Keep dust bunnies at bay with a well-vacuumed home.

Although these areas are easy to overlook, their cleanliness is worth the extra time and effort.

The Stairs

Although they’re used every day, stairs are easily overlooked when it comestime to vacuuming.

rectangular leather ottoman in bright living room

Credit: Jay Wilde

Pet Beds

Your pets' favorite hangout spots can quickly turn into a hotbed of pet hair and dander.

Pay special attention to your dog or cat’s other favorite spaces, too.

Between Couch Cushions

If you’ve ever enjoyed a bowl of popcorn on the couch, beware.

staircase with gray woven wool runner

Credit: Jonny Valiant

Once a month, strip your couch and use an upholstery tool to vacuum the base and all cushions.

Doormats

Doormats do a lot of dirty work.

Next, vacuum the mat and its surrounding floor space before returning it.

low table and patterned curtains

Credit: Nicholas Johnson

Luckily, theycan both be easily cleanedwith the same vacuum brush attachment.

For blinds, gently sweep horizontally across each slat.

For curtains, pull the fabric taut and gently vacuum them in an up and down motion.

white bedroom with blue accents and orange striped space rug

Credit: Dera Burreson

Closet Floors

Even the floors you don’t regularly walk on need a good vacuuming now and then.

Remove all storage from your closet floor, then vacuum the floor and a little way up the wall.

Before restocking your closet, check that no stray dust bunnies are stuck to your bins or boxes.

coastal bedroom with yellow headboard

Next time you flip your mattress, do double-duty cleaning by vacuuming it, too.

Use a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment to gently pick up stray hairs anddust mites.

Stay on top of the problem by using a ceiling fan attachment or dusting brush to vacuum the blades.

Then, use the attachment to vacuum up what’s left.

Suck up pet hair, dirt, leaves, and any other debris with a hand-held vacuum.

Consider heading to a local gas station vacuum if your situationneeds a little more suction.