15 Everyday Things You're Probably Not Cleaning Enough

Remote controls are high-touch items that collect germs quickly. Yet, they’re rarely wiped down. A quick clean weekly can stop the spread of bacteria and reduce your chance of getting sick.

Dust, grease, and food particles stick to buttons easily. Disinfectant wipes are perfect for cleaning these tricky spots. Use a cotton swab to reach tight edges around each button for better results.

They’re used daily by all family members. So, keeping them clean maintains hygiene for everyone. Electronic-safe wipes are essential to avoid damaging the device during the cleaning process.

Light Switches

Light switches are hotspots for bacteria. Everyone touches them, but they often go weeks without a clean. They should be disinfected at least once a week to prevent germ buildup.

Germs spread through constant hand contact. Cleaning with a soft cloth and mild disinfectant removes both dirt and harmful microbes. Be careful to avoid getting liquid inside the switches.

Neglecting this small surface leads to unseen bacteria spreading around your home. A few minutes a week keeps your switches sanitized and your home healthier for all occupants.

Reusable Grocery Bags

These bags carry groceries, but also bacteria. They touch carts, car trunks, and countertops. Most people forget to wash them. Tossing fabric bags into the washer works well.

Plastic and nylon versions need wiping with soapy water. Let them air dry completely before using again. This simple habit can reduce cross-contamination from food packaging and spills.

If you use these bags frequently while using a rent a car service, it’s even more important to keep them clean. The trunk or backseat may harbor unseen dirt or food remnants.

Kitchen Sponges

Sponges clean dishes, but also trap bacteria. Without proper cleaning, they become breeding grounds for harmful microbes. Replace or sanitize them weekly for a safer kitchen environment.

Microwaving a damp sponge for one minute kills most germs. Alternatively, run it through the dishwasher cycle. Never use a smelly or slimy sponge—this means it's overloaded with bacteria.

Keep separate sponges for dishes, counters, and spills. This reduces bacteria spreading throughout the kitchen. And remember, cross-contamination is easier than you think in this busy space.

Door Handles

Like switches, door handles are high-contact surfaces. Bacteria and viruses transfer through every touch. Wipe them daily with an antibacterial solution, especially during cold and flu season.

Front doors, bathroom knobs, and fridge handles deserve the most attention. Clean handles can prevent illness from spreading in shared spaces, including offices and households.

Disinfecting wipes or a homemade vinegar solution work well. Don’t forget handles on less-used doors, like garages or guest rooms, as these are often missed entirely.

Toothbrush Holders

Toothbrush holders collect water, toothpaste, and germs. This damp environment encourages mold and bacteria. Rinse and disinfect the holder every few days, especially in shared bathrooms.

Use hot, soapy water and scrub inside the holder. Let it air dry to prevent mildew. Toothbrushes themselves should be kept upright and allowed to dry between uses.

Bathrooms have high humidity, making holders even more susceptible to bacteria. Consistent cleaning helps you maintain better oral and overall hygiene throughout your household.

Trash Cans

Even if you use liners, trash cans collect grime. Odors, bacteria, and liquid leaks build up over time. Rinse your trash bins with bleach or vinegar every couple of weeks.

Let the bins dry in the sun to prevent mold. Use baking soda at the bottom to control odor between deep cleanings. Don’t forget lids and rims where residue often hides.

Trash cans in kitchens and bathrooms need more frequent cleaning. These are major zones for waste and bacteria buildup. Keeping them clean is essential for a fresh-smelling home.

Coffee Makers

Coffee makers have dark, warm, moist interiors—perfect for mold and bacteria. Descale the machine monthly with vinegar or a special cleaning solution for safer, tastier coffee.

Wash removable parts daily. Water reservoirs, especially, can grow bacteria quickly. If your machine starts to smell odd or slow down, it’s time for a deep clean.

Using filtered water may help reduce mineral buildup. But even then, a regular cleaning routine is needed. This also extends the life of your coffee maker.

Shower Curtains

Shower curtains and liners grow mold quickly. Damp bathroom air and soap residue make them ideal for mildew. Toss fabric ones into the washer and scrub plastic liners regularly.

If you see black spots, it’s mold. Use baking soda and vinegar for a natural clean. Hang the curtain open after showers to help it dry out completely.

Cleaning them every two weeks keeps your bathroom looking and smelling better. Don’t wait until it’s visibly dirty—by then, the mold is already spreading.

Reusable Water Bottles

Bottles collect bacteria in caps and straws. Wash daily with warm, soapy water and a bottle brush. Let all parts dry thoroughly to prevent mold growth.

Dishwasher-safe bottles should go on the top rack. Check for hidden grime in flip lids, seals, and straw mechanisms, which often go uncleaned for too long.

Use a vinegar rinse weekly to remove odors. Staying hydrated is great—but only if your bottle is actually clean. Dirty bottles can harbor harmful bacteria.

Pet Bowls

Pet bowls attract bacteria fast. Clean food bowls after every use and water bowls daily. Use hot, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe.

Don’t forget rubber or silicone mats under the bowls. These catch spills and drool but are often neglected. Clean both to prevent mold and odors from developing.

Pets deserve a clean eating area too. It’s an important part of their health and your home’s hygiene. Plus, it prevents bugs from being attracted to leftover food.

Phones and Tablets

These devices go everywhere, collecting germs from hands and surfaces. Use an alcohol-based screen wipe to clean daily. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage coatings.

Don’t forget cases, which often collect grime. Remove and clean them weekly. Cotton swabs can clean speaker holes and edges where dust gathers easily.

Clean tech equals cleaner hands and faces. We rarely think about it, but tech hygiene is a big part of modern cleanliness.

Gym Bags

Sweaty clothes, shoes, and towels all contribute to gym bag odor and bacteria. Wash bags weekly or wipe them with disinfectant spray. Let them dry completely before reuse.

Don’t leave damp clothes inside. This creates mold. Use mesh compartments for ventilation and rotate between two bags if you work out frequently.

Clean gym gear stays fresher longer. Bags may not touch your skin, but they carry bacteria that can transfer to other surfaces easily.

Car Interiors

Car interiors collect dust, food crumbs, and bacteria. Wipe down steering wheels, cup holders, and buttons weekly. Vacuum mats and seats every few weeks for a fresher drive.

Sanitize gear shifts and door handles—these are high-touch spots. Use interior-safe products and microfiber cloths to avoid damaging surfaces during cleaning.

If you use a rent a car service frequently, always check for cleanliness. Even professionally cleaned rentals may have overlooked spots, so wipe key areas before use.

FAQs

Q1: How often should I clean these commonly forgotten items?

Most items should be cleaned weekly or biweekly depending on use. High-touch surfaces like remotes and handles should be cleaned more frequently.

Q2: What’s the best disinfectant to use?

A mix of vinegar and water, or alcohol-based wipes, work well. For tech and delicate surfaces, choose products made specifically for electronics.

Q3: Why is cleaning overlooked items important?

These areas harbor bacteria and germs that spread illness. Regular cleaning improves hygiene, reduces allergens, and keeps your home smelling fresh.

Q4: Should I clean items I use in a rented car?

Yes. Always sanitize high-touch areas in a rented vehicle to ensure a hygienic experience during your use.

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