15 Nasty Things in Your House You’re Not Cleaning
Our homes have various nooks and crannies that often get overlooked during cleaning sessions. These corners then go on to harbor hidden germs and grime. Here’s a detailed look at the dirtiest spots you might be missing and how they could impact your living space.
Washing Machine Interiors
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Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes fresh, but have you ever thought about what’s lurking inside? Detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and trapped moisture can lead to mold and funky smells. Running an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar or a store-bought cleaner every few months can fix this.
Toilet Seat Undersides
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You might clean the top of your toilet seat regularly, but the underside? That’s where germs and grime party. It doesn’t take long to give it a quick scrub when you’re already cleaning the bathroom, and trust us, it makes a difference.
Light Switches
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Think about how many times you flip a light switch daily. Now multiply that by everyone in your house. Those tiny surfaces collect grease, dirt, and germs like magnets. In fact, some research indicates that light switches are often dirtier than toilet handles.
Ceiling Fan Blades
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Ceiling fans are great at circulating air—and dust. When fans are in motion, these particles circulate through the air and exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues. Dust buildup on fan blades can also reduce their efficiency.
Remote Controls
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Remotes are essential for a quiet and relaxing evening indoors, but they’re also bacteria breeding grounds. Between greasy fingers and snack crumbs, they can get pretty gross. Plus, their porous buttons and crevices make them challenging to clean thoroughly, further contributing to bacterial buildup.
Curtains
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Curtains are the silent dust collectors of your home. They might look harmless, but they’re holding onto pet hair, odors, and maybe even that smell from last week’s burnt toast. Luckily, a quick vacuum or a toss in the washer every few months can bring them back to life.
Kitchen Sink Drains
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The kitchen sink is where dishes get clean, but the drain? That’s where the leftovers go to die. Grease, crumbs, and stray bits of food collect in the depths and create a smell that’s anything but appetizing. Pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain followed by hot water can help clear the muck and eliminate odors.
Refrigerator Door Seals
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Those rubber seals on your fridge doors are intended to keep the cold in—but they’re also the perfect hiding spot for crumbs, spills, and mildew. If you’ve noticed a funky smell every time you grab a snack, it’s time to give those seals some attention.
Dishwasher Filters
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Here’s the thing about dishwashers—they don’t clean themselves. The filter catches all the leftover food bits and grease, and if it’s ignored, it can lead to funky smells and poor performance. Pop out the filter (check your manual for instructions), rinse it under warm water, and feel the satisfaction of knowing your dishwasher is running at peak performance.
Toothbrush Holders
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Despite holding our important hygiene tools, most toothbrush holders are downright gross. Water drips down, mixes with toothpaste residue, and turns into a gooey mess that’s frankly terrifying. Avoid turning your holders into a germ breeding ground by rinsing them every now and then.
Door Handles
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Door handles work hard but rarely get cleaned. They’re touched dozens of times a day, picking up dirt and germs. Handles in kitchens and bathrooms are particularly prone to contamination from grease and moisture.
Air Vents
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Air vents accumulate dust, pet dander, and allergens over time, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Dirty air vents can also compromise HVAC efficiency and lead to higher energy costs. Homes with pets or smokers often experience faster buildup in these areas.
Pet Bowls
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Food residue and saliva are the perfect combination for germs. Thus, it’s no wonder pet bowls turn into bacterial playgrounds. Make sure to wash them daily with hot water and soap. After all, it’s a matter of doing what’s good for our pets.
Shower Curtains
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Shower curtains might look fine from afar, but up close, they’re covered with soap scum and mildew. It’s generally recommended to wash or replace them regularly to prevent mold spores from spreading in the bathroom. Vinyl curtains, while easier to clean, can still harbor mildew in folds.
Window Blinds
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Blinds might seem like a thankless cleaning task, but those slats sit there, gathering layers of grime, until they start to look dull and discolored. Using a vacuum attachment or wiping them with a cloth brings back their original look and improves the overall brightness of your space.