Maintaining a clean home isn’t just about visible surfaces; it’s also about tackling the hidden, often neglected areas where dirt and grime can accumulate.
From overlooked nooks to commonly used items, here are 15 dirty things around your house you probably never clean but desperately need to.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are notorious dust magnets, especially during seasons when they’re not in use. Over time, the accumulated dust can spread around your room whenever the fan is turned on, exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues. Use a long-handled duster or a microfiber cloth to wipe down each blade, ensuring a cleaner, healthier airflow.
Light Switches and Door Handles
These high-touch surfaces are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, yet they often go unnoticed during cleaning routines. Regularly disinfecting light switches and door handles, especially in shared living spaces, can help prevent the spread of illness among household members.
Remote Controls
We handle remote controls daily, yet they rarely receive the cleaning attention they deserve. A simple wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol can remove dirt, oils, and germs, keeping your entertainment area both clean and hygienic.
Kitchen Cabinet Handles and Drawer Pulls
Just like light switches and door handles, cabinet handles and drawer pulls are touched countless times throughout the day, transferring dirt and bacteria from hands to surfaces. Incorporate wiping down these often-overlooked areas into your regular kitchen cleaning routine to maintain a sanitary cooking environment.
Behind and Under Appliances
When did you last pull out your refrigerator or stove to clean behind or underneath them? These areas are prime spots for collecting dust, crumbs, and even mold over time. Periodically move your appliances and vacuum or wipe down the neglected spaces to prevent unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
Shower Curtain Liners
Shower curtain liners may seem clean since they’re constantly exposed to water, but they can quickly accumulate soap scum, mold, and mildew. Extend the lifespan of your liner by regularly cleaning it with a mixture of vinegar and water or by tossing it in the washing machine with bleach.
Kitchen Sink Drain
The kitchen sink drain is often forgotten until it emits foul odors or becomes clogged. Prevent such issues by regularly flushing the drain with hot water and baking soda, followed by a vinegar rinse. This simple maintenance task can keep your sink smelling fresh and functioning properly.
Baseboards
Baseboards are easily overlooked during routine cleaning sessions, yet they collect dust, pet hair, and other debris over time. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a microfiber cloth to remove buildup along the baseboards, giving your room a cleaner, more polished appearance.
Toothbrush Holder
Despite its purpose of holding toothbrushes, the holder can become a breeding ground for bacteria if left unchecked. To keep your oral hygiene routine hygienic, regularly wash the holder with warm, soapy water and consider sanitizing it with a disinfectant spray.
Air Vents and Registers
Air vents and registers circulate air throughout your home but can also distribute dust and allergens if not cleaned regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris from these often-neglected areas, improving indoor air quality.
Keyboard and Mouse
If you work or spend leisure time on a computer, your keyboard and mouse likely harbor a multitude of germs and bacteria. To reduce the risk of illness transmission, disinfect these frequently touched surfaces with electronic-safe wipes or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
Washing Machine
Ironically, the appliance responsible for cleaning your clothes can also become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar or a specialized washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and eliminate odors, keeping your laundry fresh and your machine in optimal condition.
Trash Can
Trash cans, especially in the kitchen, can harbor unpleasant odors and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Empty and sanitize your trash cans periodically by washing them with hot, soapy water or spraying them with water and vinegar to neutralize odors and disinfect surfaces.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Bathroom exhaust fans are essential for removing excess moisture and preventing mold growth, but they can also become clogged with dust and debris over time. Remove the cover and vacuum or wipe down the fan blades to ensure proper airflow and maintain a mold-free bathroom environment.
Mattress and Pillows
Although you may regularly change your bed linens, your mattress and pillows still require attention to prevent the accumulation of dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens. Vacuum your mattress and pillows regularly, and consider using protective covers to extend their lifespan and improve sleep quality.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.
