People often clean out their closets, empty their makeup drawers every once in a while, clean out the junk drawer, empty out their trunk, as well as many other things that get avoided but eventually get done. But how about those really dirty things, that no one ever takes the time to clean? Like caulk in the bathroom for example. Or those tiny crevices in between tiles in the kitchen. We are talking here about things that don’t necessarily look stained, but are definitely dirty in every other sense. Here are things that you should definitely be cleaning, and that you should add to your list if you aren’t.
All door handles & knobs throughout the home
Most people probably can’t recall the last time they cleaned their door handles, knobs, and pulls. Everyone remembers to windex their bathroom mirrors, and wipe off the countertops. But, doorknobs? These are something that you absolutely should be cleaning. After all, our hands are the dirtiest parts of our body. We touch things with them all day. The average person touches their face even, over 1,000 per day. Doorknobs are breeding grounds for germs, and they should be cleaned on the reg.
Your hairbrush
You need to clean your hairbrush. You don’t think you should, but you do. Your scalp sheds, just like every other part of our body. It’s unsanitary not to clean it every once in a while. And, no, we don’t just mean pull the hair off of the brush. Actually clean it.
Your toothbrush holder
Your toothbrush holder is probably the most germ-infested item in your bathroom. It is also one of the easiest to clean. What’s ironic, is that it’s best to use a toothbrush to clean the toothbrush holder! All you need is a toothbrush, disinfectant, and water. It’s not hard to do.
Your trash can
Trash cans are full of germs and bacteria. The outside of them, especially. People spill things constantly down the sides when throwing away trash. All of that builds up over time. If you have a trash can that has a lid that you have to lift up on your own, the handle should be being cleaned CONSTANTLY. Usually, when you throw something away, you’re lifting the top with your other hand that is also holding trash. Every once in a while, you should take your trash can outside and hose it down.
TV remote(s)
TV remotes rarely see a cleaning product in their lifetime. And yet, they are covered in bacteria. They aren’t hard to clean, just annoying. Make sure your TV is off when you do. Because you’ll be pressing down hard on the buttons, try to go into a different room, and not stand in front of the TV while you do it.
Drying racks
Your dish rack should definitely be cleaned. You know that water that leaks into the tray? Talk about breeding grounds for mold. Over time, that accumulation of moisture leads to a pool of germs.
Drapes
Curtains should be vacuumed often. Depending on the fabric, you should throw them in the washer and dryer if you’re able to, and fairly often. In fact, one of the reasons some people don’t have curtains is that they hold so many germs, dust, and bacteria.
Kitchen sponges
Sponges should be thrown out and replaced frequently, especially in the kitchen. It’s shocking how many months people use the same, exact sponge in the kitchen for.
Shower heads
These are yet another group that are left out when it comes to regular cleaning. What happens is that mineral deposits build up over time, and clog them, thereby reducing the pressure of the water.
Fan Blades
This might actually be the #1 overlooked item in the house to clean. You’d be disgusted if you took a dust rag, and just do a once-over on one blade. Fan blades are one of the easiest places for dust to accumulate.
It amazes me how many people don’t clean their kitchen trash cans. I’ve been at friends homes for dinner parties and whatnot, and I always help after the party is over. Many times, I’ve emptied trash cans and am simply disgusted at how gross the bottom of the trash can is. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean that its not breeding germs everywhere.
Hi Maddy! I agree. I’m also very amazed at how few people clean their fans. In all fairness, it is such an easy thing to forget, as you can’t see the top of the fan. You don’t realize how dirty it is until you start to see it from the sides, or you see dust around the room when you turn the fan on. Unfortunately, many people have a “if you can’t see it, don’t clean it policy.” Not intentionally, it’s mainly subconscious. Because we don’t see these dirty things or spots on a regular basis, we forget about them 🙂