Even the most diligent cleaner misses a few spots. It’s not neglect; it’s simply that some household items often go unnoticed. However, those often-overlooked cleaning spots can harbor bacteria, dust, and grime that can have a subtle yet significant impact on your health and home environment. The upside is that once you know what to look for, keeping them clean is quick and easy.
Here are ten overlooked things you should be cleaning—but probably aren’t.
1. Your TV Remote
Studies show that remote controls are among the dirtiest objects in the average home, often dirtier than toilet handles. Every time you snack and channel surf, you transfer oils and bacteria. Wipe it weekly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget the buttons. Use a cotton swab to clean around them.
2. Reusable Water Bottles
If you use a water bottle every day, it becomes a magnet for bacteria, especially around the lid threads and mouthpiece. Even dishwasher-safe bottles benefit from a deeper scrub with a small brush and warm, soapy water. Let all parts air-dry completely before reassembling to prevent mold growth.
Check 10 Clever Ways to Repurpose Household Items You’d Normally Toss to turn castoffs into handy cleaning helpers.
3. Light Switches and Door Handles
These high-touch surfaces are in constant contact but rarely cleaned. Use a disinfectant wipe every few days, especially during cold and flu season. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce the spread of household germs.
4. Your Phone and Tablet
Your phone touches everything: desks, bathrooms, gym equipment. Studies show it can carry more bacteria than a kitchen countertop. Use a microfiber cloth and a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to wipe it down daily. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage the screen coating.
5. Shower Curtain and Liner
That pinkish film near the bottom of your shower curtain isn’t just soap scum; it’s bacteria and mildew. Toss fabric curtains into the washing machine with a bit of baking soda and detergent, or spray plastic liners with a vinegar solution once a week. Keep the curtain spread open after showers to help it dry faster.
For a fresher-smelling home, see How to Make Your Home Smell Fresh All Day Without Sprays.
6. Ceiling Fan Blades
Out of sight, out of mind—until you turn it on and get a dust shower. Use a pillowcase to clean each blade: slip it over, then pull back gently so that the dust falls into the pillowcase instead of into the air. Wipe afterward with a damp cloth to remove residue.
7. Reusable Shopping Bags
Eco-friendly doesn’t mean germ-free. Reusable bags can accumulate bacteria from groceries, especially when carrying raw produce or meat, which can be a health concern. Machine-wash cloth bags weekly and wipe down plastic ones with disinfectant. Assign separate bags for food and non-food items to stay safer.
See 7 Clever Refrigerator Hacks to Keep Food Fresh Longer for smart storage that keeps clean fridges fresher.
8. Toothbrush Holder
Even if you replace your toothbrush regularly, the holder it sits in can be a bacterial hotspot. Rinse it out and disinfect it once a week. If you use a cup-style holder, soak it in hot, soapy water and let it air-dry completely before returning brushes.
9. Remote Controls and Game Controllers
Beyond the TV remote, gaming controllers, soundbar remotes, and even smart home devices collect sweat and skin oils. Wipe them weekly with a soft cloth and alcohol solution, especially around joysticks or textured grips.
See 10 Small Home Fixes That Instantly Raise Value to pair deep-clean wins with quick upgrades.
10. Washing Machine and Dishwasher
Yes, even your cleaning appliances need to be cleaned. Run a cycle with vinegar or a specialty cleaner once a month to remove residue, mold, and buildup. It keeps your clothes and dishes actually clean and prevents musty odors.
Key Takeaway
It’s easy to assume the dirtiest parts of your home are the obvious ones, but often it’s the small, hidden surfaces that need attention most. By adding these ten items to your rotation, you’ll keep your space fresher, your devices running longer, and your health better protected, with minimal extra effort.
