We Asked Cleaning Pros for the One Surface Most People Forget to Clean—And We’re Guilty

When you make your cleaning list, you likely have the usual suspects, such as floors, rugs, countertops, and toilets. However, cleaning experts say some of your home’s most used surfaces are key areas that you should be cleaning and, unfortunately, are the spots that many people completely forget.

Read on to learn what cleaning pros say is the one surface people forget to clean and how often you should be cleaning it.

The Spot People Forget to Clean? Entry Touchpoints.

Experts say the number one surface people forget to clean is the area around an entry, specifically the touchpoints, such as light switches, doorknobs, and door frames. 

If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your entry touchpoints, we’re not judging you. Since light switches and doorknobs aren’t necessarily the focal points of a room, it’s easy to understand why they’re forgotten. 

“​​People forget these because they look past them, not at them, when entering a room,” Lina DaSilva, founder of Toronto Shine Cleaning, says.

In addition to light switches and door knobs, door frames are also considered an entry touchpoint. The middle part of the door frame is frequently touched, but don’t slack on cleaning the top part, either.

The top part of the door frame collects dust quickly and likely spreads dust and allergens across the room every time the door is opened or closed. 

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Entry Touchpoints Carry Tons of Germs

While not large areas, entry touchpoints are some of the most used surfaces in your home and can host tons of dirt and bacteria that accumulate and are passed on from person to person. 

“These areas are touched really frequently,” Lisa Macqueen, CEO of Cleancorp, says. “They collect fingerprints and germs, oils from people’s hands, and more, which also contribute to cross-contamination.”

If you and your family suffer from constant winter sickness, it’s probably a good idea to start cleaning these areas now to prevent illnesses from spreading. 

“It is crucial to clean them because they are the main transfer points for germs, viruses, and bacteria between family members,” DaSilva says. 

How to Clean

To clean the frequent touchpoints around your entries, use a disinfectant cleaner and a cloth or paper towel. Spray the solution onto the cloth and then wipe the surface down thoroughly.

It’s best to spray the cleaner onto the cloth or towel rather than the surface, experts say, especially for light switches and outlets.

“Never spray directly on the light switch to avoid electrical damage,” DaSilva says.

How Often To Clean

Because these are high-touch areas, experts say you should clean these spots at least once a week. To avoid forgetting, incorporate cleaning entry touchpoints into your weekly cleaning routine, such as when you vacuum or dust. 

Other Often Forgotten Spots

While you’re adding entry touchpoints to your cleaning routine, experts say you should also add these spots to your cleaning list.

Picture Frames

Picture frames are also frequently touched but rarely cleaned, DaSilva says.

“Just run a slightly damp microfiber cloth over the [edges] to trap the dust rather than knocking it into the air,” she says. “You only need to do this once a month.”

Bathroom Doors

We all know that bathrooms need to be cleaned often, but you’re probably not cleaning the bathroom door as much as you should be, according to Macqueen.

“The back of the door is frequently touched after using the toilet, especially the lock, so it can contain lots of bacteria,” Macqueen says.

Clean the door with a disinfectant as often as you wipe down other bathroom surfaces. 

Tech Devices and Accessories

Yes, your phone and devices are really gross. Cleaning experts say to wipe down your phone, headphones, laptops, game consoles, and other tech devices or accessories at least monthly, if not more.

Use disinfectant wipes for electronics and cotton swabs with some alcohol if there is built-up grime.