk.
Often: Fortnightly. -
Washing machine gasket & detergent drawer
How: Wipe mouldy gasket with diluted bleach; pull drawer, scrub residue; run hot maintenance wash.
Often: Monthly.
Internal link: Keep it all maintained with Regular House Cleaning.
Bathroom
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Behind the toilet & base bolts
How: Crevice vacuum → disinfectant wipe; detail around caps/bolts.
Often: Weekly. -
Shower screens: tracks, seals, and door rollers
How: Brush loose grit; cotton swab for corners; vinegar on soap scum; dry thoroughly.
Often: Fortnightly. -
Toothbrush holder & soap dishes
How: Hot soapy wash; disinfect; dry before replacing items.
Often: Weekly.
Internal link: Hotel-finish refresh? Deep Cleaning.
Living Areas & Bedrooms
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Ceiling fan tops & light fittings
How: Pillowcase trick for blades; dust first, then damp-wipe.
Often: Monthly (more in summer). -
Door frames, tops of doors & skirtings
How: Dry dust, then microfibre with all-purpose cleaner.
Often: Fortnightly. -
Window tracks & sliding door rails
How: Vacuum loose grit; baking soda + vinegar fizz; wipe dry.
Often: Quarterly.
Link: Moving out? See End of Lease Cleaning and our Bond Cleaning Checklist. -
Remote controls, game controllers & light switches
How: Disinfectant wipe; use cotton swab around buttons.
Often: Weekly. -
Under cushions & between sofa sections
How: Lift cushions; crevice-vac; lint-roll hair and crumbs.
Often: Weekly.
Link: For fibres and allergens, add Carpet Cleaning. -
Mattress & pillows
How: Vacuum the mattress; spot-treat; sprinkle bicarb, leave 30 mins, vacuum again; wash pillows per care label.
Often: Mattress quarterly; pillows 2–3× per year.
Entryway & Misc
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Reusable shopping bags & laundry hampers
How: Machine-wash fabric bags; wipe plastic inserts.
Often: Monthly. -
Bins: lids, rims, and undersides
How: Hot soapy wash, disinfect, dry; add baking soda pinch for odours.
Often: Weekly wipe; monthly wash. -
Air vents & return grilles
How: Vacuum brush attachment; wipe slats; replace filters (HVAC) as scheduled.
Often: Monthly check. -
Vacuum cleaner itself (filters & brush roll)
How: Empty, wash/replace filters, cut hair from brush; check hoses for clogs.
Often: Monthly (or after heavy use).
Fast Pro Routine: “Spot, Sweep, Seal”
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Spot: Choose 3 hidden spots per week (rotate through the list).
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Sweep: Work high-to-low, dry-to-wet; set a 15-minute timer.
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Seal: Finish with floors so dust doesn’t recirculate.
Internal links:
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Keep a consistent baseline with Regular House Cleaning
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Seasonal overhaul? Deep Cleaning
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Residential & commercial options: Residential Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning
Mini Supply Kit (No Overwhelm)
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Colour-coded microfibres (general/glass/bath/kitchen)
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Crevice brush + old toothbrush
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All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, degreaser
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Baking soda + white vinegar
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Vacuum with crevice/dusting tools, flat/spray mop
FAQs
Which hidden spots matter most for health?
Toothbrush holders, bin rims, remote controls, and washing machine gaskets—these harbour bacteria and mould. Clean them weekly to monthly.
How do I stop dust from returning so fast?
Tackle vents, fan tops, and skirtings; then finish with floors. High-to-low order prevents re-settling.
I’m short on time—what’s the minimum?
Pick three: dishwasher filter, remotes/switches, and bin rims. Then rotate others weekly.
