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UnsplashYou might think your home is spick and span, but there are some sneaky spots you’re probably forgetting to clean. And let’s be real, they’re not just collecting dust – they’re straight up gross. It’s time to face the music and tackle these often-overlooked areas before they turn into a full-blown biohazard. Grab your rubber gloves and let’s get to work — these should be part of your weekly home habits!
The top of your ceiling fan blades
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When’s the last time you looked up at your ceiling fan? Chances are, those blades are caked with a thick layer of dust, dead skin cells, and who knows what else. And every time you turn on the fan, all that gunk goes flying through the air and straight into your lungs. Yuck. Do yourself a favor and give those blades a good wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Your respiratory system will thank you — dust mite allergies are no joke!
The inside of your washing machine
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You’d think that an appliance designed to clean your clothes would be self-cleaning, but nope. The inside of your washing machine is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. If you don’t give it a regular scrub, you’re basically washing your clothes in a petri dish. Run an empty cycle with bleach or a special washing machine cleaner to keep things fresh and funky-free.
The remote control
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Think about how many hands touch your remote control on a daily basis. Now think about how many times you’ve actually cleaned it. If you’re like most people, the answer is probably never. But that remote is a hotbed of germs and grime, especially if you’re prone to snacking while channel surfing. Give it a good wipe down with a disinfectant cloth and make it a habit to clean it regularly.
The crevices in your keyboard
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If you’re reading this on a computer, take a close look at your keyboard. See all those crumbs and bits of dirt stuck between the keys? Yeah, that’s gross. Not to mention the bacteria and germs that are lurking in there. Use a can of compressed air to blast out the debris, then give the keys a once-over with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Your keyboard will be so clean you could eat off it (but please don’t).
The inside of your dishwasher
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Just like your washing machine, your dishwasher needs a little TLC to keep it running smoothly and smelling fresh. Over time, food particles and soap scum can build up on the walls and filter, leading to some funky odors and less-than-sparkling dishes. Run an empty cycle with a special dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on the hottest possible cycle to give it a deep clean, Better Homes & Gardens suggests.
The handles of your appliances
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You probably wipe down the outside of your fridge, oven, and microwave on a regular basis, but what about the handles? Those are some of the most touched surfaces in your kitchen, and they can get pretty grimy. Give them a good scrub with a disinfectant cleaner to banish bacteria and keep them looking shiny and new.
The inside of your coffee maker
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If you’re a daily coffee drinker, you might want to sit down for this one. The inside of your coffee maker is a prime spot for mold and bacteria to grow, especially if you don’t clean it regularly. And if you’re not using filtered water, those impurities can build up and affect the taste of your brew. Run a cycle with equal parts water and white vinegar to descale and sanitize your machine.
The underside of your toilet seat
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You might give your toilet bowl a good scrub on the regular, but when’s the last time you cleaned the underside of the seat? That’s where all sorts of nasty stuff can accumulate, from urine splashes to dust and hair. Give it a quick wipe down with a disinfectant cloth every time you clean the bowl to keep things sanitary.
The inside of your trash can
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Your trash can is where all your garbage goes, so it’s no surprise that it can get pretty gross over time. Even if you use a liner, liquids and odors can still seep through and linger. Give your trash can a deep clean with hot, soapy water and a disinfectant spray every few months to keep things fresh and fly-free.
The inside of your light fixtures
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Dust and dead bugs can accumulate inside your light fixtures, making them look dingy and dim. And if you have a ceiling fan with a light, you’ve got a double whammy of dust and grime. Take down your light fixtures and give them a good wipe down with a microfiber cloth. For hard-to-reach spots, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to suck up the debris.
The inside of your oven
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If you’ve ever opened your oven and been hit with a face full of smoke, you know it’s time for a deep clean. But even if you’re not a frequent baker, grease and grime can still build up on the walls and racks. Use a commercial oven cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water to cut through the gunk and make your oven sparkle like new.
The inside of your shower curtain
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If you have a plastic shower curtain, chances are it’s covered in soap scum, mildew, and maybe even a little bit of mold. And if you have a fabric curtain, it’s probably not much better. Toss your curtain in the washing machine with a few towels and some bleach to get it clean and fresh. Or, if it’s beyond saving, invest in a new one and commit to washing it regularly.
The inside of your pillowcases
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You might wash your sheets on a regular basis, but what about your pillowcases? Those can absorb sweat, drool, and oil from your skin, leading to some seriously funky smells. Toss them in the wash with your sheets every week to keep them fresh and clean. And while you’re at it, give your pillows a good fluff in the dryer to keep them plump and cozy.
The inside of your toaster
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If you’re a fan of toast, bagels, or Pop-Tarts, your toaster has probably seen some action. And with all those crumbs and bits of burnt bread, it can start to smell a little funky. Unplug your toaster and give it a good shake over the trash can to get rid of the loose bits. Then, use a small brush or even an old toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies and remove any stubborn grime.
The inside of your microwave
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If your microwave looks like a Jackson Pollock painting of spaghetti sauce and butter splatters, it’s time for a deep clean. But before you break out the elbow grease, try this easy hack: fill a bowl with water and a few slices of lemon, then microwave it for 3-5 minutes. The steam will help loosen up the grime, and the lemon will leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean. Then, just wipe it down with a damp cloth and admire your handiwork.
