Lynsey Crombie reveals the dirty spots ruining your home

Springtime is finally upon us, and while that means Easter fun and better weather, it's also time to get cleaning.

And according to 'Queen of Clean' Lynsey Crombie, there are several blind spots that people frequently forget about, despite them being vital in giving a home that extra sparkle.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, This Morning's home expert said: 'Most of us focus on the obvious jobs, wiping surfaces, vacuuming floors and decluttering cupboards, but there are plenty of hidden spots quietly collecting dust and grime that we tend to overlook.

'These "blind spots" may not be visible at first glance, but tackling them can make a real difference to how clean and fresh your home feels. 

'The good news is that most of them only take a few minutes to sort once you know where to look.'

Read on to discover the eight areas most commonly missed when cleaning, according to Crombie, and add them to your spring cleaning checklist for a fresher, more hygienic home this Spring.

1. The bottom of your laundry basket

When it comes to a laundry basket, the focus is typically on emptying it of dirty clothes, but the expert warned that the household item needs to be cleaned, too.

Crombie said: 'Your laundry basket is constantly filled with worn clothes, damp towels and sports kit, yet the bottom of it is rarely cleaned. Over time, it can collect lint, dust and bacteria from dirty laundry.

'Empty the basket completely, then wipe the inside with antibacterial spray or warm soapy water and allow it to dry fully before refilling.

'If you use a fabric laundry bag, these are usually safe to put straight into the washing machine.

'If you spot mould marks, pre-treat them with white vinegar before washing. It's a simple job that helps keep freshly cleaned clothes truly fresh.'

2. Behind and under furniture

It might seem obvious, but a common place people forget to scrub is behind and under big furnishings.

Crombie said: 'One of the biggest blind spots in most homes is behind sofas, cabinets and beds.

'Dust, crumbs and pet hair gather here quickly and can affect the air quality in a room without us realising.

'Ideally, pull furniture out a few times a year and give the area a proper vacuum. If you're short on time, simply running a vacuum crevice tool or sliding a flat-headed duster along the edges can lift a surprising amount of hidden dirt.'

3. Around the base of the toilet

The expert continued: 'Most people clean the toilet bowl and seat but forget about the base and the floor area around it. This spot can collect splashes, dust and bacteria without us noticing.

'A quick wipe around the base of the toilet and the surrounding floor with an antibacterial cleaner instantly makes the bathroom feel cleaner and more hygienic.'

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4. Under the bed

The expert added that when it comes to the bedroom, it's important to look underneath the bed.

She said: 'Under the bed is another dust magnet that is easy to ignore. Dust, fluff, and forgotten items build up quickly, especially if the space is used for storage.

'A long-handled duster or vacuum attachment makes this a quick job. Clearing the area also improves airflow in the room and helps reduce allergens, particularly helpful if you suffer from dust sensitivities.'

5. The back of the fridge

Cleaning the fridge often comprises a quick wipe of the shelves, but Crombie explained that the back is just as important.

She said: 'The back of the fridge is rarely checked, but it can collect a surprising amount of dust around the coils and vents. This build-up can actually affect how efficiently the appliance runs.

'Carefully pull the fridge out, then give the back a quick vacuum or wipe. Not only does this remove hidden dust, it can also help the fridge work more efficiently.'

6. Light bulbs and light fittings

Crombie continued: 'Light bulbs and fittings gather dust over time, which can dull the brightness of a room without us realising why it feels a little dim.

'A quick wipe with a dry microfibre cloth, or even brushing the dust away with a recycled make-up brush, can instantly brighten the space. Just make sure the light is switched off and completely cool before cleaning.'

7. Kitchen cupboard doors and handles

When cleaning the kitchen, cupboard doors and handles are essential, the expert said.

Crombie explained: 'When deep cleaning the kitchen, we tend to focus on the worktops and sink, but cupboard doors and handles collect grease and fingerprints every day.

'A warm cloth with a little washing-up liquid cuts through the build-up quickly and leaves the kitchen looking noticeably fresher.

'While you're doing that, pull out and empty the utensils draw and clean that out too.'

8. The top edges of appliances

Crombie's final piece of advice was to tackle the out of sight areas. She said: 'The tops of fridges, microwaves and kitchen cabinets are classic 'out of sight, out of mind' areas. Over time, grease, dust and cooking residue settle here.

'During a spring clean, a quick wipe with a degreasing cloth removes months of build-up in seconds and prevents the grime from drifting back down onto other surfaces.'