Often Overlooked Areas at Home That Could Benefit From Extra Cleaning

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Despite regular cleaning, certain areas of our home always seem to collect dirt and, most likely, germs. These troublesome spots require special attention to prevent a living environment from becoming unpleasant.

Bathrooms and kitchens are probably the most notorious rooms in our homes because they are near waste, secretions, and food and actively require cleaning. Here are a few more hotspots that need extra attention to remain clean and healthy. We’ll also share some tips on how to effectively clean them to maintain a pleasant home.

Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink is one of the spots in any home that has the potential to get gross rather quickly. This breeding ground for bacteria is due to constant exposure to food residues.

Experts recommend cleaning it daily with a disinfectant such as detergent or a vinegar solution to prevent the buildup of germs. Neglecting this area will lead to unpleasant odors at a minimum, and could possibly lead to health risks as ground zero for microorganisms or bacteria growth.

Faucets

Both kitchen and bathroom faucets are touched frequently and can accumulate a surprising amount of dirt and bacteria. It’s quite common for homeowners to clean the sink and upper drain area but neglect to wipe down the faucets and handles.

Regular cleaning with a disinfectant spray or wipes is essential to maintain hygiene. This will not only keep that stainless steel shining but also ensure they are safe to use after touching them with soiled hands.

Toothbrush Holder

Often overlooked, the toothbrush holder can harbor harmful pathogens if not cleaned regularly. It should be washed weekly in the dishwasher or by hand with hot soapy water. A clean holder helps prevent the transfer of bacteria to your toothbrush and, ultimately, your mouth.

Air Vents

Air vents collect dust and distribute it throughout the home, which offers multiple reasons to tackle and clear HVAC and vent areas. Removing the vent covers and vacuuming inside the ducts can also help reduce allergen levels in the air.

Bathroom exhaust fans can gather dust and lint and could collect micropathogens. Cleaning them every few months ensures they function properly, helping to control moisture and prevent mold growth in the bathroom. This can be done by vacuuming the vent cover and wiping the fan blades with a damp cloth.

Pet Bowls

Pet bowls should be cleaned daily, as they can be as dirty as human dishes and susceptible to bacterial growth. Using hot soapy water or a dishwasher is effective in killing any lingering germs.

Regular cleaning also prevents pets from ingesting old food particles that could make them sick. Many pet bowls are dishwasher safe, so a quick wash in the machine a few times per week is an easy way to keep your loved ones healthy.

Light Switches and Remote Controls

Light switches are touched multiple times a day by various hands, making them potential meccas for harvesting germs and filth. They should be wiped as often as possible, but at least weekly, with disinfectant wipes or spray. This simple act can significantly reduce the transmission of illnesses within a household.

Remote controls are also high-touch items that rarely get the cleaning attention they require. Similar issues to light switches, they should be disinfected with wipes or a cloth dampened with an alcohol-based solution.

Door Handles

Door handles are touched numerous times throughout the day and not only look ‘smudgy’ but show dirt easily. Focus on both interior and exterior handles for best results to clean down these high-contact surfaces.

Dish Sponges

Very often, we see dish sponges that become completely gross after a bad round of scrubbing some gross pots or pans. They can quickly become the dirtiest item in the kitchen and possibly the home by teaming with mold. They should be replaced regularly and sanitized daily, either by microwaving for two minutes or running through a dishwasher cycle.

Microwave Interior

Using a microwave that has splatters or smudges always makes me a bit uneasy. The microwave interior often gets spotted with food, which needs a bi-weekly clean with a microwave-safe disinfectant or a mixture of vinegar and water. This will also help eliminate odors and ensure food tastes fresh.

Bed Linens

Bed linens accumulate sweat, skin cells, and dust mites and should be washed weekly in hot water. Your body spends many hours pressed up against your sheets- possibly more than any other item at home, so fresh, clean sheets are a delight for you and any guests.

We recommend cleaning linens frequently during hot weather or if you have allergies. Clean linens also contribute to better sleep hygiene and overall health.

Floors Under Furniture

Areas under furniture are often neglected during regular cleaning but can accumulate a significant amount of dust and allergens. Monthly cleaning of these areas, including vacuuming and wet cleaning, helps maintain better indoor air quality. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers will notice an increase in air quality and overall feeling by vacuuming and mopping down these dusty crevices at least monthly.

Window Sills and Tracks

Window sills and tracks often collect dust, dirt, and sometimes mold. Cleaning them monthly helps prevent buildup and maintains window functionality. Plus, it enhances the overall cleanliness and appearance of your living spaces.

Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered furniture can harbor dust, allergens, and germs in their fabrics. Vacuuming monthly with an upholstery attachment and treating stains promptly keeps your furniture clean and extends its life. Additionally, a deep clean with steam or professional services is recommended for optimal cleanliness which could be done every other year.

Children’s Toys

Toys can harbor bacteria and viruses, especially when shared among children who may not have the best hygiene practices. Washing hard toys with soap and water and laundering soft toys regularly helps keep them sanitary. For toys used by multiple children, such as in a daycare setting, daily cleaning is essential to prevent the spread of illness.

Drains

Drains in sinks, showers, and bathtubs should be cleaned monthly to prevent clogs and remove odorous residues. While clogged food is most often the culprit in the kitchen, while hair and makeup product are more likely the cause the bathroom, we recommend the same procedure for both:

Start with a ‘snake’ or plastic de-clogger—easy to find at any neighborhood department store. Next, move onto a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water to help keep them clear and fresh. Only after this combination has failed should homeowners turn to chemical products, as most issues could be resolved without the need for lye-based cleaners.

Featured Image Credit: Robert Przybysz/Shutterstock.