Messy Secrets: 17 Hidden Areas You Forgot About!

We all have our go-to cleaning routines, but there are hidden nooks and crannies in our homes that often go unnoticed and uncleaned. Over time, these neglected areas can accumulate dust, grime, and clutter, turning them into messy secrets that need some attention.

In this blog, we’ll uncover 17 hidden areas in your home that you might have forgotten about. It’s time to shine a light on these secret spots and give them the cleaning and organization they deserve.

Under the Kitchen Sink

Under the kitchen sink, a hidden kingdom of forgotten cleaning supplies and mysterious leaks awaits your attention. It’s a dark and dusty space that often gets overlooked in the realm of home cleaning. But fear not, for with a little bit of elbow grease and determination, you can transform this neglected area into a sanctuary of cleanliness and order.

Inside the Refrigerator

Inside the refrigerator, a whole new world of cleaning awaits. Just like the neglected corner beneath your kitchen sink, the depths of your fridge can become a haven for forgotten spills, expired condiments, and mysterious odors. But fear not, for with the same determination and organization you brought to your cleaning supplies, you can conquer this overlooked spot too.

Begin by emptying the contents of your fridge onto the countertop. Take this opportunity to toss out any expired items or questionable leftovers that have been lingering for far too long. Next, remove the shelves and drawers, giving them a good scrub in warm, soapy water. Don’t forget about the nooks and crannies – those crevices where dust and debris tend to accumulate. A toothbrush can be a handy tool for reaching those tight spots.

Once the shelves and drawers are sparkling clean and dry, it’s time to turn your attention to the interior of the fridge. Using a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, wipe down all surfaces, paying extra attention to sticky spills and stains. Consider using a microfiber cloth to ensure a streak-free finish.

Messy Toiletries

Our toiletries can be hard to wrangle or help them appear organized. With all the different sized and colored bottles, combined with daily use, it looks like a mess really fast. You may be greeted by an assortment of half-empty bottles, expired medications, and a jumble of random items on your counter or in your medicine cabinet. Start by taking everything out and laying it on a clean surface. This will allow you to see what you have and make informed decisions about what should stay and what should go.

Next, organize your remaining items into categories. Group together similar products such as cold and flu medications, pain relievers, and first aid supplies. Consider using small bins or baskets to keep everything neatly contained. This way, when you’re searching for a specific item, you won’t have to dig through a cluttered mess.

Kitchen Junk Drawer

Similar to the medicine cabinet, the kitchen junk drawer can become a catch-all for various odds and ends over time. From expired coupons to random screws and batteries, this small but mighty space can quickly become a cluttered mess.

Embrace the challenge, knowing that with your newfound cleaning prowess, no task is too daunting. Begin by emptying the contents of the drawer onto a clean surface, sorting through the items one by one. As you evaluate each object, ask yourself if it serves a purpose in your kitchen or if it can find a new home elsewhere. Maybe that extra set of keys can be hung on a hook by the front door, or those outdated instruction manuals can be recycled.

Once you’ve decluttered the contents, it’s time to give the drawer itself some attention. Wipe down the interior with a gentle cleaner, ensuring you remove any crumbs or debris that may have accumulated. Pay close attention to the corners and crevices, as they tend to harbor hidden grime. If necessary, use a toothbrush or small brush to get into those hard-to-reach spots.

Linen Closet

As you open the door to your linen closet, take a moment to assess the situation. Are there old towels or bedding that have seen better days? Maybe there are random items that have somehow made their way into the closet over time. Now is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose or sparks joy.

As you remove items from the closet, take note of what you have and what you actually need. Are there duplicates of towels or sheets that could be donated or repurposed? By streamlining your collection, you’ll not only create more space in your linen closet but also make it easier to find and access the items you use regularly.

Bookshelves

Bookshelves often become cluttered and chaotic over time. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the shelves, making it difficult to showcase your book collection in all its glory. But fear not, with a little cleaning and organization, you can transform your bookshelves into a space that brings joy and adds a touch of personality to your living space.

Start by removing all the books from the shelves, giving you a clean slate to work with. Take a moment to dust off each book, removing any residual dirt and grime that may have accumulated. Dust the shelves themselves as well, ensuring that every nook and cranny receives a thorough cleaning. Once the shelves are clean and dry, it’s time to reorganize.

Laundry Room Shelves

Don’t underestimate the power of a clean and organized laundry room. By tidying up and creating a functional space, you can streamline your laundry routine and make those piles of dirty clothes a little less daunting.

Laundry room shelves are often a neglected area, accumulating dust, lint, and various cleaning supplies over time. Giving them a thorough clean can not only improve the overall appearance of your laundry room but also contribute to a more efficient laundry process.

Garage

Start by decluttering your garage. Sort through all the items and determine what you truly need and what can be donated or discarded. Consider investing in storage solutions such as shelving units or cabinets to keep everything off the floor and organized. This can help create more space and make it easier to find and access your belongings when needed.

While you’re sorting through your garage, take the opportunity to give it a thorough cleaning. Dust and sweep the floors, wipe down any surfaces, and don’t forget to clean your garage door. This not only improves the overall appearance of your garage but also helps maintain its longevity.

Under the Bed

Under the bed is often a forgotten area when it comes to cleaning, but it’s time to give it some attention. Dust bunnies and forgotten items tend to accumulate in this hidden space, so it’s important to include it in your thorough home cleaning routine. By taking the time to clean under the bed, you not only improve the overall cleanliness of your home, but you also create a healthier living environment.

Also consider that under the bed is prime storage space if it is not currently in use and you are suffering for the lack of storage space.

Home Office Desk Drawers

Office drawers often fill up with random bits and bobs, especially if you are bust working and don’t have time to take the item to it’s proper home. Because there are so many small items in an office drawer having good organizers is a must.

Start by emptying out each drawer completely and wiping it out throughly, throwing away any trash or outdated materials. Be ruthless in your decluttering efforts. Once the drawers are clean, it’s time to reorganize the remaining items.

Entry Drop Zone

The entry drop zone is the first place you step into when you enter your home and the last place you stop before leaving. It’s where you kick off your shoes, hang your coat, drop your keys, place the mail down, and unload your bags. With so much activity happening in this small space, it’s no wonder it can quickly become a mess.

By taking the time to clean and organize your entry drop zone, you’ll create a welcoming and functional area that sets the tone for the rest of your home. No more tripping over shoes or frantically searching for your car keys. Instead, you’ll have a designated spot for everything, making it easier to grab what you need and get out the door on time.

Shoe Storage Area

Whether you opt for a stylish shoe bench with cubbies or a sleek shoe cabinet, it’s essential to incorporate a designated shoe storage area into your home. Not only will this space keep your entry drop zone clean and organized, but it will also save you precious time and frustration when searching for the right pair of shoes.

But the benefits of a shoe storage area go beyond organization. It’s also an opportunity to incorporate some style and personality into your entryway. Choose a shoe bench that complements your home’s decor, whether it’s a rustic wooden bench or a sleek, modern design. Look for shoe cabinets with chic finishes or decorative details that add a touch of elegance to your entryway.

Bedside Tables

Bedside tables play a significant role in our daily lives, providing a convenient spot for our nighttime essentials. Just like your entry drop zone, bedside tables can quickly become cluttered and disorganized if not properly maintained.

Start by removing everything from the surface of your bedside table. Take a moment to assess what truly needs to be there and what can be relocated or discarded. You’ll be surprised at the number of items that accumulate over time, from old receipts and random trinkets to half-empty water glasses and forgotten books.

Coat Closet

Coat closets can be tricky because of the seasonality of swapping from summer to winter needs, and storing it all in between. From stray gloves and scarves to forgotten hats and even the occasional misplaced umbrella or sunscreen, it’s time to give this closet some much-needed attention.

Start by removing all the items from the coat closet. Lay them out in an organized manner, grouping similar items together. As you go through each item, consider whether it belongs in the coat closet or if it would be better suited for another location. For example, hats and scarves may find a more logical home in a bedroom drawer or a designated storage bin.

Tool Drawer

I think having a small drawer of tools that you can access for hangin pictures, or taping boxes is essential. While it may seem like a simple and straightforward part of your home, the tool drawer can quickly become a jumble of mismatched screwdrivers, tangled cords, and loose nails if left unattended.

Once you have narrowed down your tool selection, it’s time to organize your tools in a way that makes them easily accessible and prevents future chaos. Consider using small dividers or compartments, designed specifically for organizing tools, to create designated spaces for each item. This will not only keep things in order but also make it easier to locate the tool you need when the time comes.

Spices Storage

Spice storage is an often overlooked area when it comes to thorough home cleaning, but it can make a big difference in how efficiently you can whip up your favorite dishes. Just like organizing your tools, tidying up your spices can save you time and frustration in the kitchen. So, let’s take a closer look at this essential but often forgotten corner of your pantry before we move on to hobby storage.

Consider adding labels to your spice containers to avoid any mix-ups while cooking. You can either purchase pre-made labels or create your own using a label maker or even a simple marker. Just be sure to label both the lid and the base of the container for easy identification.

Hobby Storage

Keeping your hobby supplies organized can make a world of difference in how enjoyable and productive your creative pursuits can be. Whether your hobbies involve painting, knitting, or model-building, having a designated storage space for your materials will not only help keep them in good condition but also make it easier for you to find what you need when inspiration strikes. No more buying another glue gun just because you can’t find the first.

In conclusion, taking the time to declutter and organize your hobby storage area can have a profound impact on your enjoyment and productivity. By knowing where everything is and having easy access to your supplies, you’ll be able to dive into your hobbies with enthusiasm and focus. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle the overlooked spots for a thorough home cleaning, starting with organizing hobby storage.

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