Handled constantly by everyone in the household, remotes pick up skin oils, food particles, and bacteria. Wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, getting into the crevices around the buttons.
17 Everyday Items You're Probably Forgetting to Clean (But Shouldn't Be)!
When it comes to cleaning, most of us focus on the obvious tasks -- vacuuming floors, scrubbing the bathroom, wiping down counters. But some of the dirtiest items in our homes often go unnoticed, quietly harboring dirt, germs, and bacteria. Here are 17 commonly overlooked items and how to give each one the attention it deserves.
1. Remote Controls
2. Light Switches
Touched multiple times a day, often with dirty hands. Wipe them with a disinfectant regularly to prevent grime and germs from building up.
3. Door Handles and Knobs
Prime spots for germs to linger since so many hands touch them daily. Clean with a disinfectant spray or wipes, especially during flu season or when someone in the house is sick.
4. Cell Phones and Tablets
Studies have found phones can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. Clean devices regularly with a microfiber cloth and a solution made for electronics.
5. Kitchen Sponges
A notorious bacteria breeding ground. Microwave a damp sponge for a minute or soak it in a bleach-and-water solution, and replace it every week or two.
6. Refrigerator Handles
Touched with dirty hands repeatedly during cooking and snacking. Disinfect regularly, including the edges where grime collects.
7. Toothbrush Holders
Often sit close to the toilet and stay damp -- an ideal environment for mold and bacteria. Wash with hot, soapy water and disinfect regularly.
8. Bathroom Faucets
Touched before and after washing hands, and prone to soap scum and toothpaste residue. Wipe down daily with a disinfectant.
9. TV Remotes
Used constantly, often while eating, and rarely cleaned. Disinfect regularly, being careful not to let moisture get into the buttons.
10. Computer Keyboards and Mice
Accumulate crumbs, oils, and bacteria from daily use. Power down and use compressed air to clear debris, then wipe keys and mouse with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol.
11. Purses and Wallets
Set down on countertops, tables, and floors all day long, picking up dirt and germs along the way. Wipe the outside with a disinfectant wipe and clean out the inside regularly.
12. Pet Toys and Beds
Harbor pet hair, saliva, and worse over time. Wash toys in hot, soapy water (or the dishwasher, if safe), and vacuum and wash pet beds regularly.
13. Laundry Baskets
Hold dirty clothes that transfer bacteria and sweat -- which can then transfer back onto clean laundry. Wipe down with disinfectant or wash with soapy water.
14. Shower Curtains and Liners
Prone to mold, mildew, and soap scum. Wash in the machine with detergent and a splash of vinegar, then hang immediately to dry thoroughly.
15. Coffee Makers
The water reservoir stays damp, making it a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Run a vinegar-and-water cycle monthly and wipe down the exterior and removable parts.
16. Trash Cans
Spills and leaks accumulate inside even when the bag is doing its job. Clean regularly with hot, soapy water and disinfect to prevent odors.
17. Blinds and Curtains
Collect dust, pet hair, and even mold over time. Dust blinds with a microfiber cloth, and vacuum or launder curtains per the manufacturer's instructions.
Regular cleaning is essential for a healthy, pleasant home, but it's easy to overlook these 17 items. Working them into your routine reduces the buildup of germs and bacteria -- it's not just about looking clean, but eliminating the unseen dirt that can affect your family's health.
Got a handy tip of your own?
Reply and let us know, we love hearing your tips.
This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →