Most of us stay on top of the obvious cleaning jobs. We wipe down counters, vacuum floors, and scrub the bathroom. Yet some of the dirtiest places in the house are the ones we rarely think about.
Dust, grime, food residue, moisture, and bacteria can build up in spots that are easy to overlook. Left alone long enough, those areas can start to smell, attract pests, or become harder to clean later.
The good news is that most of these trouble spots only need a little attention now and then. Here are 16 of the dirtiest places in your home and simple ways to get them clean again.
Behind the Kitchen Stove
There’s no telling what gets trapped behind the kitchen stove. Not cleaning it could lead to unruly pests and potential fire hazards. Cleaning behind a furnace can be difficult and time-consuming, but it is necessary to keep your home clean.
Around the Toilet
It’s easy to forget to clean around and behind the toilet. We often clean the toilet seat and inside the toilet but neglect to clean behind the toilet, where dirt, dust, and other bodily fluids can accumulate. Apply a bleach-based cleaning product and wipe the area with a paper towel.
Underneath Furniture
Underneath the bed and couch is prone to dirt buildup, pet hair, and dust. You may even find the occasional socks, shirt, and water bottle. Move the furniture (if possible) and sweep the area to remove dirt and dust.
If you cannot move the furniture, use a broom with an extended handle and a dustpan to sweep away any materials that may have settled in tight corners or underneath.
Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can leave behind an unpleasant odor in the kitchen. The best way to clean and eliminate smells in the garbage disposal is to use natural remedies such as lemon or orange peels and run them through the disposal.
You can also place ice cubes, baking soda, or vinegar down the drain to help break down the built-up food residue and get rid of the smell.
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The Coffee Maker
Let’s face it: most of us don’t actually clean our coffee machines. And if you happen to be an avid coffee drinker and lover, this frequently used appliance can become a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and mineral buildup.
The dirt and mineral buildup could alter the bold flavor of your coffee and the coffee maker’s brewing speed.
How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Vinegar
Grout
The grout between your tiles can accumulate dirt and sometimes mold on its surfaces. Not only does this diminish the overall appearance of your tiles, but it also creates an environment for bacteria and allergens to thrive.
Cleaning grout might seem detailed and time-consuming, but if you make it a regular part of your cleaning routine, you can prevent mold from building up.
Showerhead
While the showerhead may appear clean on the outside, over time, it can accumulate dirt, minerals, and bacteria, which can greatly impact hygiene and the quality of our showering experience.
To clean the showerhead, start by soaking the head in a mixture of white vinegar and warm water for an hour. Gently scrub off any remaining deposits with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Then, rinse the shower head thoroughly with hot water and dry it with a soft cloth. Doing this regularly will help prevent buildup and keep your showerhead functioning correctly.
Kitchen Sponge
Kitchen sponges tend to collect a lot of bacteria and germs. To effectively sanitize the sponge, you can microwave it, soak it in water and bleach, or simply throw it away.
Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink follows the sponge as one of the home’s dirtiest areas, largely due to the remnants of food preparation it encounters.
Wash the sink daily with dish detergent and warm water. Weekly, disinfect with a cleaner or a mild bleach solution.
Inside the Dishwasher
While a dishwasher’s main function is to clean dishes, over time, food particles, dirt, and mineral deposits can accumulate inside the dishwasher. This can lead to unwelcome smells, crappy performance, and potential problems with drainage.
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher can avoid any performance issues and help you use it to its full potential.
How to Clean a Dishwasher with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Ceiling Lights and Fixtures
A ceiling fan is often overlooked because of its height and the difficulty of accessing it. Lots of dust will sit on top and around the edge of the ceiling fan’s blade and light fixtures. Grab an adjustable duster to clean high-ceiling fans and light fixtures.
The duster will remove any dust that has accumulated on the fan’s blades. If the dust is stubborn and won’t come off easily, you may need to get on top of a stepladder and use a damp cloth and mild detergent solution to remove it.
Baseboards
Baseboards can easily get scuffed, scratched, and stained from activities and movement within the home. A simple wipe-down with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaning solution is all you need to clean them.
Windows
Windows get opened and closed, leaving behind lots of fingerprints, smudges, dust, and dirt. To clean the window, use a window cleaner like Windex and spray the window. Then, use a rag or paper towel to wipe off the Windex. This should make your windows look brand spanking new again.
Blinds
Blinds can gather a lot of dust, accumulating over time. Clean them using a water-dampened microfiber cloth to wipe away the dust.
Washing Machine
Occasionally, your washing machine may emit a foul odor due to odor-causing residue accumulation in the drum, which can also make your clothes smell. To address this, run a monthly cleaning cycle with bleach or vinegar.
Toothbrush Holder
Often overlooked during bathroom cleaning, the toothbrush holder is among the germiest spots in the home. It harbors food particles on bristles and provides a moist environment for germs to thrive.
To clean, if dishwasher-safe, wash the holder weekly in the dishwasher or by hand with hot, soapy water.
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