This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Spring Cleaning: 10 Spots You Can't Ignore

10 Things You Probably Forgot To Clean
Alamy

When it's time for spring cleaning, you arm yourself with brooms, mops and dusters with the best of intentions to do down and dirty work in every corner of your home. But often the most filthy and cluttered spots are out of sight and ignored.

If you already have your spring checklist in hand, you may want to consider making room for some of these forgotten spaces.

"It is often the little things that make all the difference. Cleaning and reorganizing small spaces in the home are worth your time and effort," says Lynne Freeman Haque, a professional organizer based in Toronto.

"Lots of people include de-cluttering and reorganizing as part of their spring-cleaning routine. You will find things that are missing. Knowing what you have also saves time and money."

If you have any springtime allergies, cleaning out your pad is also beneficial. Often dusty shelves, pet hair and dirty bedding can lead to springtime allergies, notes Women's Day.

Story continues after slideshow:

Kitchen Sink Cabinets

Common Places People Forget To Clean

Besides making your home squeaky clean, spring cleaning will also allow you to figure out projects for the rest of the year. "Clearing out a basement can expose moisture or water problems, for example. Reorganizing a closet can remind you to fix that broken shelf that used to hold up your shoes," Freeman Haque says.

And it's not just the small spaces people miss. Freeman Haque says basements and garages are just as bad, while others use their spare room to fill with junk.

"Most people don’t know where to begin or what to do. They know it has to be done, but even if they manage to get started, they never seem to finish."

Kitchen Sink Cabinets:

"Clear away old or unused cleaning products, especially those that are harmful to the environment," says Freeman Haque. If you have a variety of unnatural products, you can also drop them off to a local hazardous waste program.

Junk Drawers:

Junk drawers are usually filled with, well, junk. This spring, don't let it be another waste basket. "Sort like items together and organize with inexpensive trays from the dollar store," Freeman Haque says. And did you really need all those old batteries? Throw out anything you don't need like extra twist ties, elastic bands and bag clips, or donate them to a friend.

Front Closet:

Don't let your winter coats and boots get shoved in the back of your hallway closet. "Now is the time to remove winter accessories, coats and boots and replace them with spring and summer ones," Freeman Haque says. Vacuum and clean the salt off your boot trays as well.

Medicine Cabinet:

Sort your personal grooming products and throw out anything that has expired. "Check your local area for a women’s or homeless shelter as they are often in need of extra hair shampoo, soap and related items," Freeman Haque says.

Dryer Lint Trap:

Freeman Haque says that besides the pull out lint-filter, you should also clean out your dryer's ventilation system — and that should be done by a professional.

Linen Closet:

Gather together sheets and towels into sets and get rid of stained, torn or damaged linens, Freeman Haque says. Often, animal shelters will take old, clean towels.

Laptops And Files:

You may already clean your desk's surface, but don't forget to go into your laptop and clear out your documents as well. Spring is also a good time to get your filing in order. "At least 80 per cent of all paperwork filed is never looked at again," says Freeman Haque.

Nightstand:

Clear away unused or expired medications and other odds and ends. To make your room feel even fresher, add a sachet of lavender or dried rosemary.

Wardrobe:

We wear 20 per cent of our clothing 80 per cent of the time, Freeman Haque says. " Only wear clothing that makes you look and feel terrific. Get rid of damaged, outdated, ill-fitting clothing — especially items that are too large or too small." Donate items that are still in good repair.

Purses and Backpacks:

Clear out all items and give the bag a good vacuum or a possible wash. "Put back in only those items you currently use and need," says Freeman Haque. And if you're the type of person who uses many bags, buy a bag organizer with compartments.

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.