20 Things You Forget to Clean But Should

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Be sure to include these 20 things around the house that should be cleaned regularly but aren’t.

Things You Forget to Clean but Should - Household Cleaning - Things You Should Clean but Forget - found on WisconsinHomemaker.com

Did you know that there are at least 20 things around the house that should be a part of your household cleaning on a regular basis but aren’t?

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got your own personal cleaning to-do list. And, for the most part, these lists take care of the greater load for what is deemed important to keep a home spic and span.

Inevitably, there are a number of things around the house that get neglected but ultimately need to be cleaned because for lack of a better word they are considered “germ traps.”

Don’t Neglect to Clean These 20 Household Items

The good thing is that the job of sanitizing these objects are pretty easy and will go a long way toward keeping your home not only looking neat (and clean) but also keeping your family healthy.

Here’s a list of the most neglected offenders:

1. Computer Mouse

The lowly computer mouse. You use it everyday, wired or Wi-Fied, still you haven’t thought to clean it. Why not? Cleaning it is so simple!

How to Clean: Make sure that your mouse is disconnected physically from your computer or WiFi. Use a damp cloth or sanitizing wipe. Wipe only the areas of the mouse that your hands come in contact with. Then be sure that the mouse is completely dry before reconnecting it or using the computer or WiFi. Also, be careful not to get any liquid or cleaning fluid in the battery compartment.

2. Pens

Truth be told, pens are havens for germs and bacteria. Cleaning them regularly will ensure that needless germs aren’t spread from person to person. To be on the safe side, you should do this at least once week, especially if your pens are used in a common area of the home, for example, near a telephone, drop zone or family office.

How to Clean: Wipe pens down with a disinfecting wipe. Dry with a clean towel.

3. Handrails

Can you remember when the last time you wiped down your home’s handrails. And, why should you? After all, how dirty could it be? The answer is: very dirty.

Unless your handrails are painted white (mine are, UGH!) you wouldn’t notice them for the dirt that they hide–but they do. If you can’t remember to do this monthly, then try for seasonally, but really they need to be put on a regular cleaning schedule. This is especially true during cold and flu season, when you or other family members sneeze and forget to wash their hands properly before using the handrails.

How to Clean: That all depends upon the surface of your handrails. If metal, make sure that you use a product that will not damage your handrail’s patina or surface. For wood, generally you can get by with a damp cleaning rag, with a little soap or even a bit of furniture polish/cleaner, then buff dry with a clean rag. There are also sprays and wipes made just for wood cleaning, so check your store’s cleaning aisle for these products.

4. Inside of Bathroom Doors

Knowing that the bathroom is probably the germiest place in your house, followed by your kitchen, this should be reason for concern. The bad news is that if the toilet seat cover is not closed, germs are spread throughout the room.

Added to this, you still have to deal with family members not properly washing their hands. So, in practical terms, wiping the door (front and back) is both a sanitary and necessary thing to do weekly.

In addition, dust grime and other germs get trapped in panel doors.

Cleaning Tip: And, while you’re taking the time to wipe down the bathroom doors, don’t forget the toilet bowl, around the toilet (down to the floor), toilet seat cover and toilet seat weekly, or as needed before then.

How to Clean: Cleaning can be done quickly and effectively with a damp rag, if you have an unfinished wooden door or a disinfecting wipe, if the door surface is painted. Just be sure that you dry the door facade off, as you don’t want to damage the surface. Cleaning should be every time you clean the bathroom or at the very least, monthly.

Helpful Resource for Everyday Cleaning: So much to clean, so little time. You don’t have to be stumped with cleaning everyday household items. Instead, check out this handy resource: Handy Household Hints from Heloise: Hundreds of Great Ideas at Your Fingertips.

5. Salt and Pepper Shakers

Most people never think to do a regular cleaning of their salt and pepper shakers. This becomes a necessity not only when preparing raw food, but also when the food has been cooked and presented.

Cleaning these two items cannot be underestimated because of the hazard of cross-contamination. So make it a point to clean these after every meal is probably not a bad idea.

How to Clean: Again, you have to take into consideration the surface of your salt and pepper shakers. Most shakers are made to be cleaned, so use a clean damp, soapy cloth to wipe them down. Dry them off well and you are good to go!

6. Windows

You may wish you had someone to clean your windows, but really it’s an easy job to do inside and out.

Inside dust and grime create a layered effect on your windows. You may even find nose and finger prints left by errant pets or children.

How to Clean: Use either an organic cleaner like Sparkle or Windex®, or other ammonia or vinegar-based spray, and then wipe with either newspaper or a microfiber, lint-free cloth. Doing so will make your windows shine. Some die-hard window washers swear by a soapy water wash. Try out both options and see what works for you.

7. Shower Doors and Shower Curtains

Shower doors and shower curtains are two of the places also in the bathroom that are often neglected. You make sure your body is clean but then you fail to make sure that the door or curtain you touch after bathing is clean, too.

The fact is, shower doors and curtains get covered in bath soap, shampoo and grime and if not rinsed off right away, it becomes layered with soap scum and hard water residue. So what to do?

How to Clean: If you have a shower door, you can clean this with an all purpose cleaner made especially for this task, or try vinegar as your cleaning agent. I have found this works well and cuts through the grime. I’ve also used Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Cleaning Pads that seem to “magically” take the work out of cleaning. Avoid, however, harsh sprays, as they may damage metal stops and moldings. So before using these, check the label.

Shower curtains, with or without a liner, are easily cleaned in a pillowcase wash bag. Just slip off the shower curtain from the rod, hangers and all and put it all into the wash bag. Cinch the bag tightly by tying off the end with a white shoelace or by making a knot in the end of the pillowcase, and use a warm/cold cycle.

Once washed, hang it back up in the bathroom to dry.

Cleaning Tip: Most shower curtains are washable, but it’s always a good idea to check. Also, use a white pillowcase. Don’t put your shower curtain in the wash with other clothing unless you have already found it to be color fast. Other than that, wash away!

8. Inside Doors of Front-Loading Washing Machines

Front-loading washing machines get forgotten, because well, you might think that they are cleaned with each and every load you do. But in fact, the glass on the inside of the machine gets clouded with soap residue, grime, hair, lint and mold.

How to Clean: Use a paper towel, so you can just throw the grit and grime away quickly. And, in the future, get in the habit of wiping down the glass insert after each wash. That way, you will keep the window free from dirt and grime.

9. Clean Inside of Dryer and Dryer Lint Trap

Your dryer takes a beating by heating tons of clothing each year. It’s one of those things we least expect to clean.

But you really should be wiping it out periodically. Here’s why. Because you’re putting damp clothing into it after each wash, there’s always a chance of mold. And, you never know with a stray stick of gum or plastic gets stuck or lodged in the barrel. Not a good thing for sure.

Did You Know? Clothes dryer fires cause on average $35 million dollars worth of damage.

Doing so, you will save a lot of money in repairs and damage to machine, clothes and home, if you make this task a habit.

How to Clean: Wipe the inside of the drum with a disinfecting wipe or damp rag. Keep the door open until it has the chance to dry completely.

And, don’t forget the dryer lint trap. The easiest way to do this is pull out the lint trap screen and grab a bit of the offending lint to use as a “magnet.” Drag this piece of lint around the screen and the rest of the lint will adhere to this, making your job a breeze. If you have a long-reaching, bendable vacuum attachment, clean the area around the lint trap.

Be sure also check the hose from behind the dryer that connects to the outside every six months. Make sure that the air hose is free and clear from debris and that there isn’t any hint of lint in the line.

Remember, lint build-up is the number one cause of dryer fires, so prevention is key when operating any kind of dryer.

10. Pet Areas

Dogs, cats, birds, mice, oh my! You love your pets and you want to give them the best, but you are really doing them and your family a disfavor when you fail to clean their kennels, cages, litter boxes, and aquariums out.

How to Clean: For kennels and cages, start with the metal bars then wipe the kennel inside and out. Be sure to vacuum well and wipe the surfaces underneath. Don’t forget that what’s beneath Fido’s kennel can get just as dirty, especially if there was a water spill, or worse.

Kitty’s litter box area needs to be cleaned too. You can opt for a litter box unit that does all the muss and fuss or you can clean it out the old-fashioned way. When you’re finished, do a quick swipe of the area around the litter box and vacuum the surrounding area.

11. Cell Phone Case/Cover

Necessary and important as these cases are to protect your iPhone, Smart Phone, etc. from the harsh realities of dropping and damaging effects (i.e., soda, coffee, water), they still harbor germs. The fact is, our phones get taken literally everywhere nowadays, and you might never once think to clean the case.

How to Clean: Take a damp (not wet) cloth and wipe it down. Removing it from its case isn’t a bad idea either. Dirt and other debris slips behind the case sometimes and may end up scratching your phone’s outer shell.

One note of caution: Harsh chemicals might damage the glass screens and keyboard (like on a Blackberry), so use the mildest detergent or just plain water when cleaning your phone.

12. Doorknobs

If you were to ask what might be the least cleaned of all of the items listed, my answer would be: doorknobs. You use them to enter and exit rooms of all sorts, thousands of times a month and many more in a year. And, worst of all, I bet you probably can’t remember when the last time you cleaned your doorknobs? Neither can I.

How to Clean: Most door knobs have a lacquered finish that is easily cleaned with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipe. Follow up with a dry cloth to buff.

13. Steering Wheels

If you were to take a swab of your steering wheel to check for germs and bacteria, you may be oddly surprised how dirty it really is. For most of us, our cars are our second home. We eat and drink in there without a second thought. If you’re lucky enough to have a black steering wheel, you’ll never notice the dirt and grime but it’s certainly there. For those who do not…well, you get the picture.

How to Clean: If your steering wheel is leather, it might have dulled over time. Cleaning it with leather cleaner will bring it back to its original beauty. Cleaning the other kinds of steering wheels (plastic or vinyl finish) will make it easier to grip. Use a disinfecting wipe and dry well. Your hands will be glad you did.

14. Cabinet Pulls

One wouldn’t think that germs would want to congregate on a cabinet pull, knob, or handle, but they do.

It’s the first thing we grab for oven gloves, serving spoons, spatulas and pots and pans without a second thought. Need a utensil to scramble eggs or cut up some chicken after contaminating your hands with this foodstuff? It’s easy to see how simple it really is to set the scene for some really nasty germs.

The truth is: a clean kitchen is a healthy kitchen. And, if you cook as much as I do, our families deserve nothing but the best.

How to Clean: Cleaning cabinet pulls are a breeze. A disinfecting wipe or soapy cloth, works well. And, if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, then you’ll want to clean these more often. Remember, you want to add the spice of love to your food, not a pinch of germs.

15. Bottoms of Purses or Handbags

If you use a purse, shoulder bag, or even a brief case this is for you. The fact is, there really isn’t a “safe” place to put one’s handbag nowadays, so the reality is that you have to bring it with you wherever you go–even into the restroom.

Now you’ve heard about the germs and bacteria that lurk in these places, so setting it down or even hanging it up opens the door for germs and bacteria to attach themselves to the bottom and sides of your purse or handbag. Just thinking about this gives me the eebie-geebies. Time to clean it–now.

How to Clean: Obviously, if your bag is cloth, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the outside shell. Leather is easier but you still need to take care when cleaning and be sure to follow the instructions on the leather cleaner so as not to damage your handbag.

And, while we are on the topic of cleaning handbags, be sure to clean the inside of your purse or handbag regularly, too. Women (and now also men) are notorious for storing the darnedest things in their favorite bag, and some of these items are germ carriers too, like used kleenex, money, and make-up cases.

To clean the inside of your bag, use care and wipe the inside chambers with a disinfecting wipe (as long as it doesn’t contain bleach and if the inside of your purse is color-fast). Or at the very least, shake it out and wipe down what you can and dispose of what you can’t.

16. Key Fobs and Key Rings

If there is anything to be said about key fobs or key rings, it’s that for most people they are inseparable. And, now with the cars being keyless entry–well, dirt isn’t half of what is being picked up in your daily jaunts.

Between the constant key-on, key-off, drive a car or in the purse, out of the purse action that occurs everyday, these germs and bacteria get their mileage.

And, when you need to be hands-free to load the groceries into the car and there isn’t a good place to put your key fob, where does the it go? Between one’s teeth, on the bumper, or tucked in a jacket pocket loaded with used kleenex. You get the picture.

How to Clean: Cleaning a key fob 0r key rings is easy. It’s just a matter of using a disinfecting wipe to clean not only the key ring, but the keys, as well. Be sure to dry them completely, because keys glide into the lock better without any hint of dampness.

17. Cell Phone Backs and Keypads

For those of us who live and breath by our cell phones, well truth be told, they are havens for germs. Time to wipe them clean to avoid passing bacteria, etc., from user to user.

How to Clean: Wipe down the back and keypads of all of your communication gadgets with a clean, damp rag or sanitizing wipe, followed by a dry, clean rag.

18. Remotes

Sunday football games, afternoon lunch dates with a good soap opera, kids’ pizza parties, husband’s poker games, well, the list goes on when it comes to the remote. It gets dirty, grimy, with bits and pieces of leftover tidbits tucked neatly between the buttons and faceplate. Sounds gross? It is.

But are you anti-fun? No, but if you’d like to be able to change channels quickly and not have to deal with a sticky button, put the buttered popcorn aside, and before the movie starts, make time to clean your remote.

How to Clean: Just do a quick swipe of a disinfecting wipe across the buttons and faceplate. You can also use a clean toothbrush, Q-Tip or cotton swab to get between the buttons. Do this on a regular basis, to make surfing channels a breeze.

19. Light Switch Plates

I bet you can tell exactly where the major travel patterns are the traffic patterns are by the look of your light switches. It’s those dark swatches around the light switch plates, that’s the dead ringer. You’ll find the greatest offenders in kid’s rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and entry doorways. These are all notorious places for dirt to lurk. What to do?

With these, care must be taken when you clean light switch plates, otherwise you might get a shock.

How to Clean: If at all possible, it’s always best to turn off your power when wiping around electrical outlets. But if you must…Always use a damp, not wet, wipe or cleaning rag when wiping down the switch plate and try not to touch the toggle part of the switch. You can clean this part too, but again, try to just clean the part not the whole switch at once. And, after cleaning, always follow up with a dry clean towel or rag.

WARNING: Water and electricity don’t mix! Be safe always.

20. Computer Keyboard

Many people neglect to clean their laptop or computer keyboards, even though they know they should. If you spend hours typing away, like I do, then you know there’s a potential for plenty of dirt and grime.

Ever eat a snack or meal while typing? Who doesn’t. So, if you think about it, all those crumbs and drips and such make for a very grimy keyboard.

How to Clean: Most of the time, you can get by with a damp cloth (water not bleach) or even wipes that are specially formulated to clean computer keyboards (they usually have alcohol in order to dry quickly). For crumbs and dirt and such that gets within the keys themselves, canned air works the best. Check out the handy video below for more helpful tips to clean your keyboard safely and effectively.

How to Clean Your Keyboard {Video Tutorial}

Again, make it a point to do some household cleaning of these lesser-known items at least once a month. It will help greatly in stopping the spread of germs and bacteria, along with making your home a cleaner place to live.

Which tip was the most cringe-worthy? Don’t feel guilty, though. Remember it’s the actions we take now that will keep things clean in the future.

For more great tips for cleaning every room in your home, check out these great how-to articles: