Uncover surprising household items that hide shocking amounts of germs. Learn how to clean these sneaky hotspots for a healthier home.
Hidden Germ Zones
Think your home is spotless? Think again. Some everyday items harbor more germs than you’d expect, even if they look clean.
This slideshow uncovers surprising culprits in your house that might be dirtier than your toilet seat. Swipe through to find out what needs extra attention and how to keep your home truly clean.
Your Smartphone
You touch it constantly, take it everywhere - even the bathroom. Smartphones can harbor more bacteria than even public restroom handles.
Wipe it daily with a microfiber cloth and disinfectant designed for electronics. Don’t forget the case, too. Regular cleaning can prevent these germ magnets from spreading bacteria to your hands, face, and anything else you touch.
Kitchen Sponges
Your kitchen sponge may be the dirtiest item in your home. Soaked with food particles and moisture, it’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli.
Swap sponges weekly and disinfect them by microwaving for 1-2 minutes. Or better yet, switch to washable, reusable cloths. Don’t let this tiny cleaning tool undo your kitchen hygiene efforts.
TV Remote
The TV remote is a germ hotspot everyone in your household handles. It collects sweat, crumbs, and bacteria from unwashed hands. Use disinfectant wipes weekly to sanitize every button and crevice.
If it’s especially grimy, consider using a silicone cover for easier cleaning. Keeping this small gadget clean can prevent germs from spreading throughout your home.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags might save the planet, but they’re likely teeming with bacteria. From raw meat juices to spills, these bags rarely get cleaned.
Toss fabric bags into the washing machine regularly and wipe down plastic ones with disinfectant. Designate separate bags for fresh produce and raw meats to keep cross-contamination in check.
Clean bags = safer groceries.
Curtain Tiebacks
Curtain tiebacks are sneaky spots that rarely get attention. They collect dust, grease from hands, and even pet fur.
Fabric tiebacks can be tossed in the washing machine, while metal or wooden ones should be wiped with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. A quick clean can make a big difference in reducing hidden grime.
Game Controllers
Gamers beware - your game controller could be a germ haven. It gets touched for hours, often with unwashed hands, leaving oils, sweat, and bacteria behind.
Use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean between buttons and wipe the surface weekly. A clean controller isn’t just more hygienic - it also keeps your hands fresh for your next gaming marathon.
House Keys
You carry your house keys everywhere but probably never clean them. They sit on dirty surfaces, collect oils from your hands, and pick up germs from pockets or bags.
Soak metal keys in warm soapy water, then scrub them with a toothbrush. For electronic key fobs, use a disinfectant wipe. Clean keys mean fewer germs hitching a ride into your home.
Pet Collars and Leashes
Your furry friend’s accessories are dirtier than they look. Collars and leashes pick up grime, sweat, and spit from outdoor adventures.
Toss fabric collars and leashes into the washing machine or hand-wash with mild soap. For leather ones, wipe down with a damp cloth and a leather cleaner. A clean pet means a cleaner home too.
Ice Maker
Your fridge’s ice maker might look pristine, but it can harbor mold, yeast, and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Remove the ice bin and wash it with warm soapy water monthly.
Run a vinegar solution through the system to sanitize hidden parts. Clean ice means your drinks are not only refreshing but also safe to sip.
Charging Cables
Phone and laptop charging cables aren’t just for powering your devices - they also collect grime from hands, floors, and bags.
Wipe cables down with a damp cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and bacteria. Keep them off the floor to avoid picking up extra germs.
Clean cables keep your tech setup looking sharp.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
These kitchen staples sit out all day, touched by unwashed hands during meals. Wipe shakers regularly with a damp cloth and disinfectant, and clean inside caps to remove built-up residue.
Switching to grinders? Make sure to clean those too. Keeping these small but crucial items sanitized keeps your meals healthier.
Hairbrushes
Hairbrushes don’t just collect stray hairs - they’re magnets for dead skin cells, oil, and product residue. Soak them in warm soapy water, then scrub between the bristles with an old toothbrush.
For plastic brushes, add a little baking soda for extra cleaning power. A clean hairbrush means your hair care routine stays as fresh as possible.
Reusable Water Bottles
Your trusty water bottle might be quenching your thirst - and hosting bacteria. Narrow spouts and rubber gaskets are hotspots for germs.
Disassemble the bottle and wash all parts thoroughly with warm soapy water daily. For stubborn spots, use a bottle brush.
Staying hydrated is great, but a clean bottle keeps your sips safe and germ-free.
Hair Ties and Scrunchies
Hair ties and scrunchies go everywhere with you - on your wrist, in your bag, and through your hair. They can accumulate sweat, oil, and bacteria over time.
Toss fabric ones into the wash or hand-clean them with mild detergent. For rubber or elastic ties, wipe them down with a damp cloth. Fresh hair accessories mean a cleaner, healthier routine.
Washing Machine Seals
Your washing machine’s rubber seals can trap moisture, detergent residue, and lint, creating a moldy mess. Wipe the seals with a mix of water and vinegar weekly to keep them fresh.
Don’t forget to leave the door open after every load to allow airflow. Keeping your washing machine clean ensures your clothes actually get clean too.
Ready for more appliance maintenance tips? Dive into Deep Clean Your Appliances (New Year, New Tips) for a fresh start.
Blinds and Shades
Your window blinds and shades quietly collect layers of dust, pollen, and even mold spores. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth or use a vacuum attachment regularly.
For fabric shades, spot-clean stains or wash according to manufacturer instructions. Keeping these overlooked surfaces clean can improve air quality and prevent allergens from circulating.
Need more ways to refresh your home? Explore Clean and Revamp Your Space for the New Year for easy, impactful tips.
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