What Are Cobwebs? Understanding and Eliminating Unwanted Webs in Your Home

Whether you live in a studio apartment in Tacoma, WA, or a two-story house in Little Rock, AR, cobwebs are an unsightly nuisance to anyone trying to maintain a clean and tidy home. They can pop anywhere from your garage to the corners of your living room. But where do they come from? And how can you get rid of them? Luckily for you, Redfin’s got the answers. Read on to find out why pesky cobwebs keep appearing in your home and what you can do to eliminate them for good.

What are cobwebs?

Cobwebs are intricate, delicate structures spun by spiders using their silk-producing glands. These silk threads are used by spiders for various purposes, including capturing prey, creating shelters, and laying egg sacs. When we refer to “cobwebs,” we are typically describing the abandoned or disused spider webs that have accumulated dust and debris over time. These abandoned webs often appear as irregular, tangled masses of fine, silken threads, and they can be found in various locations, both indoors and outdoors. Cobwebs are usually associated with older, less-maintained areas and are commonly seen in corners, crevices, ceilings, and any other locations where spiders have previously built their webs.

“Cobwebs, primarily the work of house spiders, are spun in areas where insects are most likely to travel,” says Cesar Rodriguez of Just Maid 4 You. “They accumulate dust and can become unsightly over time.”

Cobwebs form when spiders, typically from the Theridiidae family (commonly known as cobweb spiders), spin silk from their spinnerets to create a network of threads. These spiders usually hide in secluded spots and wait for insects or other small prey to become entangled in their webs. Over time, abandoned cobwebs may accumulate dust and debris, making them more noticeable.

“Cobwebs are abandoned spiderwebs, whose sticky strands collect dust and debris long after the spider has moved on,” says Jacqueline Janus of Two Chicks and a Broom. “The longer a cobweb sits untouched, the more dust and debris it collects, and the larger and more noticeable it becomes.”

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How do I get rid of and prevent cobwebs?

Cobwebs, whether adorning the corners of your living room or lurking in the nooks of your attic, can be both an eyesore and a sign of unwanted guests. While their presence indicates a natural pest control system at work, not many of us appreciate the décor touch. “Cobweb cleaning is an important aspect of the cleaning process,” says Bea from Your Zen Clean. “Cobwebs gather dust and make your home look like the setting for a Halloween costume party. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a long wand attachment to reach every corner. Or you can make use of an extended duster to wipe off the cobweb clusters.”

Here are some expert-approved tips for getting rid of cobwebs in your home:

Have a regular cleaning routine

“Ensure you maintain a clean and clutter-free living space, since cobwebs often accumulate in neglected areas,” says Kurt Manske of Kansas City Master Maids.

 “Cobwebs are not just eyesores; they can also impact your living environment and overall well-being,” says Daniel Vivanco from Ace of Maids. “Hiring a cleaning company on a recurring basis ensures that cobwebs are effectively removed, maintaining a clean and pleasant living space.”

Brush them away or use a vacuum

“To get rid of cobwebs, you should softly sweep with a brush that won’t scratch your walls,” says Ben from Bleach Boys Cleaning.

Seal cracks and openings

“Cobwebs may seem like nature’s forgotten artwork, but they can quickly turn any corner into a haunted house if left unchecked,” says Lilly Lima of Skilled Maids. “To banish these strands, a trusty broom and a vigilant eye are your best allies. Remember, the key to cobweb control is not just clearing them away but also addressing the root causes—sealing cracks and gaps to keep those eight-legged artists at bay.”

Vinegar or essential oils

 “As quickly as cobwebs show up, you can eliminate them quickly and easily using a duster, broom, or vacuum with an extension for tough-to-reach spots,” says Tye Campbell of Baltimore Zen Clean. “If they keep returning, try mixing water with either vinegar or an essential oil and lightly spraying the area. You’ll be back to enjoying the zen of a cobweb-free home in no time.”

“To prevent them, consider using natural scents that spiders hate,” says Amber Starling of Good Witch Cleaning Services. “Lavender and mint repel spiders when sprayed around outdoor windows and even when planted in your yard. A no-effort and no-cost fix is to turn off exterior lights at night: outdoor lighting attracts a buffet of insects right to your home, like a restaurant billboard for hungry spiders.”

Dust regularly

“Did you a know cobweb is made out of a silk produced by the spider?” says KC Deep Clean. “Think about that the next time you are knocking these obnoxious structures down! We recommend checking the corners of your baseboards, and keep your extended duster handy to keep a web free home.”

“While cobwebs make fun Halloween decorations, they can dull your home and become a breeding ground for spiderlings when left unchecked,” says Leslie Keller of Keller Cleaning Services. “Biweekly dusting prevents buildup, keeping the indoors people and pet friendly.”

Angela from Angela’s Green Cleaning notes that cobwebs can accumulate quickly during fall and winter. “Avoid this build up by running a static cling extension duster along the edges of your ceilings and light fixtures twice a month,” she says.

Superior Cleaning Service recommmends regular dusting and destroying spider egg sacs if they appear in your home.

A final note on dealing with cobwebs in your home 

Cobwebs are an unsightly nuisance that can ruin your home’s aesthetic. Use these tips and tricks to get rid of them and keep them out of your home.