12 Things You Should Be Cleaning But Aren't

The changing of seasons is just around the corner, which means it's time to switch out your wardrobe, plant your garden, and get your house ready for spring cleaning. You know how to flip your mattress, the right way to bleach your bathtub, and the best method for clearing out your closet, but there are probably a lot of things you should be cleaning but aren't. Don't blame yourself, though, because these are things you wouldn't think need regular de-germing, but once you find out what they are, you'll be ready to add them to your regular housekeeping schedule.

You notice the soap scum buildup in your bathroom shower, and you can tell when it's time to vacuum your living room rug, but what about all those other areas of your home that you never think to clean? I'm talking about the things you use every day, but they don't seem to get dirty in the traditional sense of the word. They don't look stained, they don't have dust built up on them, and because of that, they're things that you wouldn't think need regular disinfecting — but trust me, they do.

Winter is coming to an end, which means it's time to pull out your bleach and rubber gloves and get down to spring cleaning. Here are 12 things you should be cleaning but aren't that you should add to your cleaning checklist.

1. Doorknobs

When you have your disinfectant out, you probably remember to spray down your kitchen counter and your bathroom vanity, but when was the last time you sprayed your doorknob? It's something that you touch every day, most of the time after touching a number of germy things like subway cars and elevator buttons, so it's something you should be cleaning way more often. For most doorknobs, use a simple cleaning spray of your choice, or if you have brass doorknobs, you can clean them and improve their look with this easy cleaning process.

2. Hairbrushes

You probably pay attention to what kind of shampoo, conditioner, and hair product you use, but when it comes to your hair brush, you probably think a lot less about it. For a healthy scalp and great hair, you should be cleaning your hair brush, too. It's easy to do, doesn't take much time, and can easily be worked into your normal beauty and maintenance routine.

3. Toothbrush Holder

Even though it is the room you clean yourself in, the bathroom is an icky, gross place, and I'm not just talking about the toilet either. Your toothbrush holder is one of the germiest places in your home, but it's also one of the easiest to clean with simple tools: hot water, mouthwash, and a bristle brush.

4. Trash Can

A trash can is where you throw away, well, trash, so it shouldn't surprise you that it gets dirty quick. It may surprise you to realize how little you clean it, though. The next time you take out the trash, clean the trash can, too. The Kitchn can show you how.

5. Remotes And Controllers

Like doorknobs, remotes for your television and game controllers get touched often and cleaned almost never. They're covered in germs, but you can easily disinfect them with rubbing alcohol, a cloth, and some Q-Tips.

6. Dish Drying Rack

If you want your dishes to stay clean, you should make sure you're keeping your dish rack clean as well. Avoid letting water pool in the drip tray, and keep the rack clean of grime by washing it like a dish, with soap and hot water, weekly.

7. Washing Machine

Your washing machine is in charge of cleaning your clothes, but you are in charge of cleaning your washing machine. From store-bought cleaner to hot water and vinegar, there are tons of ways to make sure your machine stays clean so your clothes can, too.

8. Curtains

It may seem like a pain to deal with drapes, but your curtains should be cleaned regularly. They trap dust, dirt, and other allergens in their fabric, and by cleaning them, whether it be with a vacuum, fabric steamer, washer and dryer or otherwise, you can keep your home cleaner and your body healthier.

9. Sponges And Loofahs

Whether it's going on your dishes or on your body, you want your sponge and loofah to be clean, but do you have any idea how many germs are on them? The answer might make you want to throw away your loofah, but you can get your sponges clean by running them through the dish washer or soaking it in cleaning solution.

10. Faucets And Shower Heads

Another fixture that gets pretty scummy but is often overlooked when it comes to cleaning is the sink faucet and shower head. Mineral deposits can build up on them, clogging them and reducing the water pressure, but you can clean shower heads and faucets with household products you likely have lying around.

11. Light Fixtures

It might surprise you to find that your light fixtures have more bugs in them than any other part of your house. Get rid of the dead critters by regularly cleaning out overhead light fixtures and floor lamps. It's a gross job, but someone has to do it.

12. Fan Blades

One of the easiest places for dust to collect is on your fan blades, which happen to be one of the most annoying and overlooked things to clean. For a less dusty home with cleaner air, make sure you add cleaning fan blades to your list of regular duties. Your home will be cleaner and you'll breath easier, too.

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