26 Things You Should be Cleaning but Aren't

A Comprehensive List of 26 Things You Should Be Cleaning But Aren’t

Knowing the things you should be cleaning but aren’t will help you keep your home clean. Here are some of the items and areas you may often forget to clean, but shouldn’t.

Cleaning your home is a never ending chore. After you’ve spent hours cleaning your home, you may think that you got everything clean. But did you?

Here are some of the things you should be cleaning but probably aren’t. These are things that are easy to overlook, but they can become dirty and even a collection of germs.

The next time you are cleaning your home, add these often missed items to your to do list.

26 Things You Should Be Cleaning But Probably Aren’t

Bathroom

#1. Hairbrush

Your hairbrush can collect oils, dirt, and even excess products. You can then transfer it back to your hair, which can make your hair look dull.

Once a month, remove any hair from your hair brush. Then clean your brush with shampoo or a gentle soap like liquid castile soap. Let dry completely.

#2. Shower Heads and Faucets

Your shower head and faucets can accumulate minerals and rust from your water, especially if you have hard water. This can reduce your water pressure.

Use a mineral cleaner or white vinegar diluted 1:1 with water to remove mineral build up. You can do this every 1 to 3 months, depending on how bad your water is.

#3. Toothbrush Holders

Toothbrush holders can collect water, which can then become a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.

To clean it, run hot water in it. Then use mouthwash and a small brush or old toothbrush to scrub the inside. Rinse well and let dry before using.

You can also run it through the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher safe.

You should clean your toothbrush holder every 1 to 4 weeks.

#4. Shower Curtain

Your shower curtain can collect minerals and soap scum. Wipe down the liner with vinegar diluted 1:1 with water.

You can also wash the liner and shower curtain, but always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

#5. Shower Caddy

If you have a hanging shower caddy in your bathroom, soap scum and minerals from your water can accumulate. Rinse it well once a week to prevent products from building up on it.

If it’s too dirty for a quick rinse, use a tub or shower cleaner and a brush to clean it monthly.

#6. Toilet Brush

You can’t clean your toilet with a dirty brush. Use a disinfectant to clean the brush holder and spray on the brush after using it to keep it fresh.

#7. Exhaust Fan

Moisture in the air can make dust stick to the fan. Use a damp cloth to clean the fan once a month. If there’s dirt inside, remove the cover and clean inside. Let dry completely before using.

Kitchen

#8. Trash Can

Your trash can get dirty with dust, dirt, food scraps, and even oils. Use dish soap or a disinfectant cleaner and water to scrub your trash can every few months or as needed.

#9. Drying Rack

Although the dishes are clean when you put them in the rack, they drip water that can breed bacteria and other germs.

Wash your dish rack in hot water with dish soap once a week.

#10. Dish Sponges

Sponges are handy for cleaning messes. Run them through the dishwasher or soak in a mild bleach solution or vinegar to disinfect them weekly.

#11. Dishwasher

Once a month, use a dishwasher cleaner. This removes mineral deposits, food bits, and rust that can accumulate.

You can also use a tablespoon of Borax in the detergent dispenser and set a cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack. Run on a quick cycle to clean your dishwasher.

#12. Coffee Maker

Minerals from your water can clog a coffee maker and make it run slow or even stop brewing. Clean the carafe and basket every time you use your coffee maker.

To clean the reservoir, add equal parts vinegar and water and brew a cycle. Then clean with two or three pots of plain water until the vinegar smell is gone.

#13. Range Fan Filter

Your range fan can get grease and food splatters from cooking. Remove the filter and run it through the dishwasher to clean it.

If that doesn’t get it clean, let it soak in hot water with dish soap overnight. Rinse well.

#14. Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal gets dirty, it can start to stink. Unplug it and clean under the flaps with water and dish soap.

#15. Refrigerator

Dirt and dust can collect on the coils. Clean when with a damp cloth every six months. This can help your fridge last longer and use less electricity.

Bedroom

#16. Pillows

You should wash your pillows every three months. You can wash them in the washing machine with hot water on a gentle cycle. Then air dry or dry in a dryer with dryer balls so they don’t clump.

#17. Mattress

Dead skin cells, dust, and dirt can get trapped in a mattress. Spot clean any stains with dish soap. Then let dry and use a vacuum to remove dirt. (Here are more tips on how to clean your mattress)

Around the House

#18. Doorknobs

Doorknobs are high contact places, so they should be cleaned weekly or more often during cold and flu season. You can use a disinfectant or dish soap to clean them.

You may also want to read this article on how to clean your house after being sick.

#19. Remotes, Phones, and Electronics

Your electronics get touched several times a day. Use an electronics wipe to clean them every week.

You can also use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to clean remotes and keyboards.

#20. Curtains

Your curtains can trap allergens, dust, and dirt. Use a vacuum to clean them. You can also put them in the washer, but always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Hang to dry so they don’t shrink.

#21. Fan Blades

The tops of the fan blades can collect dust, especially when you don’t use the fan for months at a time. Use soapy water and a damp cloth to clean them twice a year.

You can also use a telescopic duster with a bendable end to clean them.

#22. Light Fixtures

Light bulbs and light fixtures can collect dust. Turn off the light and let cool completely. Use a damp cloth to clean bulbs and the fixtures. Let dry before using.

#23. Light Switches

Light switches are touched several times a day. Clean with a disinfecting wipe once a week to remove germs.

#24. Walls

Your walls can get dusty. Use a dust mop to do a quick job of cleaning the walls.

Laundry

#25. Washing Machine

You can use a commercial washing machine cleaner or vinegar. To use vinegar, add 4 cups of vinegar. Then run it on the longest and hottest setting. Do this once a month.

#26. Dryer

Lint can build up inside your dryer and pose a fire risk. Remove lint in the trap after every cycle. Also, check the dryer vent.

Do this by removing the vent from the back of the dryer. Use a shop vac to remove any lint or debris. Then use a dryer vent cleaning kit brush to clean the vent.

Final Thoughts on Things You Should Be Cleaning But Aren’t

Truth is, there are several things in your home that you should be cleaning, but you probably aren’t. Cleaning these not so obvious things on a regular basis will help keep your home clean and tidy. And with the help of this list, you will be able to remember those often missed items.

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