As we age, we often become more conscious of the cleanliness of our surroundings, especially in our homes where we spend a significant amount of time. While we may be diligent about wiping down kitchen counters and scrubbing bathroom sinks, there are certain household items and areas that frequently get overlooked during our cleaning routines. These neglected spots can become havens for dust, grime, and harmful bacteria, potentially impacting our health and well-being.
Let’s uncover the dirty truth about these filthy spots and learn how to tackle them effectively.
Rubbish bins
You might think that taking out the rubbish is enough to keep the bins clean, but think again. Rubbish bins retain unpleasant odours and harbour dangerous bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli, which can pose serious health risks. To combat this, give your rubbish bins a thorough cleaning by taking them outside for a good hose down with hot water. Use soap and a clean brush to scrub away any lingering grime. To maintain freshness between deep cleans, spray the inside of the empty bin with a disinfectant. And don’t forget about your recycling bins—they may not smell as bad, but they still require regular cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup.
Doorknobs
Our hands are veritable germ carriers, with up to 3,000 bacteria lurking on them at any given moment. This makes high-touch areas like doorknobs prime targets for contamination, especially in communal spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. To minimise the spread of germs, disinfect doorknobs at least once a week, and don’t overlook other frequently touched surfaces such as refrigerator handles, microwave doors, and cabinet pulls.
Toasters
While we often remember to clean our ovens and microwaves, smaller kitchen appliances like toasters can be forgotten. Yet, these devices can accumulate crumbs and food particles, creating a potential fire hazard. Ensure your toaster’s longevity and safety by unplugging it, emptying the crumb tray, and shaking it upside down over the sink to dislodge any crumbs. For a deeper clean, use a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar to scrub those hard-to-reach areas, taking care not to damage the heating elements. Allow the toaster to dry completely before using it again.
Shower curtain liners
Shower curtain liners are on the front line in the battle against soap scum, mildew, and grime. To keep them clean, they should be addressed once a month. A simple cleaning solution of one part water to four parts vinegar can be sprayed onto the liner, left to sit for a few minutes, and then rinsed off. For a more thorough clean, check if your liner is machine washable and, if so, run it through a hot cycle with disinfecting bleach to make it look as good as new.
Cleaning tools
Ironically, the very tools we use to clean can become dirty themselves. Regularly clean your brooms, mops, buckets, toilet plungers, and brushes to ensure they’re not spreading dirt around your home. Shake out brooms and wash them in hot, soapy water, using a scrub brush to remove stubborn debris. Mops should be soaked in a similar solution with added bleach, and toilet cleaning tools can be sanitised by swirling them in a bleach-filled toilet bowl before flushing.
Taking the time to address these often-overlooked spots can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Regularly cleaning these areas helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and grime, ensuring a safer environment for you and your loved ones.
What cleaning challenges do you find most difficult to tackle in your home? Are there any overlooked spots you’ve discovered over the years? We’d love to hear your insights and tips—share them in the comments below!
Also read: Fresh sheets, better sleep—are you washing them often enough?
