Even if you think your home is tidy, professional cleaners can easily spot the dirt, stains, and smells lurking in overlooked areas.

To help you incorporate these 11 spots into your cleaning routine, our expert shares the common issues she encounters, from smelly fridges to grimy doors and dirty cutlery drawers.

The handy cleaning strategies she employs will ensure you tackle these trouble spots and keep bacteria, mold, and odors at bay.

1. Grimy Sinks

Kitchen with white walls, parquet flooring, yellow cupboards with inset butler's sink, reclaimed wooden shelving above with glass storage jars.

Sinks are essential for many tasks, from washing hands to cleaning dishes, making them prime spots for grime. High-traffic areas often accumulate soap residue, food particles, and hard water deposits.

With over ten years of experience, professional cleaner Karina Toner notes, 'Daily use leads to soap scum, food bits, and unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning is key.' She suggests using baking soda and vinegar for maintenance.

After scrubbing with a soft brush, rinse with hot water. For stubborn stains, use a mild abrasive cleaner like the well-known Pink Stuff available on Amazon.

Growing up, my family kept sinks spotless by rinsing taps after use to prevent buildup. Encouraging all household members to do the same can help maintain cleanliness.

2. Odorous Refrigerators

Kitchen with a 60s style white smeg fridge

Opening a friend's fridge only to be greeted by a foul odor is a common experience. Karina highlights that spills and expired food can lead to lingering smells and grime.

To refresh your fridge, empty it completely and clean shelves with warm soapy water. For tough stains, a paste of baking soda works wonders. Consider using an Arm and Hammer fridge deodorizer to combat odors.

With a strong sense of smell, I clean my fridge diligently, tackling one shelf at a time and discarding old produce before grocery shopping.

3. Crusty Cutlery Drawers

green kitchen drawer open to show cutlery neatly organized in dividers

Dust and crumbs accumulate in cutlery drawers, often neglected during cleaning. Karina advises emptying the drawer, vacuuming out debris, and wiping it down with a damp cloth.

Using a drawer liner can simplify future cleanings.

4. Dirty Internal Doors

Blue and white living room with bold blue velvet sofa

High-traffic internal doors tend to gather dust and smudges. Karina notes handles and edges are particularly prone to dirt.

Regularly wiping down doors with a damp cloth and mild soap can help maintain their appearance. For wood doors, use a wood cleaner for upkeep.

5. Dusty Baseboards

Wooden black round table with handled and ribbed pottery, yellow dining chairs with zebra print and black baseboards behind with white French-look paneled walls

Baseboards often go unnoticed, accumulating dust and dirt. Karina suggests using a microfiber cloth regularly for cleaning.

For heavier grime, a damp cloth with dish soap can help. A vacuum with specialized attachments can also be effective in this area.

6. Fingerprints on Stainless Steel Appliances

Modern kitchen with stainless steel island and matching cabinet doors

Stainless steel appliances show fingerprints easily due to their reflective surfaces. Karina recommends using a stainless steel cleaner or a vinegar-water mixture to keep them clean.

For a homemade solution, combine essential oil with water and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle for a streak-free shine.

7. Soap Scum in the Shower

Soap scum can build up in showers, especially in areas with hard water. Karina advises using a commercial soap scum remover or a vinegar-baking soda mixture for thorough cleaning.

Regularly squeegeeing after use can help prevent buildup. A handy option is the OXO Wiper Blade Squeegee from Target, which makes drying easy.

8. Pet Hair Everywhere

A tri-colored sheep dog and Siamese cat with blue eyes sitting on a plug pale blue rug with white couches in soft focus behind

Pet hair can accumulate quickly on surfaces. Regular grooming and vacuuming can help keep things tidy.

Karina recommends using a pet hair attachment on a vacuum to tackle stubborn hair. Furniture covers can also protect upholstery and are easily washable.

9. Stained Carpets

Bright and sunny galley kitchen with white and floral Ruggable runner in between cabinets on left and wooden island on the right

Spills often go unnoticed, allowing stains to set in. To tackle stains, Karina advises blotting immediately with a cloth and using a carpet cleaner.

Consider machine-washable rugs for high-traffic areas. Ruggable offers a wide selection of stylish options.

10. Cluttered Surfaces

Country style kitchen with cream cabinets hooks above sink for hanging copper pots and tall shelving for cookbooks above range alcove

Busy households can lead to cluttered surfaces. Implementing a daily tidying routine is essential.

Using organizers can help manage clutter and decluttering periodically can be beneficial. Consider wall hooks and shelves for easy access.

11. Dirty Mirrors

Pink tiled wall in bathroom with gray slate-look waterfall sink and round metal edged mirror on the wall

Bathroom mirrors often gather grime. Karina notes that toothpaste splatters and water spots are common issues.

To clean mirrors, use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. For a streak-free finish, spray the cleaner on the cloth first and wipe in a circular motion.

Focus on these frequently overlooked areas to enhance your cleaning routine and achieve a sparkling home.

For more tips on tackling neglected spaces, explore our cleaning advice and learn how to overcome cleaning procrastination.