With the current global focus on cleanliness and hygiene, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is as clean as possible. But there are some spots you might forget to clean which can harbor germs and dirt, affecting the overall cleanliness of your home.
This list is based on real-world trends, data, and expert interviews and surveys, highlighting the places in your home that are often overlooked during cleaning. Expect to gain insight into these commonly neglected areas, why they matter, and how to ensure they’re properly cleaned.
Underneath Appliances
While the surfaces of appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves are usually cleaned regularly, the spaces underneath them are often overlooked. This is usually due to the difficulty in accessing these areas, coupled with the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality.
These areas can accumulate dust, food debris, and even pests, leading to potential health risks. Therefore, it is essential to include these spaces in your regular cleaning routine.
Air Vents
Air vents are vital for ensuring proper air circulation in your home. However, because they’re often high up and away from regular activity, they can be overlooked during cleaning.
Neglecting air vents can lead to accumulation of dust and allergens, affecting indoor air quality and potentially triggering issues for those with allergies or asthma.
Doorknobs and Light Switches
Doorknobs and light switches are touched frequently but are rarely cleaned. They are often overlooked due to their small size and the assumption that they don’t get dirty.
These surfaces can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses, making them a potential source of disease transmission. Regular cleaning is vital for maintaining a healthy home environment.
Inside the Trash Can
While we often take out the trash and replace the bag, the interior of the trash can itself is often neglected. This is mainly because it’s a chore nobody enjoys, and people assume that the trash bag is enough to contain the waste.
Food residue can seep through the bag and stick to the interior of the trash can, which can attract pests and create unpleasant smells. Regularly washing and disinfecting the inside of your trash can is essential.
Electronic Devices
From smartphones to remote controls, our electronic devices are touched frequently but rarely cleaned. This is often due to the fear of damaging them with water or cleaning agents.
Yet these devices can be hotspots for germs, including bacteria and viruses. Wiping them regularly with appropriate cleaning methods helps reduce the risk of illness.
Door Frames and Window Sills
Door frames and window sills are often overlooked in cleaning routines. This is because they don’t appear to accumulate much dirt or dust due to their vertical position.
However, dust and allergens can collect there and affect indoor air quality. Regularly dusting and wiping down these areas helps maintain a healthier home.
Showerheads
Showerheads are often overlooked during the cleaning process because they’re constantly in contact with water, which gives the impression that they’re self-cleaning.
In reality, showerheads can harbor bacteria that may cause respiratory issues. Regular cleaning is necessary to keep them safe and sanitary.
Washing Machines
Washing machines are responsible for cleaning our clothes, but the machine itself is often neglected. Many assume that detergent and water keep it clean.
However, washing machines can harbor germs and mildew, which can transfer to your clothes. Regular cleaning of your washing machine helps ensure fresher, cleaner laundry.
Pet Areas
Areas where pets eat, sleep, or play are often neglected during cleaning. Many homeowners overlook them, assuming pets keep themselves clean, especially if they are indoors most of the time.
In reality, pet areas can harbor germs, parasites, and allergens, which may affect both pets and humans. Regular cleaning is essential to keep these spaces safe.
Window Tracks
Window tracks are often overlooked during cleaning due to their tricky location and the assumption that they don’t accumulate much dirt.
Yet these tracks can collect dust, dirt, and even old paint chips, posing potential health risks. Including window tracks in your cleaning routine reduces buildup and improves air quality.
Behind the Toilet
The area behind the toilet is often overlooked during cleaning due to its off-putting location. It’s not a place where we like to spend much time, so it often gets neglected.
This spot can harbor germs and bacteria that contribute to odors and potential health risks. Making it part of your cleaning checklist ensures a healthier bathroom environment.
