Top Places Homeowners Miss When Deep Cleaning in Austin, Texas
By Canary Clean
About The Author: Canary Clean is an Austin-based home cleaning service that specializes in deep cleans and weekly cleans for homeowners and property managers. We use practical, tested techniques to reduce allergens, extend appliance life, and keep homes healthy and guest-ready.
Last Updated: 9/11/25
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If you live in Austin and are short on time, prepping to sell, dealing with cedar fever or seasonal pollen, or sharing your home with pets, this guide is for you.
Deep cleaning is more than vacuum and mop. If you want real sparkle and fewer mystery smells, do not skip these often-overlooked areas. Below are quick wins with what to clean, why it matters in Austin, and the simplest tool or solution to use.
Baseboards and door trim
Why: Central Texas dust and construction grit make scuffs and grime more visible.
Fix: Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and a few drops of dish soap, then dry. Use a melamine sponge gently on stubborn marks.
Under and behind appliances
Why: Summer cookouts and humid months mean more crumbs, spilled pet food, and sticky residue.
Fix: Pull the fridge and stove if possible, or tip them forward carefully. Vacuum debris, mop, and wipe appliance feet.
Ceiling fans and light fixtures
Why: Fans run a lot during Austin summers, so dust builds up and drops onto surfaces.
Fix: Slip a pillowcase over each blade and pull dust into the case, then wipe fixtures. Remove bulbs and wipe inside shades to clear bugs and dust.
Window tracks, sills and blinds
Why: Pollen and dust from nearby oaks and cedar trees collect in tracks and cause rubbing damage.
Fix: Vacuum tracks, scrub with an old toothbrush and a vinegar and warm-water mix, and wipe blinds slat by slat. Cedar pollen is seasonal in Austin; expect heavier counts in winter months.
Vents, HVAC registers and filters
Why: Heavy AC use spreads pollen and dust, and clogged filters reduce efficiency.
Fix: Remove covers, vacuum inside as far as you can reach, wash covers if needed, and replace or clean filters monthly during heavy-use seasons.
Shower door tracks, grout and drain covers
Why: Hard water spots and mildew from humid bathrooms are common.
Fix: Scrub grout with a baking soda and water paste using a grout brush. Clean tracks with vinegar and a toothbrush, then rinse.
Dishwasher and washer seals and filters
Why: Mineral-rich water and trapped food cause odors.
Fix: Wipe rubber seals, clean removable filters, and run an empty hot cycle with one cup of white vinegar periodically to remove residue.
Cabinet interiors and pantry corners
Why: Summer humidity attracts pantry pests and sticky spills from preserves or sauces.
Fix: Empty shelves, vacuum corners, wipe with a mild cleaner, and rotate or declutter pantry items. Store pet food in sealed containers.
High-touch surfaces: remotes, switches and doorknobs
Why: Frequent guests at Austin gatherings mean these surfaces get grimy fast.
Fix: Use alcohol wipes or spray disinfectant on a cloth, not directly on electronics. Clean underside edges and switch plate edges.
Mattress seams and bed frame
Why: Open windows during mild weather can add pollen to bedrooms.
Fix: Vacuum seams with an upholstery attachment, rotate the mattress if applicable, and wipe or vacuum the frame.
Electronics, cords and power strips
Why: Dust and heat can stress electronics during long summer runs.
Fix: Unplug devices, use canned air or a low-power vacuum to clear vents, and wipe cords. Keep liquids away.
Trash cans and recycling bins, including lids and stands
Why: Warm temperatures speed up odors.
Fix: Scrub with hot, soapy water, disinfect, and dry in sun when possible. Clean under the bin too.
Don't want to tackle deep cleaning on your own?
Let Canary Clean take it off your plate! We serve Austin TX and nearby areas.