When you’re going through your cleaning routine at home, chances are you’ve been doing it the same way for years, so it’s done on autopilot—but this means you could be missing things. While it’s easy to keep track of cleaning spaces that are obvious like kitchens and bathrooms, there are spots around the home that are not only being inadequately cleaned and sanitized, but completely ignored. Here are 11 everyday places and items you may be cleaning the wrong way.
RELATED: You’re Cleaning This Household Item Too Much.
1. Door Handles
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Door handles should be cleaned at least once a week. “From family to guests to delivery drivers, think of all the hands that touch your door handles on a daily basis,” says the Door to Door company. “These high-touch surfaces are hot spots for bacteria, and a quick cleaning can help keep you healthy and germ free. Of course, you’re likely already disinfecting your door handles frequently. There’s nothing like a global pandemic to get people in the habit of regularly cleaning their door handles, and it’s one habit that should stick around.”
2. Under Furniture
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When was the last time you vacuumed or dusted under furniture? "Keeping these areas tended to will not only help to reduce overall dust in your home but will ease environmental allergies from dust, dander, and pollen," Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home, tells Martha Stewart. "If the furniture is too large to maneuver, consider a vacuum or dusting mop with a longer extension to accommodate such spaces."
3. Dishwasher
iStockIf you are not cleaning your dishwasher, you will not have clean dishes. “If it’s been a while since you cleaned your dishwasher, you may need to dedicate some time to scouring the filters and loosening up old food and grime,” says Merry Maids. “Just turn your dial to the hottest wash setting and add a strong cleaning agent, such as baking soda.”
4. Outdoor Furniture
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Wicker furniture needs careful cleaning, experts say. “If you start sniffing that tell-tale mildew odor on your wicker, you’ll need to do a deep-weave clean to remove it,” says HGTV. “Use a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and warm water and make sure it penetrates the thatched layers. For any areas where there is visible mold, protect yourself with a dust mask and safety glasses, then use a small stiff paint brush or toothbrush and scrub the fungus off.”
5. Throw Pillows
Shutterstock Throw pillows get dirtier than you might think, especially if you have children and pets. “How often you wash your throw pillow depends on whether or not it has a removable cover,” laundry expert John Mahdessian tells Apartment Therapy. “Covers can and should be washed more regularly, about every two to four weeks depending on how often you use them. The filling itself, however, needs to be washed at least every other month. So if the cover isn’t removable, make sure you remember to clean your throw pillow every month or so, depending on how soiled the cover is.”
6. Lampshades
ShutterstockLampshades AND bulbs need to be thoroughly cleaned every week—and just dusting may not cut it. Instad, consider using a sticky roller. “Sticky rollers are another way to remove buildup on lampshades and can be especially handy as a quick cleaning method,” according to BetterHomes & Gardens. “Sticky rollers are also recommended for use in households with pets, where loose fur and dander can collect on lampshades. Avoid using sticky rollers on paper or other very delicate lampshades to avoid tearing the material.”
7. Trash Cans
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Cleaning trash cans is important to prevent bacteria, dirt, and odors from building up. “The frequency with which you clean a trash can will depend on how many people live in the house, as well as your personal kitchen habits,” says Merry Maids. “Naturally, a single person will have less trash than a family of five. However, if you eat out a lot or are big into composting and recycling, your trash can might not see a lot of action. It’s really a judgment call, but you should generally clean your waste bin thoroughly on a monthly basis at minimum.”
8. Light Switches
ShutterstockJust swiping a light switch with a duster is not going to remove germs from this high-touch item. “Although bacteria isn’t visible to the naked eye, regular sanitisation of your switches and switchboards is necessary,” says Maid For You. “On the other hand, dirt and discoloration are clear indications that these frequently-touched surfaces need a deep clean to restore them to their original appearance and, more importantly, make them sanitary again!”
RELATED: "Neat Freaks" Share 8 Cleaning Secrets for a Spotless Home.
9. Toothbrush Holder
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Your toothbrush holder needs to be cleaned frequently to prevent bacteria and mold buildup. “The chances are it's one of the dirtiest things in the house,” says CityMD. “In fact, a 2011 public health organization report found that 27 percent of toothbrush holders tested positive for coliform bacteria, which includes Salmonella and E. coli.”
10. Cutting Boards
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If you’re just rinsing your cutting board, you’re putting yourself in danger of getting sick, especially after handling raw meat. “You've probably heard about this bacteria breeding ground before, so we can't stress the importance of thoroughly cleaning and scrubbing this surface enough,” says CItyMD. “In fact, a run through the dishwasher occasionally is ideal.”
11. Drapes and Curtains
ShutterstockIf you clean around your curtains but don’t actually pay attention to the curtains themselves, you could have several dust traps in your home. “Did you know that your drapes and curtains need to be cleaned, too? Using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum, you can eliminate dust and lint while you vacuum the house,” says Marry Maids. “For deeper cleaning, hand wash them with a soap made for delicates.”
