We all have a weekly cleaning schedule that tackles important areas of the home, and though the toilets get cleaned and the carpets vacuumed, plenty of areas need the same kind of attention. Here are 20 frequently skipped places in the house that need more love.
1. Toothbrush Holder
Holders are useful, inexpensive bathroom accessories that keep our precious toothbrushes off of countertops or sink ledges—but they’re also a breeding ground for bacteria. Clean them at least once a week to ensure you don’t coat your toothbrush or hands with a bunch of bacteria.
2. Ceiling Fans
Our poor ceiling fans do so much work only to get neglected in the cleaning process. Get up there! Blades collect plenty of dust and if you’ve left your fan to fend for itself, you may be surprised just how much grime collected. They need dusting at least once a week.
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3. Baseboards
Baseboards might as well be magnets for household grime like dust, pet dander, and general dirt. While they don’t need frequent cleaning (no more than once a month or so), don’t forget about them either. Cleaning also makes life easier for those with allergies.
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4. Dishwasher
It’s easy to assume some appliances are self-cleaning, especially something like a dishwasher—but it’s just as important to give these a good scrub. Dishwashers can collect all kinds of grime and minerals, which then transfer to dishes. Clean them at least once a month to keep life spick and span.
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5. Oven
Dirty ovens not only ruin food but also pose a significant fire risk. The main culprits are caked-on grease and grime, both of which should be scrubbed out at least every three months. If you don’t trust store-bought cleaners, you can always make your own with simple household ingredients like water, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.
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6. Mattress
Given how much time we spend on our beds, it makes sense how much buildup can fester there. A thorough cleaning at least once every six months protects you from all kinds of unpleasant stuff like allergens, sweat, mites, and bed bug potential.
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7. Blinds
Blinds come in all sorts of materials from wood to fabric, all of which can collect dust. Not only is this an irritant for allergy sufferers, but buildup also damages blinds after a while. Make sure you clean them at least once a month.
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8. Washing Machine
As far as cleaning goes, washing machines are often left to their own devices, but they really shouldn’t be! Buildup happens without a proper cleaning, which affects clothing and makes the whole wash moot. Clean it out at least once a month.
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9. Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are an accessory, not a collectible, and they need proper cleaning, too! You probably use them more often than you think, which means they can collect just as much buildup as your everyday pillow. Scrub ‘em down at least every couple of weeks.
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10. Light Switches
You think we’d pay more attention to light switches given how often we use them, but they’re often ignored on cleaning day. Put them in the rotation from now on because dirty switches are full of bacteria and can become a household hazard. Clean them at least once a week—just make sure you do it correctly to avoid accidental shocks!
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11. Grout
Grout is unfortunately in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom, meaning it can quickly discolor. Annual scrubs keep it in tip-top shape and can easily be treated with homemade solutions or even old toothbrushes.
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12. Trash Cans
No one ever thinks to clean the poor trash can, but you ought to work it into the rotation. Considering how often they’re used, it’s no surprise when they start to smell or pick up stains, and you can avoid this by cleaning them at least once a month.
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13. Shower Curtain
Frequent cleaning prevents mold on shower curtains and should be done once every month or so. Some liners and curtains are machine-washable, but if yours aren’t then you can still mix an at-home solution from dish soap and a sprinkle of baking soda.
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14. Lawnmower
Without proper care, a lawnmower collects all kinds of debris that hinders its performance. Clean it at least a few times during peak mowing season and research the best ways to treat your model—simply taking the garden hose to the blades does more harm than good.
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15. Fireplace
Dirty fireplaces are not only a huge hazard, but easily preventable with periodic cleaning. Aim to clean yours once a year to rid of any leftover soot or grime. The right brushes and homemade solutions can help you get the job done quickly, too.
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16. Patio Furniture
A good rainstorm isn’t exactly a power wash and our patio furniture deserves the right treatment. Scrub those chairs and umbrellas at least once a year to stop rust in its tracks. Proper cleaning also keeps stains away.
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17. Behind the Toilet
Cleaning your toilet means all parts of it, including behind it. No one wants to venture back there but it’s an important part of a sparkling bathroom because mold and grime can easily accumulate there.
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18. Vent Covers
Dirty vent covers are bad news—particles collect there and can not only ruin air quality but may cause unpleasant odors, too. Not to mention, thorough air vent cleaning stops any health hazards such as mold buildup. Clean those covers at least once a month and consider an air duct cleaning every couple of years.
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19. Microwave
The last thing you want is a smelly food-centered appliance. Microwaves catch all sorts of stains and grime, so weekly scrubs are a must. The good news is that a simple wipe-down often does it, but you can also mix a homemade solution from water, lemon juice, vinegar, and a touch of baking soda.
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20. Inside the Fridge
Cleaning inside the fridge is just as important as cleaning it out. Once you get rid of those leftovers, pull out everything else and scrub the shelves (crispers, too). Clean fridges keep mold and odor away while also preserving food a little longer.
