Keeping a clean home goes beyond the usual chores. While you may vacuum, dust, and mop regularly, there are many overlooked spots gathering grime, bacteria, and allergens. Ignoring them can affect your health and your home’s appearance. Here are ten commonly forgotten areas you should start cleaning today.
1. Light Switches and Door Handles
Light switches and door handles are among the most touched surfaces in your home. Every time someone enters or exits a room, they leave behind oils, bacteria, and germs. Over time, these areas can become hotspots for illness-causing pathogens. However, they often go unnoticed during daily cleaning.
To tackle this, use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a mixture of vinegar and water. Focus on the edges where fingers often land. It’s best to clean these at least once a week, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. This small habit can greatly reduce the spread of germs in your household.
2. Remote Controls and Game Controllers
Think about how often you use your remote controls. Now think about how often you clean them. Chances are, it’s not often enough. Remotes and game controllers get touched with greasy fingers, snack residue, and dust. If someone in your home has been sick, these devices become major germ carriers.
Cleaning them is simple yet essential. Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe all surfaces. For hard-to-reach areas between buttons, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Make this part of your weekly routine, especially if you share these devices among family members or guests.
3. Toothbrush Holders
Toothbrush holders might seem harmless, but they’re actually one of the dirtiest items in your bathroom. Water drips, leftover toothpaste, and humidity create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Over time, this can impact your oral hygiene and overall health.
To keep it clean, empty the holder and wash it in hot soapy water every few days. If it’s dishwasher safe, toss it in during your regular cycle. Don’t forget to check the bottom, where gunk usually builds up. Also, rinse your toothbrush before and after use to avoid adding more bacteria to the holder.
4. Baseboards and Trim
Baseboards and trim are easy to overlook. They’re low to the ground and blend into the background. But these surfaces collect dust, pet hair, scuff marks, and even spills over time. Neglecting them can make even the cleanest room look untidy.
Start by vacuuming the edges with a brush attachment. Then, use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge with mild soap to wipe them down. For stubborn stains, a magic eraser works wonders. Cleaning baseboards monthly makes a noticeable difference in your home’s overall cleanliness.
5. Under and Behind Appliances
The areas under and behind your major appliances are often neglected for months or even years. Crumbs, grease, dust, and moisture collect in these hidden spaces. This buildup can attract pests and cause unpleasant odors. In kitchens especially, grease and food debris can become a fire hazard.
Unplug your appliances before moving them. Use a vacuum to clear dust and a degreasing solution for sticky messes. A long-handled duster or cleaning wand helps reach tight spaces. Aim to clean behind and under appliances every three to six months.
6. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Ceiling fans are great for air circulation, but they also gather a thick layer of dust. When turned on, they spread those particles throughout your home. Light fixtures, especially ones with covers, trap dead insects, dust, and grime that dims your lighting and affects air quality.
Turn off the power before cleaning. Use a pillowcase to slide over fan blades and trap dust. For light fixtures, remove covers and clean them with warm soapy water. A microfiber cloth works well for delicate surfaces. Deep-clean fans and fixtures every couple of months.
7. Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags are eco-friendly but often forgotten when it comes to cleaning. These bags carry everything from raw meat to fresh produce, and bacteria from leaks or spills can linger. Without cleaning, you risk cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
Most fabric and canvas bags are machine washable. Check the label first, then toss them in with hot water and detergent. For plastic or insulated bags, wipe them down with disinfectant. Make cleaning your bags a habit, especially after carrying meat or dairy products.
8. Shower Curtains and Liners
Bathrooms are naturally moist environments, making them ideal for mold and mildew growth. Shower curtains and plastic liners absorb water daily, but people rarely wash them. Over time, they can become discolored, musty, and unsanitary.
Fortunately, most shower curtains and liners are machine washable. Remove the curtain, toss it in the washer with a couple of towels (to scrub it clean), and add white vinegar or baking soda for extra freshness. Let it air dry. Clean them at least once a month to maintain a hygienic shower.
9. Dish Drying Rack
A dish drying rack helps your dishes air dry safely, but it also collects water, soap scum, and food debris. Mold and mildew thrive in this environment, especially if you don’t dry it out regularly. This can lead to a musty smell and even impact your clean dishes.
Disassemble the rack and wash all parts with hot, soapy water. Scrub crevices with an old toothbrush. If it’s dishwasher-safe, run it through a hot cycle. Dry it completely before reassembling. Do this at least weekly to prevent buildup and keep your kitchen sanitary.
10. Indoor Plant Leaves
Houseplants are natural air purifiers, but their leaves collect dust just like furniture. Dusty leaves block sunlight, reduce photosynthesis, and affect your plant’s ability to grow. They can also worsen indoor allergies.
Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth or soft sponge. For plants with many small leaves, rinse them under lukewarm water in the shower or sink. Avoid harsh chemicals. Clean your plant leaves every two to four weeks to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Conclusion
Cleaning the hidden and often overlooked spots in your home makes a huge difference in hygiene and overall appearance. By adding these ten areas to your routine, you’ll create a fresher, healthier living environment for everyone. Don’t wait—start tackling the forgotten grime today!