At this point, most of us have an attachment to our favorite emotional support water bottle. This trusty sidekick keeps us hydrated while reducing plastic waste, which is great. What’s not great is how dirty most of our reusable water bottles are.
Believe it or not, experts recommend washing a reusable water bottle with hot water and dish soap once a day. If you don’t, your water bottle can have a build-up of hard water deposit stains and bacteria like E. coli. So next time you feel like being lazy and filling up, run your reusable bottle through the dishwasher instead.
Remote Controls
We take TV for granted. What could be more commonplace than grabbing the remote and turning on Netflix? It may surprise you that your remote control is one of the dirtiest things in your house. Research shows that remotes are a hotbed for germs and bacteria.
It makes perfect sense when you think about it. The remote control gets touched multiple times a day by numerous people. Wiping it down usually isn’t part of our cleaning routines, so it just sits and festers with everyone’s hand germs. Occasionally wipe your remote controls down with an alcohol wipe to solve this germy problem.
Toothbrushes
The tools we use to clean are not always clean themselves. Take a simple toothbrush, for example. We stick one in our mouths at least twice daily to clean our teeth, but we usually don’t stop to think about the gross bacteria and viruses that can live in its bristles.
Experts recommend cleaning your toothbrush once a week. This is an easy thing to add to your cleaning routine. Simply soak your toothbrush in some antibacterial mouthwash (we’re looking at you, Listerine) or purchase a UV sanitizer. In addition, be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months.
Computer Keyboards
With the rise in remote jobs, more and more people are using their home computers on a daily basis. The increased wear and tear means that taking care of your desktop or laptop keyboard is essential. Your keyboard might look clean, but that doesn’t mean it is. Dirt can get into the crevices, and bacteria can live on the surface.
It’s gross to think of tapping away at your keyboard, then eating a snack with all those computer germs on your fingers. Instead, wipe down the surface of your keyboard every once in a while with a disinfectant wipe. This will help your keyboard last longer and stay cleaner.
Computer Mouse or Touchpad
The computer mouse or laptop touchpad is a common household object we overlook when cleaning. This is a huge mistake because these objects can be cesspools for germs. Just think about how often you take a break from using your computer to get a snack, go outside, or touch other random things in your house.
Now, imagine all those germs you gather along the way living on your mouse. Pretty nasty, right? Thankfully, a computer mouse or touchpad is easy to clean. First, ensure everything is off and unplugged, then wipe your device down with an isopropyl alcohol wipe. The last thing you want is to damage your computer companions.
Cutting Boards
Not to call anyone out, but there are definitely some people out there who don’t clean their cutting boards after every use. You know who you are. While many people wash a cutting board after using it in the kitchen, others figure it looks clean enough and don’t bother. Well, you should definitely bother.
Cutting boards should be washed with hot water and soap, just like any other piece of dishware in your kitchen. Even if you just slice a simple piece of bread, give the board a quick scrub. Bacteria can grow on a cutting board if not washed, which can be dangerous.
Reusable Watter Bottles
At this point, most of us have an attachment to our favorite emotional support water bottle. This trusty sidekick keeps us hydrated while reducing plastic waste, which is great. What’s not great is how dirty most of our reusable water bottles are.
Believe it or not, experts recommend washing a reusable water bottle with hot water and dish soap once a day. If you don’t, your water bottle can have a build-up of hard water deposit stains and bacteria like E. coli. So next time you feel like being lazy and filling up, run your reusable bottle through the dishwasher instead.
Dog Toys
Regularly cleaning dog toys seems like a given, but this household item often gets forgotten. Our furry friends usually have a favorite chew toy (or two) with them everywhere in the house. These toys can get pretty nasty, especially when a dog goes to town and it ends up covered in drool. These toys never dry properly and remain soggy, and always look as if they were just taken out of the garbage.
We know it’s nasty, so why not clean it? Dog toys can contain fungus, dirt, mold, and other gross and potentially dangerous germs. Clean your dog’s toys about once a month. Your dog’s health and your household will thank you.
Cell Phones
You always hear advice from on high about regularly cleaning your cell phone. But do you actually follow that advice? Probably not. Well, we’re here to give you another reminder to wipe down your phone. Seriously. We know that if your kid has a phone, you would probably go on about cleaning it, so why don't you treat yours the same way?
Think about it. We take our phones everywhere with us– literally. We’re constantly on our phones while in the bathroom, pumping gas, and in many other places teeming with germs. Those germs love to live on the surface of your phone. So, remember to wipe it down with a soapy lint-free cloth or a bleach-free disinfectant wipe.
Kitchen Sponges
What’s worse than a smelly sponge? Pretty much nothing. Even though we clean with sponges daily, we usually take their usefulness for granted until they smell funky. However, no one should wait that long to clean or replace a sponge. Believe us, the germs start building their nest in the sponge way before it starts to smell.
Some experts suggest replacing a kitchen sponge once a week, which honestly isn’t cost-effective for many people. For an easier cleaning fix, a sponge can be washed with soap and water and microwaved for about two minutes. This will kill off most bacteria and leave your dishes cleaner than ever. Then, replace your sponge every few weeks just to be safe.
Doorknobs
The doorknobs in your home might not be as dirty as the ones in public buildings, but they’re still pretty gross. Doorknobs are a high-touch surface in everyone’s home, so cleaning them regularly is essential. Think of everyone who goes in and out of your house every week. Now, imagine their grimy little hands touching every doorknob in your home. Truly terrifying.
Wiping down and disinfecting doorknobs is a pretty quick task. All you need is some disinfectant spray or wipes, and you’re good to go. The hard part is remembering to clean them since we take them for granted.
Shower Curtains
Be honest. When was the last time you washed your shower curtain? It’s okay if the answer is “Never” because this is a commonly forgotten household object when it comes to cleaning. However, germ connoisseurs recommend cleaning your shower curtain and liner at least once a month.
The shower is one of the most heavily used places in any home, so it’s easy to imagine how much grime congregates around the innocent-looking curtain and liner. The good news is that most fabric shower curtains are machine washable. If you have a plastic curtain and liner, taking the time to wipe them down with a bleach or disinfectant solution will do the trick. It’s a pain but worth it.
Razors
If you didn’t already know, you must clean your razor blades before and after shaving. This seems like a given, but not everyone cleans out the tiny clumps of hair between the blades. Gross, but true. In our opinion, this warning should be placed on the package.
Razors don’t need harsh chemicals or solutions to stay clean. Instead, simply rinse them off with warm water before and after each shave. Also, rinse the blades off between each stroke. Doing so will give you a closer, cleaner shave and prevent annoying issues like razor burn and skin irritation. In addition, don’t forget to replace your razor regularly.
The Dishwasher
Sometimes the dishwasher needs a good cleaning. This may be surprising because it’s actively cleaning the dishes every time it’s on. However, bits of food, grease, and soap scum build up in the dishwasher over time. It’s a chore, but actively cleaning out the dishwasher will help it perform longer and better.
Set some time aside to deep-clean the dishwasher. You’re going to want to clean out the drain and wipe down the rubber seal. Be sure to wear gloves because food bits can be pretty gross and slimy (sorry for the visual). Also, run a hot-water cycle with vinegar to make it sparkling clean.
Window Blinds and Curtains
Window blinds and curtains are secret reservoirs of dust in the home. Their shiny, white surface may look clean, but they require consistent dusting. Forgetting to clean them can result in dingy lighting, increased sneezing, and overall mustiness. Incorporating regular dusting into your cleaning routine can make it an easy habit to pick up.
Wipe down your blinds with a damp microfiber cloth. This can be tedious, but seeing the end result makes it all worth it. If you have fabric curtains, throw them in the wash every few months. We won’t be surprised if your home is suddenly much brighter after a good cleaning.
Humidifiers
Many people love using a humidifier to cure their dry indoor air woes. However, these household appliances can be a wet hotbed of bacterial growth if they’re not cleaned regularly. The constant moisture and presence of water make it the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to live their best lives.
Obviously, you don’t want to inhale mold spores next time you drift off to sleep with your humidifier on. So, make sure you give it a good rinse and wash it every week. It’s easy to clean it with vinegar and water, then thoroughly dry it out before its next use.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans often sit still in the house during cold winter months, gathering dust and who knows what else on their blades. Before you turn on your fan next summer, make sure you dust it off. If you don’t, a bunch of dust particles will fly all over your house, completely ruining your cleaning efforts.
A simple wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth or heavy-duty wet wipe will do the trick. Cleaning the ceiling fans in a home usually requires climbing up a ladder or step stool, so be careful. We all want a clean house, but not at the price of injury!
Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes can be wildly expensive, so taking care of them seems like a no-brainer. Regularly cleaning makeup brushes should be part of that care routine. We use them almost daily, but can we say we clean them just as often? Probably not. We know it can be a hassle, but this has got to be done.
Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and traces of old makeup, which can cause acne breakouts. No one wants that. Wash your brushes at least once a month with a skin-friendly cleanser. Wash them more often if you use them all the time. Your skin will shine brighter in no time.
AC Filters
If you’re a homeowner with an air conditioner, you know how expensive those things are to repair and replace. That’s why maintaining your AC is essential to giving it a long, happy life. Cleaning the AC filter regularly is a great place to start. The filter catches excess dust, pollen, and other small particles. If it’s dirty, that’s bad news.
If you’ve never cleaned your AC filter, drop everything you’re doing and go clean it. A dirty, dust-filled filter is way less effective than a clean one. It will not only fail to filter out dust, but it will also increase your energy bill.
Picture Frames
We love having framed photos and art prints throughout our home. It creates a cozy, loving atmosphere. But when was the last time we gave these things a good dusting? If you can’t remember, it’s time to give them a pass-through with the feather duster.
Don’t forget to get the tops of the frames, too. Just because you can’t see the dust doesn’t mean it’s not there. If you really want to go above and beyond, get some Windex and buff the glass to a pristine shine. Your living room will look like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in no time.
Doormats
Doormats are a fun, easy way to add some personality to your house or apartment. However, a doormat is yet another thing many of us neglect to clean regularly. Most of us give it a quick shake or smack with the broom occasionally, but that’s not always enough. You won't believe what kind of species live at the entrance to your home.
Deep clean your doormats to get rid of embedded dirt, germs, and allergens. A deep clean is especially important if you have outdoor pets. Ticks and fleas can live in your doormats if you’re not careful. Depending on the material, run doormats through the wash or give them a good scrub.
The Vacuum
We tend to think our trusty vacuum is a self-cleaning machine, but that’s sadly not the case. Just like any other household item, vacuums need to be cleaned regularly. Failing to clean out the filters, canister, and attachments can actually spread more dust and dirt around your house. That totally defeats the purpose, right? Right!
Cleaning a vacuum is easier than some might think. If the vacuum is bagless, simply empty the canister contents into the trash after each run. Also, detaching any hoses or attachments to clean out with a brush or duster is pretty easy. So to make your home clean, make sure to clean the cleaner.
Light Switches
We take light switches for granted, and there is more to them than just brightening our homes. At the flick of a switch, our house is filled with electricity and mood lighting. Because light switches are part of our everyday lives, we often totally forget to clean them. Just imagine how many germs are living on your light switches right this moment, and try not to shudder.
Some experts say the average light switch is dirtier than a toilet seat. Gross! Cleaning them is essential, but it doesn’t have to be a huge production. Wiping down all the light switches in your house with a disinfectant wipe is good enough.
Walls
Weird question: have you ever cleaned your walls? Believe it or not, experts recommend cleaning the interior walls of your home once a year. Walls are something many of us don’t even think of cleaning, but they can get surprisingly dirty. Dust, dirt, and grime collect on the surface, which can dull paint and cause allergies.
Make time once a year to give your walls a good scrub. You may be simultaneously horrified and amazed by how quickly your sponge gets covered in brown gunk. Make sure you use a gentle cleanser like dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner to protect the paint.
Pillows
There’s always a sense of satisfaction when you slide into a set of fresh sheets on your bed. But have you ever stopped to think about how dirty your pillow is underneath that fresh pillowcase? We hate to break it to you, but your bed pillows need to be added to the cleaning rotation.
Since pillows are porous, they easily absorb dust, hair, dead skin, and so many other things that we don’t like to think about. Even the comfiest of pillows are not immune to dust. Toss them in the wash every few months to make sure they stay as fresh as your new bedsheets. Sweet dreams!
Closets
It’s time to clean out your closet. No, we don’t mean going through all the new clothes you’ve never worn. We mean, it’s time to literally clean your closet. The closets in our homes are places where we stash stuff out of sight. It’s also an excellent place for dust bunnies and spiderwebs to congregate.
Once a year, take the time to empty your closet and give it a deep clean. You’ll be surprised to see how much dust has collected without being detected. Wipe down the walls, dust the shelves, and vacuum the floor for the ultimate spring cleaning.
Outdoor Lights
Cleaning the dust and cobwebs off of outdoor lighting seems like a given, but many people avoid this task. We get it. It’s no fun to climb on a ladder and wipe away a thick layer of dirt. But would you rather your house have a nice curb appeal or look like a haunted house?
You can use natural ingredients already in your cleaning arsenal, like vinegar, lemon, and dish soap. After you wipe down the bulbs, fixtures, and mounts, you’ll be surprised to see how much brighter your outdoor lights are. Of course, make sure all your lights are off before you clean them.
Mattress
We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. So, we might as well ensure that the mattress we sleep on is taken care of and kept clean. Just because we cover our beds with a topper and fitted sheet doesn’t mean it’s immune to dust mites and dirt accumulation.
You could be sleeping on a bed of nasty dust, hair, allergens, and mold. To prevent this nastiness from accumulating, periodically vacuum your mattress and spot-clean any stains. If you want to get really intense, you can sprinkle it with baking soda and then vacuum it all up after a few hours.
The Backyard Deck
If you’re lucky enough to have a deck, you know that it is as much of a privilege as it is a huge responsibility. Decks don’t take care of themselves! Part of their maintenance is a yearly cleaning and resealing. Sure, it costs time and money, but an annual refresh will ensure your deck lasts longer.
Dedicate some time during warmer months to give your deck a good scrub. You can even use a pressure washer to save time. Then, sand the deck down and apply a fresh layer of sealant to protect the wood from sun and water exposure.
Refrigerators
Hot take: refrigerators make the world go round. Businesses and homes nationwide depend on their cooling capabilities to keep food fresh and ready. It’s about time that refrigerators got the respect they deserve. That means giving your fridge a deep cleaning every few months.
There’s no shame in admitting that there are probably a few crumbs and wilted produce remnants living in the cool corners of your fridge. That’s okay; we all do. But cleaning the shelves and drawers is important to prevent bacteria and nasty smells. Give everything a good wash with hot water and soap to ensure maximum cleanliness.
Dryers
If you’ve ever used a laundromat, you know that not everyone cleans out the lint trap in the dryer. Heck, you might even be guilty. However, cleaning out all the fuzzies after each drying cycle is super important. An overlooked, dirty dryer can be a fire hazard. If you want to be a total clean freak, you can wash the lint trap with a toothbrush and soapy water.
But cleaning the dryer goes beyond cleaning out the lint trap. Wipe down the dryer drum occasionally and clean out the vent to make your machine run more efficiently and reduce the risk of fires.
Washing Machines
It seems ironic to wash a washing machine. However, as much as we want them to be, these machines are not self-cleaning. Believe it or not, a lot of grime, detergent, and particles get stuck in the inner workings of each washing machine. If it’s not cleaned occasionally, it can cause bacteria buildup. It can even make your clothes smell funky.
Grab some vinegar if you feel up to a deep cleaning of the washing machine. If you pour some vinegar into the washer’s detergent compartment and run a clean cycle, your device will be fresh and ready for whatever dirty clothes you throw at it.
Oven
Ovens can get pretty grimy, especially if you cook all the time. Food, grease buildup, and general grime inevitably appear no matter how hard you try to keep it clean. Just because it’s dark and mysterious inside doesn’t mean the dirt isn’t there. That’s why deep cleaning of the oven is recommended every few months, no matter how often you cook.
Grab some gloves and open the windows whenever you feel up to this dreaded task. Oven cleaners can use harsh chemicals. If you want the more natural route, a vinegar and baking soda solution works too. Scrub-a-dub-dub until the inside of your oven is sparkling.
The Garbage Disposal
This is a gross one, but necessary. Yes, you need to clean your garbage disposal occasionally. If you notice a funky smell coming from your sink, the garbage disposal is probably the culprit. It’s pretty common for stray food remnants to get stuck and start to decay, becoming a center for stench and bacteria.
If you’re dreading this new addition to your household cleaning routine, have no fear. It’s actually pretty easy to clean a garbage disposal. You can clean the splash guard with soap and water, then pour a mixture of nontoxic ingredients, like vinegar, down the drain to eliminate any lingering smells.
Window Weep Holes
You know those small holes along the bottom of your window frames? Yeah, those have an official name. They’re called weep holes, and they need to be cleaned once in a while. Weep holes are built into most windows to drain away and keep water out of your home. But they can get clogged with dirt and stop working if you forget to clean them.
If you notice your weep holes are clogged, don’t cry. Simply get the clogged dirt out with a little elbow grease. You can use a toothpick, compressed air, or any other tiny instrument to dig out any buildup.
Bathroom Fans
The bathroom exhaust fan is the hardest working part of any bathroom. It removes excess moisture from the bathroom, preventing mold and mildew from taking root on your walls. However, bathroom fans are often never cleaned, which is a grave mistake.
Unfortunately, this fan accumulates plenty of dust stuck from running day in and day out. To start, remove the exhaust fan cover and be prepared for a gross amount of dirt. Clean off the cover and the interior fan with a microfiber cloth. If you want to get really wild, you can also vacuum the dust out of hard-to-reach crevices.
Trash Can
Think about how nasty the average trash bag is. Now think about how a trash can is probably even nastier. Our trash cans hold all of the gross stuff we throw away. They withstand spills, leaks, and who knows what else. That’s why we should show them some cleaning love once in a while.
Trash cans, whether indoor or outdoor, are moist, dark places where bacterias thrive. Of course, a stinky trash can is hard to ignore, but it should be cleaned more often than that. You can wipe down your indoor trash can with disinfectant every time you take the trash out.
Behind the Fridge
We know you’re inwardly cringing over this one. How many of us undertake a deep clean behind the fridge on a regular basis? No one? Yeah, that’s what we thought. This part of the home can be hard to get to. It’s understandable that many of us hardly ever clean behind the fridge, even though we know we should.
Cleaning behind the fridge is quite the undertaking, but it’s worth it. Peeking into this dark corner of the kitchen can help prevent pests, mold, and bad smells. When cleaning behind the fridge becomes a regular thing, there will be far fewer crumbs, lost toys, and dust to clean up in the long run.
Toothbrush Holder
It seems like there’s always something new to clean in the bathroom. Take the toothbrush holder, for example. Most of us have a cup or metal holder that we take for granted and never wash. Imagine how dirty a drinking glass would be if we never washed it. A toothbrush holder is basically the same thing.
Some toothbrush holders are dishwasher safe, making them a pretty easy thing to clean. Others might have to be washed by hand, but don’t let that deter you. You don’t even have to carry it to the kitchen. Give it a scrub down next time you’re cleaning the bathroom counter.
Coffee Maker
There’s nothing better than that first cup of coffee in the morning. However, your coffee maker might need a pick-me-up of its own in the form of deep cleaning. Whether you use a drip or pod machine, clean certain parts every few months to keep the coffee flowing smoothly.
The water reservoir is probably the most neglected part of any coffee maker. It’s so easy to simply refill it with water every time we make a fresh pot. However, constant moisture can encourage the growth of bacteria and mildew. So, wash it out with soap and warm water every once in a while.
The Shower Caddy
A shower caddy is an excellent way to organize everything in your shower. However, they can get pretty gross pretty quickly. No matter what material it’s made of, a shower caddy loves to harbor soap residue, scum, and mildew. So even though it gets a shower every day, it's never really clean.
If you need to remember to clean your shower caddy, try incorporating it into your shower cleaning routine. It’s way better to clean it consistently instead of letting soap scum and residue build-up to wild proportions. Not only will it make your shower look gross, but it will be harder to clean when you finally get around to it.
Behind the Couch
Moving the couch away from the wall for a quick clean is such a hassle. It’s heavy, clunky, and burdensome. Besides, you’re cleaning, not going to the gym! The nuisance of moving the couch makes it a place that understandably gets passed over during a cleaning. However, you could be sitting next to dirt and bugs if you’re not thorough.
The black hole between the back of your couch and the wall is home to an intricate world of dust, dirt, and cobwebs. If you never move your couch to clean it, itsy bitsy spiders might move in and make themselves comfortable.
Hairbrushes
Did you know you’re supposed to wash your hairbrush at least twice a month? This is because our heads constantly shed hair and flakes, most of which end up in our hairbrush. It’s gross, but it’s the truth. If you’re like most people and have never washed your hairbrush, here’s how.
Pull out all the excess hair between the bristles and throw it away. No one wants to see your loose hair bits. Then, soak the brush in warm soapy water for a few minutes. After the soapy water has loosened up all the gross gunk from the brush, you can scrub everything out and rinse.
Toilet Brush & Holder
The toilet brush and its holder are two of the most unpleasant parts of a bathroom. It’s completely normal to avoid cleaning them. However, this humble tool and its plastic holder need some respect. A good cleaning and disinfecting session are well-deserved from time to time.
Most of us scrub our toilet and place the still-wet bristle brush back in its holder. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and other unhealthy bits. You can spray the toilet brush with vinegar or diluted bleach, then rinse it with fresh toilet water. To clean the holder, spray disinfectant and rinse clean.
Under the Oven
The space under the oven is a mysterious no man’s land of crumbs, dropped food, and other unidentified objects. Unfortunately, this means it’s an area of the house that needs to be cleaned. Your kitchen can be sparkling clean everywhere else, but if you missed under the oven, you’re not done.
Instead of pulling out the oven from its home against the wall, there’s an easy cheat. Pull out the bottom drawer and get all the bits and bobs that way. You can easily sweep, wipe, and scrape all the mysterious matter under your oven in a matter of minutes.
Food Container Lids
All of us thoroughly clean our plastic and glass food containers. We get into each crack and crevice with precision, ensuring no food remnants are left behind. Many of us don’t wash the lids of these containers with quite the same amount of detail.
Whether they’re made of plastic or rubber, food container lids need to be thoroughly washed after every use. Bacteria and mold love to live in the tiny corners and rubber seals of container lids. If you do notice a dreaded spot of mold, soak your lids in a diluted bleach bath and then clean thoroughly. And if you want to know what we would do with the moldy ones....yep, garbage them!
Spice Cabinet
Do you know what’s lurking in the back of your spice cabinet? We hate to break it to you, but it’s probably a lot of old, stale spices that have been gathering dust for months. We don’t often remember to clean out the spice cabinet, so it’s most likely due for a refresh.
Not only can stale spices lose their potency, but they can also carry bacteria that can spoil your food. Toss out any old, unused spices and replace them with new ones. Also, a nicely organized and cleaned-up spice cabinet can make cooking way easier and faster, and besides, it looks good.
Cabinet Shelf Liners
Shelf liners are the unsung hero of the home. They are a great way to protect bathroom and kitchen cabinets from wear and tear. They also help keep stuff in place and protect against spills. So, when was the last time you thoroughly cleaned yours? If the answer is longer than a season, you’ve been neglecting them.
Empty out your shelves and wipe those liners down with some disinfectant or kitchen cleaner. There are even some machine-washable shelf liners out there, so check what kind of product you have. All in all, cleaning your cabinet shelf liners keeps everything looking clean and neat.
Bath Poufs
It’s safe to assume that we all take showers to clean ourselves, not spread around bacteria. That’s why bath poufs and loofahs are so gross. Most of us wash up without a second thought as to cleaning our loofahs or bath poufs. The truth is these cleaning tools are the perfect environment for growing harmful bacteria.
Experts say that bath poufs and natural sponges should be cleaned at least once a week. That means spraying it with alcohol or washing it in a diluted bleach bath to kill off any potentially harmful bacteria. Plus, don’t forget to change your pouf on a regular basis.
Contact Lens Case
All the contact wearers out there know how important it is to take care of contact lenses. Those little guys are not cheap, and they help you see. But, many people forget that taking care of the contact lens case is just as important.
A contact lens case should be washed every day to prevent bacteria buildup. Using an unclean case puts you at risk of transferring germs to your eyes and catching infections like pink eye. So, next time you pop your contacts in, rinse the case with contact solution to disinfect it. Your contacts and eyes will thank you.
Carpets
It’s easy enough to vacuum your carpets once a week. But, depending on the foot traffic in your home, you might not be vacuuming as much as you should. Carpets are notorious for holding tight to hair, dust, bacteria, and other yucky particles. A cursory pass with the vacuum every once in a while isn’t going to clean anything thoroughly.
Experts recommend thoroughly vacuuming at least twice a week if you have lots of people and pets in your home. On top of that, deep clean with carpet shampoo at least once a year. Honestly, hardwood floors are sounding pretty good right about now.
Couch
The couch is often the centerpiece of a living room. You lay, kids play, and pets nap on it. You probably vacuum the cushions every once in a while, but when was the last time your couch had a deep clean? The sofa, much like carpet, can be much dirtier than what meets the eye.
Sofas can carry bacteria and viruses if you avoid cleaning them long enough. The fabric soaks up all kinds of dirt, chemicals, and everyday contaminants that can make it smell funky, too. Deep clean your couch with baking soda or a professional cleaning service to make it smell good as new.
Yoga Mat
Yoga may look peaceful, but it's a sweat-intensive exercise that can leave you exhausted by the time you’re lying in Savasana. Next time you finish your yoga practice, remember to wipe down your mat. Many people don’t clean their mat until it begins to smell funky. Don’t wait that long.
Cleaning your mat removes any excess sweat and dirt that inevitably accumulates when you use it. It might look clean, but there’s most likely a thin layer of muss on it. If you’re feeling unmotivated to wipe down your mat, just imagine laying in a pool of your own sweat. You’re welcome.
Kid’s Bath Toys
Bath time for toddlers and little kids is often the most fun part of the day. If you’re a parent, you know the drill. The first thing your kid does when they get in the water is sticking their favorite bath toy in their mouth. This is adorable until you remember that you haven’t washed them in a few weeks.
It’s really easy for mold and mildew to grow on plastic bath toys. If they’re never cleaned, this can be super unhealthy for little ones. However, gross, moldy bath toys are easily preventable if you remember to soak them in vinegar or boil them in hot water periodically.
Baseboards
Baseboards are a hub for dust because they hide in plain sight. We see them daily but easily forget that they need a good cleaning. Just like picture frames and hard surfaces, baseboards can accumulate dust, grime, and dirt like nobody’s business. Its amazing how many pieces of furniture in our home are neglected.
Cleaning the baseboards doesn’t have to be labor or time intensive. Also, you don’t have to worry about throwing out your back when cleaning them. Next time you have the vacuum out, simply run the brush attachment along the baseboards to pick up any dust. No bending over is required.
Toilet Bases
We’ve all been there. It’s the end of the day, you’ve cleaned all you needed to clean, and the only thing left is the toilet. About halfway through, you let fatigue get the best of you and give up. You cleaned the toilet bowl. That’s good enough, right? Wrong.
It’s best to clean the whole toilet, including the base. Get down and dirty with your gloves and cleaning rag. Don’t be afraid to get into all the nooks and crannies for a thorough cleaning. Be sure to clean the part that everyone forgets. That’s right. Don’t forget about underneath those mysterious plastic caps.
Door Tracks
It’s kind of depressing how quickly sliding glass door tracks get clogged with dirt and grime. For this reason, most of us avoid getting down and dirty to clean them. However, keeping the track of any sliding door is essential. If the tracks get clogged, the door won’t open and close as smoothly. Overall, it’s a frustrating experience.
We see you glancing over at your sliding glass door. It’s time to suck it up and clean out the track. Sometimes a quick vacuum is enough, but other times the situation is direr. You might have to scrape debris out of the track by hand.
Door Frames
Ther's more to come when considering your home, especially the living room. Much like the tops of picture frames, the tops of door frames are invisible harbingers of dust. Unless you are impressively tall, you can’t see the tops of all the door frames in your house. That means most of us naturally forget to clean these areas when we’re dusting. Dust and debris love it up there!
Have no fear. This oversight is easily solved. Grab an extendable duster or a ladder and get to dusting! You might be shocked by how much dust gets captured. But, once everything is clean, all dusting faux pas can be forgiven.
Showerhead
If you’re one of those rare unicorns who loves cleaning the shower, this advice is not for you, and you cam move on to the next one. However, if you’re an average person who avoids cleaning the shower at all costs, listen up. Most of us are missing an important part of cleaning the shower. We’re talking about the showerhead.
The showerhead’s tiny holes easily get clogged up by sediment and hard water buildup. This can negatively affect water pressure, making showers way less enjoyable. Not to mention the potential bacteria living its best life around the clogs. Thankfully, a dirty showerhead is nothing some vinegar can’t fix.
Your Tea Kettle
So, you’re a tea drinker instead of a coffee addict. We hate to break it to you, but you’re not immune to overlooking the cleanliness of your tea-related appliances. Even though water is the only thing going into a tea kettle, it still needs to be cleaned out.
All the water going in and out of the kettle creates something called kettle furring. This is just a fancy way of saying a bunch of sediment and limescale builds up inside your kettle. It’s not harmful, but it can make your tea taste weird. Boiling some vinegar and water in the kettle will solve all your problems.
Range Hood Filter
The range hood filter is definitely one of the most overlooked parts of any kitchen. If you haven’t cleaned your hood filter in a while (or ever), be prepared for a fun hour of soaking and scrubbing. These things get covered in grease, lint, and grime. It’s pretty gross, and you won't believe the color this stuff turns into.
Pop those metal filters out and let them soak while you scrub down the rest of your range with soap, water, and vinegar. After some serious scrubbing, the layers of grease will start to melt away. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
Microwaves
Cleaning the microwave is as natural to some of us as breathing. For others, the microwave is the last thing on the list when cleaning the house. A microwave is a heavily-used appliance in most households, so there’s no excuse not to clean it. That thing gets dirty, and there’s no denying it.
All of those reheated meals and TV dinners can leave behind splatters, crumbs, and spills that build up over time. It can make your microwave look pretty gross. Plus, it can smell pretty bad if left to its own devices. Wipe it down with some kitchen cleaner and a damp towel to keep it looking and smelling fresh.
Under Furniture
“Out of sight, out of mind” is a saying for a reason. We hardly ever see the undersides of the furniture in our house, so forgetting to vacuum and dust these areas is almost a given. Plus, who wants to move all their furniture around, only to move it back after an exhausting hour of cleaning?
As much as we’d like to avoid cleaning under furniture, it can’t be helped sometimes. Dust and dander accumulate under couches, bookcases, and other places. If we don’t clean the house, this hidden dust can lower the air quality in the home— time to move that couch and get to cleaning.
Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors are a great way to, well, protect your mattress, and they are also a great way to collect more undesired dirt. These covers can prolong your mattress's life and make sleeping much more comfortable. In the weekly rush to change the bed sheets and complete our chores, this humble cover can go unnoticed and uncleaned for months at a time.
All mattress protectors are in close contact with our bodies, making them full of sweat, dust, and other unpleasant things. Thankfully, the mattress protector doesn’t need to be washed as often as regular sheets. Set a reminder in your calendar to wash it every couple of months.
Top of the Fridge
The top of the fridge is a very convenient spot for storing stuff if you’re low on space. It’s also a prime location for grease and dust to congregate. This spot in our kitchens doesn’t get cleaned as often as it should, most likely because it’s hard to reach.
Well, it’s time to get the step ladder out. Clean off the dust and grime on a regular basis. If you don’t, it can get pretty gross up there. Nobody wants to reach up and grab the cereal box from the top of the fridge, only to find a sticky layer of grease over the Trix.
Ice Cube Trays
Ice cube trays hold, well, ice cubes. So, how dirty could they possibly be? Truthfully, these trays can get pretty gross if you forget to wash them. Over time, bacteria and other contaminants can build up in the trays. So, when you freeze your next batch of water, those germs can get transferred into your ice.
On top of nasty germs, your dirty ice tray can smell funky. Who wants weird-tasting ice cubes in their beverage? No one, that’s who. So, next time you’re going to refill your ice trays, wash them off with some dish soap first. Who would have thought?
Kitchen Table Legs
There is more to a table than just its top surface. This might sound weird, but have you checked out your kitchen table’s legs lately? It’s easy enough to wipe down the top of the dinner table every day. But the most heavily-used table in your house might have some spots and stains that have gone unnoticed for quite some time.
Next time you’re cleaning, take a peek at those legs. You might be surprised to find some fingerprints, smudges, and food remnants hanging out near the floor. This is especially true if you have kids and pets. There’s never a dull moment in the daily grind of cleaning chores.
Pet Bowls
Pet owners these days pamper their animals more than ever before, so it's about time they do some cleaning too. However, they might be forgetting something major. A lot of people forget to clean their pet’s food bowls regularly. Believe it or not, veterinarians recommend washing dog and cat food bowls on a daily basis.
As we all know, there are recommendations, and then there’s life. According to AARP, only 12% of pet owners wash their pet’s food bowls at least once daily. As long as you’re keeping your furry friend’s health in mind and washing their food and water bowl a few times a week, you’re fine.
Stovetop Burners
As any home chef knows, cooking is always a dirty business. Spills, splatters, and crumbs are bound to happen during the course of meal prep. It’s easy to turn off the stovetop and think, “I’ll clean that when it cools down,” only never to return. We hate to break it to you, but ignoring dirty stovetop burners won’t make them disappear.
When you remember to clean the stovetop, go all out. Remove the grates and use household products like baking soda and vinegar to cut through grime and grease. You’ll have a sparkling stovetop that looks brand new in no time.
Under the Sink
So many of us store our household cleaning products under the sink. Think long and hard about this next question. When did you last use those products to clean under the sink? Now might be a good time. Like any cupboard, the one under the kitchen sink can get dusty and full of mysterious gunk.
Take everything out from under the sink and do a deep clean. Check for water leaks or anything else out of the ordinary. Plus, you can take this deep clean as an opportunity to toss out any old potatoes or gross pieces of steel wool.
TV Screen
No one wants a stray fingerprint or a bit of dirt ruining their favorite show. That’s why you should add the TV screen to your cleaning routine. It’s pretty easy to do. Just wipe off any marks the next time you dust your house. Use a microfiber cloth to get the job done.
The TV screen might seem like such an unimportant thing to clean. Who’s going to notice? Well, all it takes is one afternoon when the light hits the screen just right. Dust the screen regularly to avoid seeing fingerprints and smears galore during the next big game.
Plunger
A plunger is a household item we all have but don’t like to think about. Regularly disinfecting a plunger might seem like taking cleanliness way too far, but it’s not. It’s been up close and personal with the toilet, after all. It’s important to clean, disinfect, and sanitize a plunger after every use.
It’s gross to think about, but cleaning a plunger doesn’t have to be super hands-on. You can fill your toilet bowl with a little bit of bleach or apple cider vinegar and submerge the plunger in the solution for a few minutes. You’ll be left with a clean, sanitized, totally un-disgusting plunger.
Medicine Cabinet
Like any other cabinet in our home, the medicine cabinet gets filled with random stuff that we hardly ever clean out and doesn't always consist of only medicine. However, this cabinet is probably the most important cabinet to clean regularly. Expired medicine and old bath products can be dangerous, so stop putting off the task.
Periodically go through and toss out anything that’s expired or old. Do you really need that full bottle of toner from three years ago? Probably not. Once everything’s cleared out, give the shelves a quick wipe-down. You’ll be surprised by how much dust accumulates between the Excedrin and Q-Tips.
Under the Bed
There could be real-life monsters living under your bed if you don’t clean it regularly. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, cleaning under the bed should come to mind every once in a while. Trust us, even once a month will do. If you’ve never cleaned under your bed, we promise there are more than a few dust bunnies living in the dark corners.
Run a Swiffer or a vacuum under there really quickly. If it’s hard to reach, get someone to help you move the bedframe. Then you can rest easy above a squeaky clean floor free of dust and hair of unknown origin.
Your Pet’s Favorite Blanket
We love our pets, but it’s time to admit that they can be literal stinkers. Just like human blankets, pet blankets need regular washing. They easily become full of animal hair, dust, and other funky germs. Sometimes a dirty blanket or bed can lead to irritated skin or infections.
If you can, wash your pet’s blankets and bed at least once weekly. In reality, this can be a tall order. Throwing them in the wash once a month might be more reasonable. Try your best to resist the heartbroken look your dog or cat will give you when you take their favorite blanket away.
Laundry Hampers
The humble laundry hamper is probably one of the most common household items that people forget to clean. Many of us simply throw our dirty clothes in the hamper without a second thought. But, if you really think about it, these baskets are probably dirtier than our soiled clothes.
Give your laundry hamper some love once in a while. Depending on the material it’s made of, wipe it down with an antibacterial wipe or wash it with soap and water. Neglected laundry baskets are notorious for harboring dirt, germs, and even mildew. We don’t tolerate that stuff on our clothes. We should have the same attitude about the hamper.
Lampshades
Lampshades have to be one of the most tedious things to clean. You have to reach in at an awkward angle to reach all the dust, or you have to dismantle your lamp completely. What’s the point? Well, if you conveniently “forget” to clean your lampshades all the time, they’re probably home to a fine layer of dust particles.
Suck it up and dust those babies off every so often. Once a week is fine, or once a month if you truly dread the task. Like it or not, if you work it into your cleaning routine, it will eventually become a habit.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Many of us have reusable bags fully stocked in our purses or cars for the weekly trip to the grocery store. There’s no shame in admitting that most of us unpack our groceries and then put away these bags without washing them. That’s a big mistake.
Reusable bags need to be washed consistently, especially if you use them to tote raw meat and produce from the grocery store to your fridge. Bacteria galore can live on the fabric and cause cross-contamination if you’re not careful. Definitely wash your reusable grocery bags more often if you store them in the car. The heat can cause any left-behind bacteria to thrive.
Thermostat Control
Just like any other high-touch surface in your home, the thermostat control needs to be wiped down and disinfected. It’s easy to forget such a small thing. However, if the control unit gets dirty enough, it can malfunction and even affect your energy consumption.
Disinfect the surface with a Clorox wipe once in a while. We promise it can be just as germy as a light switch or doorknob. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to go the extra mile, remove the control cover and use some compressed air to blow away dust. You can also gently dust the interior if you don’t have compressed air handy.
Utensil Holders
Whether it’s a drawer organizer or ceramic crock, utensil holders can get surprisingly dirty. When was the last time you looked at the organizer underneath all your knives and forks? It’s a scary thought, but these vessels can carry a lot of dirt, grime, and bacteria. These contaminants can easily get on your “clean” utensils.
Every so often, empty out your utensils and give your organizer a deep clean. Kitching cleaning solution or vinegar is good enough, as long as you’re thorough. That way, you can rest easy knowing your drawer or crock is just as clean as your eating utensils.
Handrails
Just like doorknobs, most of us don’t give the handrails in our homes a second thought. It’s for this very reason that they need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Whether it’s wooden banisters or stainless steel shower rails, these high-touch surfaces need some cleaning love every once in a while.
Disinfecting and cleaning handrails can easily be incorporated into a regular dusting routine. Most banisters and rails need a quick wipe down every once in a while to prevent dust. Then, disinfect them with a cleaning solution that won’t harm the handrail material. Vinegar is always a good choice.