1. Deep Farmhouse Sinks
They’re stylish, especially in modern rustic kitchens, and perfect for washing big pots. But they chip easily and can develop water stains that are hard to scrub off. Because they’re so deep, cleaning the corners means bending over and reaching in awkwardly. And if it’s made of porcelain or fireclay, those scratches and marks show up fast.
The flat bottom doesn’t help either—it traps gunk and doesn’t drain as quickly. Stainless versions avoid some of the issues, but still scratch easily. That Pinterest-worthy apron front? It’s also a magnet for drips and dishwater streaks. You’ll spend more time cleaning than cooking.
2. Open Shelving in Kitchens
Designers love it for the “airy” aesthetic and ease of access. But unless you’re using your dishes every single day, dust and grease will settle on them. And in a kitchen, airborne grease clings to everything, turning dust into a sticky nightmare. It’s especially bad near stoves or ovens.
Open shelving also means you have to keep everything visually perfect all the time. Even decorative bowls get grimy surprisingly fast. Cleaning each item regularly becomes part of your chore list. And cleaning wood or metal brackets is its own hassle.
3. High-Gloss Cabinets
These give kitchens a sleek, ultra-modern look that makes the room feel expensive. But they show everything: fingerprints, water spots, dust, and even streaks from wiping them down. You’ll find yourself cleaning them more often than using them. And even then, they never look quite perfect unless you use a microfiber cloth and the right spray.
They’re especially bad if you have kids or pets. Any smudge becomes visible from across the room. Matte finishes hide imperfections way better. But high-gloss surfaces are totally unforgiving.
4. Rainfall Showerheads
They feel luxurious and give a hotel vibe, but maintenance is a nightmare. Most people don’t realize how quickly mineral buildup clogs the nozzles. Because they’re mounted overhead, cleaning them usually involves a step stool and an awkward angle. You can’t even really tell they’re dirty until the water flow starts getting weird.
Descaling them requires vinegar soaks or tiny brushes, and some models don’t allow easy removal. If your water is even slightly hard, expect frequent problems. And don’t forget—you’re standing right under it, so if it sprays wrong, you’ll know immediately. Pretty soon you’re back to scrubbing when you thought you were upgrading.
5. Glass Shower Enclosures
They make your bathroom feel larger and more elegant, but they’re a magnet for water spots and soap scum. Every single shower leaves streaks unless you squeegee afterward. If you skip a few days, it takes serious elbow grease to get them clear again. And god forbid you have hard water—those calcium stains practically etch themselves in.
Frameless glass showers are especially tricky. The hardware is minimal, but the seals and corners trap gunk. Mold loves to sneak into those crevices, and cleaning around the hinges can be brutal. They look amazing in photos, but maintaining that showroom shine is a full-time job.
6. White Marble Countertops
They’re timeless, classy, and scream “luxury,” but they’re also incredibly porous and sensitive. Spills from wine, lemon juice, or even coffee can stain almost instantly. You need to seal them regularly, and even then, it’s not a guarantee. Everyday use can leave etching that’s nearly impossible to remove.
Cleaning marble isn’t as simple as wiping it down—many cleaners are too harsh and can damage the surface. Even a single missed crumb can turn into a permanent spot if it reacts with the stone. You’re basically babysitting your countertops. And for what? A surface that you’re afraid to cook on.
7. Intricate Backsplashes
Moroccan tiles, mosaic glass, or hand-painted ceramics can look breathtaking. But all those grooves and edges turn into little dirt pockets, especially behind stovetops. Splattered oil, sauce, or steam collects in the grout lines, which are almost impossible to clean thoroughly. Even gentle scrubbing doesn’t always reach the nooks.
Over time, the grout can discolor or grow mold, and sealing it doesn’t always help. Plus, decorative tiles are often more delicate, so you can’t go at them with a hard brush. They might be the jewel of your kitchen design, but they’re a beast to maintain. Functionally, a simple subway tile is so much easier.
8. Chandeliers
They make a dramatic statement, sure—but have you ever tried cleaning one? Every little crystal or dangling part collects dust, and wiping them individually is incredibly time-consuming. If it’s hanging over a staircase or in a high-ceiling foyer, you’ll need a ladder—or worse, a pro cleaner. And forget about it entirely if the fixture doesn’t lower on a pulley system.
Some chandeliers also attract bugs that get stuck in the bulbs or hidden nooks. Glass and metal both show smudges, which means you can’t just give it a once-over. It’s one of those things that looks best in photos, right before it gets installed. After that, it’s just another cleaning nightmare.
9. Textured Wallpaper
It adds depth, drama, and elegance to a room, but also gives dirt and dust endless places to hide. Cleaning it isn’t just a quick wipe—you risk damaging the material if you’re too aggressive. And textured wallpaper tends to trap airborne particles, making it even worse for allergies. Once it’s stained, good luck fixing it without replacing an entire section.
Even vacuuming it can be tricky, and using moisture? That’s a gamble with glue and finishes. If you have pets or kids, that beautiful wall will wear down fast. You’ll either be spot-treating constantly or just pretending not to notice. Smooth paint suddenly looks very appealing.
10. Freestanding Bathtubs
They look absolutely stunning, like something out of a spa catalog. But the gap between the tub and the wall or the floor quickly becomes a dust trap. It’s nearly impossible to clean behind or underneath without crawling on the floor or using special tools. You’ll likely be fishing out clumps of lint and hair if you ever dare look.
These tubs are often heavy and can’t just be moved around for cleaning. If the plumbing is exposed, it also collects grime that’s difficult to reach. And if it’s sitting on a textured stone tile? Good luck cleaning all those grooves beneath.
11. Floor-to-Ceiling Mirrors
They make spaces feel massive and upscale, but also make every fingerprint, smudge, and speck of dust immediately visible. Kids and pets love to leave handprints and nose marks at the bottom. Cleaning such a large surface takes time, patience, and usually a streak-free cleaner. One missed swipe and the whole thing looks off.
If it’s installed in a tight hallway or behind furniture, accessing all areas is a pain. And mirrors near windows can amplify glare, making spots even more obvious. You’ll either become obsessive about polishing or give up and accept the haze. Either way, they’re a lot of work for a little glamour.
12. Wall-Mounted Toilets
These are a minimalist dream—sleek, space-saving, and super modern. But the area behind and beneath them is oddly shaped and tough to access. Dust, hair, and splashes collect around the mounting hardware and base. You’ll probably need a specialty brush just for that one spot.
Also, any leaks or issues inside the wall mean opening up tile or drywall. And depending on your bathroom layout, even the flush plate can gather gunk around the edges. They’re not the kind of toilet you can wipe down and call it a day. Gorgeous, yes—but not built for the lazy cleaner.
13. Stone Pebble Shower Floors
These feel spa-like and look amazing in a design magazine. But in real life, each little pebble is surrounded by grout, and grout loves to collect grime. Plus, water doesn’t always drain evenly, so mildew builds up faster than you’d expect. Cleaning them requires toothbrush-level precision—or a pressure washer.
Even sealed grout doesn’t hold up forever, and resealing is a huge chore. If the pebbles are uneven, you’ll also have to deal with discomfort underfoot. They may look organic and earthy, but they’re high-maintenance in all the worst ways. Rubber mats start looking a lot more attractive.
14. Velvet Upholstery
Velvet couches or chairs instantly elevate a room and make it feel posh. But velvet is one of the hardest fabrics to keep clean—it attracts lint, pet hair, and dust like a magnet. Spills soak in fast and can leave lasting impressions, even with fast action. And brushing the nap back into place is an art, not a quick fix.
Vacuuming velvet requires special attachments and can still leave it looking uneven. Liquid cleaners can stain or flatten the texture permanently. Sunlight can also fade it over time, leaving blotchy patches. Basically, if you want it to stay beautiful, no one can sit on it.
This post 14 “Luxury” Features That Look Great But Are Impossible to Clean was first published on Greenhouse Black.
