Top 11+ Things Most People Forget to Clean—But Guests Always Notice

Light Switches

Light switches are among the dirtiest spots in most homes, yet they're almost always ignored during cleaning routines. According to a 2023 study by NSF International, light switches can harbor as much bacteria as a bathroom faucet handle.

Guests often notice smudges, fingerprints, and grime when they reach for the switch, especially in entryways and bathrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have highlighted high-touch surfaces as key areas for germ transmission.

This means that while you may not see the germs, your guests might notice the grime. Wiping down light switches weekly with a disinfectant is recommended, especially during cold and flu season.

A quick swipe with a cleaning wipe can make a surprising difference in the room’s overall feel.

Remote Controls

Remote controls are touched daily but rarely cleaned, making them a hidden germ hotspot. A 2024 report from the University of Arizona found that TV remotes in homes and hotels carried more bacteria than toilet seats.

When guests use your remote, they may notice sticky buttons or visible residue, which can be off-putting. The risk is higher if you have kids or eat while watching TV.

Wiping remotes with an alcohol-based wipe every couple of days helps reduce the risk of spreading germs. According to the American Cleaning Institute, remotes should be cleaned at least once a week for optimal hygiene.

Baseboards

Baseboards are easy to overlook but tend to collect dust, pet hair, and scuffs. Guests may not comment directly, but dust bunnies and dirt rings at floor level are hard to ignore, especially in bright daylight.

A survey by the cleaning platform HomeAdvisor in 2023 revealed that 42% of guests notice dirty baseboards in other people’s homes. Cleaning professionals suggest wiping baseboards monthly with a damp cloth or vacuum attachment.

Clean baseboards make a room look finished and well cared for, even if everything else is spotless.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are often forgotten because they’re out of direct sight, but dust accumulates quickly on their blades. When the fan is turned on, it spreads dust and allergens throughout the room, which guests with allergies or asthma may notice immediately.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, dust buildup on ceiling fans can worsen indoor air quality. Visual dust is also easy to spot when a guest looks up from the couch or bed.

Cleaning experts recommend dusting fan blades at least once a month, especially in bedrooms and living rooms.

Shower Curtains and Liners

Mildew and soap scum cling to shower curtains and liners, creating an unsightly and sometimes smelly problem. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that mold can start growing on damp shower liners in as little as 48 hours.

Guests who use your bathroom may notice yellowing, stains, or a musty odor—clear signs of neglect. Washing fabric shower curtains monthly and replacing plastic liners regularly can prevent mold growth.

A 2024 cleaning trends report from Good Housekeeping notes that more people are switching to washable liners for easier upkeep.

Door Handles and Knobs

Door handles are touched dozens of times daily, yet they are rarely included in regular cleaning routines. The CDC lists door handles among the most germ-laden surfaces in any home, noting that bacteria and viruses can survive on them for up to 48 hours.

Guests often use door handles when entering or leaving rooms, making sticky or grimy knobs especially noticeable. Disinfecting these surfaces at least once a week is recommended, especially during cold and flu season.

Clean handles make a subtle but powerful impression of general hygiene.

Behind Toilets

The area behind the toilet is notorious for collecting dust, hair, and even mold, yet it’s often missed during bathroom cleanings. A 2023 survey by Merry Maids found that 36% of guests judge a home’s cleanliness by the state of its bathrooms, including hidden spots like behind the toilet.

If a guest drops something or simply glances down, they’re likely to notice any buildup. Cleaning behind the toilet with a long-handled brush or disinfectant wipe every two weeks is recommended.

Keeping this area clean can help reduce odors and improve the overall impression of your bathroom.

Kitchen Sink Drains

Kitchen sinks may look clean on the surface, but the drains and disposals can harbor unpleasant smells and bacteria. According to research from the National Sanitation Foundation, the kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in the average home, and odors from the drain are a telltale sign of neglect.

Guests using your kitchen or pouring out a drink will notice any foul smells or visible gunk. Cleaning experts recommend pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain weekly, followed by hot water.

This simple routine keeps odors at bay and ensures your kitchen feels fresh.

Window Tracks

Window tracks easily accumulate dust, dead insects, and mold, especially in humid climates. When guests open or close windows, dirty tracks can be an unpleasant surprise.

According to a 2023 report by Consumer Reports, clean window tracks can actually improve indoor air quality by reducing trapped allergens. Regular vacuuming and wiping down tracks every month helps prevent buildup.

Clean window tracks also make windows glide more smoothly, which guests might notice when trying to get some fresh air.

Pet Areas

Pet beds, litter boxes, and feeding areas are hotspots for odors and bacteria if not cleaned frequently. The American Veterinary Medical Association highlights that pet areas should be cleaned at least weekly to minimize smells and health risks.

Guests who aren’t used to pets are particularly sensitive to lingering odors or fur buildup. Washing pet bedding, disinfecting litter areas, and sweeping up food spills can make a big difference.

Keeping pet zones tidy shows guests you care about their comfort, even if they’re animal lovers themselves.

Trash Cans

Trash cans are easily overlooked because they’re meant to be dirty, but overflowing bins or sticky residues are hard for guests to ignore. The National Institutes of Health notes that bacteria and mold can multiply rapidly in trash cans, leading to strong odors.

Taking out the trash regularly is not enough—cleaning the inside and outside of the can with disinfectant should happen weekly. Guests will notice if your trash can smells fresh or is spotless, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

A clean trash can is a subtle but important sign of a well-maintained home.