Let’s be honest: vacuuming isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s week. But if you’re anything like us at The GrayVine, you know that a clean home is a happy home—and sometimes, it’s the spots you don’t see that make all the difference.

Sure, we all remember to run the vacuum over the living room carpet, but what about those sneaky, dust-loving corners and surfaces that quietly collect grime, allergens, and who-knows-what-else?

Today, we’re shining a light on four commonly overlooked areas in your home that cleaning pros say should be vacuumed every single week. Trust us, your sinuses (and your guests) will thank you!

1. Welcome Mats and Entryway Rugs: Your Home’s First Line of Defense​

Think of your welcome mat as the unsung hero of your household. It’s the first thing you and your guests step on, and it’s also the first place dirt, pollen, and debris hitch a ride into your home. According to Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids, these mats and rugs see the heaviest foot traffic and are magnets for all sorts of outdoor gunk.

Vacuuming your entryway mat weekly isn’t just about appearances—it’s about stopping dirt at the door before it spreads to the rest of your house. For extra credit, give it a good shake outside before vacuuming, and don’t forget to vacuum both sides if possible!

2. Living Room Rugs: The Social Hotspot (and Dirt Magnet)​

Unless you’re a strict 'shoes-off' household, chances are your living room rug is getting a workout. It’s where we gather for movie nights, host grandkids, and sometimes even enjoy a snack or two (no judgment here!). All that activity means crumbs, pet hair, and dust settle in fast.

Varela recommends a weekly vacuuming session to keep your living room rug looking fresh and to prevent dirt from getting ground into the fibers. If you have pets, you might want to up the frequency—those fur tumbleweeds have a way of multiplying overnight!

3. Your Bedroom: Where Cleanliness Meets Serenity​

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, not a dust trap. Jessica Gonzalez, COO of Sparkly Maid San Antonio, reminds us that hair, skin cells, and fiber dust from bedding all end up on the floor, affecting both cleanliness and air quality. Regular vacuuming can help reduce allergens and create a more restful environment.

Don’t just stop at the visible areas—move nightstands and vacuum underneath, and pay special attention to corners where dust likes to gather. If you have allergies or asthma, this step is especially important for a good night’s sleep.

4. Under the Furniture: The Hidden Dust Bunny Playground​

Out of sight, out of mind? Not so fast! The space under your sofa, coffee table, and beds is prime real estate for dust bunnies, pet hair, and lost treasures (hello, missing sock!). Gonzalez says these areas should be vacuumed weekly to keep dust from building up and circulating through your home.

Pro tip: Use your vacuum’s crevice tool or a long-handled duster to reach those tricky spots. If your furniture is easy to move, slide it out every now and then for a thorough clean.

Bonus Tips for a Truly Spotless Home​

• Don’t Forget Under the Rugs: Gonzalez also recommends lifting area rugs and vacuuming the floor beneath. Grit and crumbs can sneak through and, over time, scratch hardwood or tile floors.
• Match Your Technique to Your Flooring: Taylor Riley of AMR US Commercial Cleaning points out that hard surfaces like wood or tile show dust and debris more easily than carpet. Use the right vacuum setting or attachment for your floor type—most vacuums have a hard floor mode or a special brush for delicate surfaces.
• Adjust Frequency as Needed: If you have pets, allergies, or lots of foot traffic, you might need to vacuum more often. And if you have hard floors, you’ll notice dust and debris more quickly, so don’t be afraid to give those areas a little extra attention.
• Why Weekly Vacuuming Matters—Especially for Over 60: As we get older, our immune systems can become more sensitive to dust, pollen, and pet dander. Regular vacuuming isn’t just about keeping up appearances—it’s about creating a healthier, more comfortable living space. Plus, staying on top of cleaning chores can help prevent slips and falls caused by loose debris or clutter.

And let’s not forget: a tidy home is a welcoming home, whether you’re hosting family, friends, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with a good book.

More on Cleaning & Home Improvement:

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• The "poop rule" is helping people declutter faster—here’s how it works

Do you have a favorite vacuuming tip or a spot you always forget to clean? Have you discovered a cleaning hack that changed your routine? Or maybe you have a question about keeping your home fresh and allergen-free? Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below—we love hearing from our GrayVine community!