Even if you clean regularly, there are hidden spots in your home that don’t get enough attention. Some areas accumulate dust, grime, and bacteria without you realizing it, and skipping them can lead to poor air quality, unpleasant odors, and even health issues.
If you want a truly clean home, make sure you’re not overlooking these 10 areas that need more frequent cleaning. Here’s how often you should be tackling them and the best way to keep them spotless!
The Inside of Your Microwave
A microwave filled with food splatters is not only unpleasant but also a breeding ground for bacteria. Leftover food particles harden and create odors, making it harder to clean the longer you wait.
How often to clean:
Steam-clean your microwave weekly by microwaving a bowl of water and lemon juice for 5 minutes, then wiping the interior with a damp cloth.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans collect dust and debris, and when they’re turned on, that dust spreads around the room. If you’ve ever noticed a musty smell or felt your allergies flare up, your ceiling fan could be the culprit. Dust buildup not only affects indoor air quality but also makes your fan work harder, reducing its efficiency.
How often to clean:
Dust your ceiling fan at least once a month. Use a pillowcase to trap dust while wiping each blade or a long-handled duster to reach high ceilings. For stubborn grime, wipe blades with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap.
Light Switches and Doorknobs
Light switches and doorknobs are high-touch surfaces that are often ignored. These spots collect oils, dirt, and bacteria from hands, and they’re one of the biggest germ hotspots in your home. If you or your family members frequently get sick, these overlooked areas could be spreading bacteria.
How often to clean:
Wipe down light switches and doorknobs weekly using a disinfecting wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. For a deeper clean, use a toothbrush with soapy water to remove grime from textured switch plates.
Remote Controls
Your TV remote harbors more bacteria than a toilet seat because it’s touched daily but rarely cleaned. If you eat while watching TV, grease and crumbs build up between the buttons, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
How often to clean:
Disinfect your remote once a week with a microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Use a toothpick to remove crumbs from between the buttons. If you have multiple remotes, clean them all at once to ensure they’re germ-free.
Your Washing Machine
You’d think your washing machine is self-cleaning, but detergent residue, mold, and bacteria build up inside the drum and rubber gasket over time. This can lead to musty-smelling clothes and even mold growth. If you notice black spots on the seal, your machine is long overdue for a cleaning.
How often to clean:
Run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar and baking soda once a month to remove buildup. After every wash, leave the door open to prevent mildew, and wipe down the detergent drawer and rubber gasket to keep it fresh.
Shower Curtains and Liners
A dirty shower curtain or liner is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and soap scum. The warm, humid environment in your bathroom encourages bacterial growth, which can cause unpleasant odors and discoloration. If you notice pink or black spots, mold is already growing.
How often to clean:
Wash fabric shower curtains in hot water with vinegar and baking soda once a month. For plastic liners, wipe them down every two weeks or replace them every few months to keep your shower area sanitary.
Air Vents and Return Grates
Dust, pet hair, and allergens build up inside air vents, reducing air quality and forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Clogged vents can even cause heating and cooling inefficiencies, making your energy bills higher than they should be.
How often to clean:
Vacuum or wipe down air vents and return grates every two months. For deeper cleaning, remove the vent covers and wash them. Replace air filters every three months to maintain clean airflow.
Your Mattress
You may wash your sheets often, but your mattress collects sweat, dust mites, and dead skin cells, making it one of the dirtiest items in your bedroom. Neglecting mattress cleaning can lead to allergies, odors, and poor sleep quality.
How often to clean:
Vacuum your mattress every three months using the upholstery attachment. Sprinkle baking soda over it and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming to absorb odors. If your mattress is older than 8 years, consider replacing it.
Kitchen Cabinet Handles
Every time you cook, open the fridge, or touch a kitchen surface, you transfer grease, food residue, and bacteria to cabinet handles. Over time, this creates a sticky, grimy buildup that’s tough to remove.
How often to clean:
Wipe down kitchen cabinet handles weekly using a cloth with warm soapy water or a degreaser. For extra-tough buildup, use a toothbrush to scrub the grooves and edges.
The Coffee Maker
Your coffee maker’s water reservoir and tubing can develop mold, bacteria, and mineral deposits, affecting the taste of your coffee and potentially making you sick.
How often to clean:
Run a vinegar cycle through your coffee maker once a month to remove buildup. Wash removable parts weekly in hot, soapy water.
