Let’s be honest—dusting probably isn’t your favorite chore. But if you want a clean, fresh, and allergen-free home, it’s a must.
“To truly maintain a clean space, you have to dust everywhere—not just the obvious spots,” says Courtney Landry, director of global product development at Norwex.
We asked Landry to reveal the most forgotten areas people skip while dusting, and her answers might just surprise you. If you’re looking to improve your cleaning routine, these six spots should be on your radar.
1. Walls
It might not be obvious, but dust builds up on your walls over time—and that can impact air quality throughout your home.
“People don’t realize how much dust collects on walls, but it happens gradually and affects the cleanliness of your entire space,” Landry explains.
To clean your walls, use a soft microfiber cloth to trap dust without damaging the paint or finish. Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from resettling on already-cleaned areas. Avoid harsh chemicals that could strip the paint or damage textures.
2. Ceilings & Ceiling Fans
Dust settling on the ceiling? It seems unlikely, but Landry says the “fifth wall” is a dust magnet that often goes ignored.
“Just like your walls, your ceiling and ceiling fans collect dust and cobwebs over time,” she says.
Use a telescoping duster to reach high ceilings and a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down fan blades, preventing dust from circulating in the air. If you have decorative molding or ceiling medallions, use a fine brush or microfiber cloth to reach crevices where dust collects.
3. Bedding
Your bed is where you spend a huge portion of your time, and unfortunately, it’s also a hotspot for dust, allergens, body oils, hair, and dead skin cells.
“People always forget that dust settles on their bed, which is why regular washing is so important,” Landry says.
Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets regularly to keep dust at bay. When stripping the bed, take a moment to dust the bed frame, vacuum an upholstered headboard, or wipe down wooden or metal frames with a microfiber cloth.
And don’t forget to clean under the bed, where dust bunnies tend to hide!
4. Mattresses
Speaking of beds, your mattress needs dusting, too.
“Even though your mattress is covered by a protector and sheets, dust mites still love to feast on dead skin cells,” Landry warns.
Since you can’t just toss a mattress in the washing machine, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and allergens. You can also invest in a mattress cleaner designed to break down dust, pet dander, and other debris.
5. Baseboards & Ledges
Baseboards are everywhere in your home, but they’re often forgotten when it comes to dusting.
“Baseboards, door frames, cabinet tops, and picture frames are all major dust magnets,” Landry says.
Since dust tends to settle in these spots, give them a regular wipe-down with a microfiber cloth or a small brush to keep them looking fresh.
6. Houseplants
This one might surprise you—your houseplants could be collecting more dust than you think!
“Dust buildup on plant leaves can interfere with photosynthesis and affect their overall health,” Landry explains.
To keep your plants thriving, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. For larger potted plants, make sure to dust around and behind them, especially if they’re on shelves or tucked into corners where dust tends to accumulate.
The Bottom Line
Dust doesn’t just settle on furniture—it finds its way everywhere. By adding these commonly overlooked spots to your cleaning routine, you’ll create a healthier, fresher home.
