12 Household Items Often Forgotten in Cleaning Routines

It might seem surprising, but even your dishwasher, which cleans your dishes, requires regular cleaning. Food particles can accumulate, leading to bacterial growth. According to The Washington Post, cleaning your dishwasher monthly ensures it runs efficiently.

Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with distilled white vinegar upright on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle while empty to sanitize the interior and remove bacteria.

Since coffee is the only thing going into your coffee maker, cleaning it might not be a priority. However, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate, impacting its functionality and altering the flavor of your coffee. For avid coffee drinkers, Eat This, Not That! recommends a thorough cleaning every month.

Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in the reservoir and start the brewing cycle. Pause halfway, let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then resume brewing to complete the cleaning process.

Ever wondered where the dirt and grime from your laundry ends up? While most is removed during the spin cycle, some residue accumulates in the machine’s tubes and components over time. According to The Spruce, cleaning your washing machine every month ensures your clothes stay fresh and prevents mold and mildew buildup. To clean it, run an empty cycle on hot with a quart of bleach, followed by a second rinse cycle to remove any leftover bleach and debris.

The garbage disposal is one of those appliances that clearly needs regular cleaning, yet it’s often neglected due to its unpleasant nature. Bob Vila advises cleaning your garbage disposal every two weeks

Step 1: Ensure the disposal and faucet are off. Add six ice cubes, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, three thin lemon slices, and 1 teaspoon of bleach to the chamber. Finish with six more ice cubes.

Step 2: Turn on the disposal without water and let it run until the grinding noise stops.

Step 3: While the motor is still running, flush the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds.

For microwaves that see frequent use, The Spruce recommends a weekly cleaning to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria. To tackle stubborn food residue and unpleasant odors, place a microwave-safe bowl of water with a few lemon slices inside and heat until it boils. Allow it to sit for a minute, then wipe away the loosened grime. (For additional microwave cleaning tips, check out this video.) If your microwave has a turntable plate, clean it alongside your dishes in the sink or dishwasher.

We’ve all faced the sticky mess of jam containers clinging to the fridge shelves, but letting it escalate to a pool of goo is a no-go. Molly Maid recommends a thorough fridge cleaning every three to four months. Start by emptying the fridge and removing all drawers. Clean the interior with hot, soapy water and a washcloth. Hand wash the crisper drawers as you would dishes, ensuring they’re dried completely before returning them. After wiping down the interior and drying it, reassemble the fridge and restock your items.

Molly Maid also advises using a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear dust from the rear exterior grill. This ensures the motor and cooling system remain unobstructed and function efficiently.

Ovens are often overlooked in regular cleaning routines due to the effort involved. However, consistent maintenance makes the task easier. Some prefer cleaning seasonally, such as during spring cleaning or around the holidays. Melissa Maker, founder of Clean My Space, advises using the oven’s self-cleaning feature if available. “The interior has a special coating that can be damaged by sponges, voiding the warranty and impairing functionality.” However, we’ve highlighted the risks of self-cleaning functions, so proper preparation is essential before activating it.

For those avoiding self-cleaning, Maker suggests sprinkling salt on spills to absorb liquids. Once absorbed, the residue can be easily wiped away, preventing the need for intensive cleaning later.

Blinds often go unnoticed until sunlight exposes layers of dust. Clever, a publication by Architectural Digest, recommends dusting and wiping your blinds monthly to prevent the need for a deep clean. Instead of cleaning each slat individually, lower the blinds completely and close them. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the entire surface at once. Adjust the direction of the blinds and repeat the process. Follow up with a damp cloth, and for stubborn stains, use warm soapy water.

Bath mats are prone to harboring mold, mildew, and various bacteria found in bathrooms. Due to frequent use, Towel Supercenter recommends washing your bath mat weekly. Machine wash the mat as you would other linens, adhering to the care label instructions. Dry on a warm setting, but remove it before the cycle ends to preserve its shape. For mats with rubber backing, avoid the dryer and let them air dry to prevent damage.

Air conditioner filters play a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring your unit functions properly. Air Conditioned, an HVAC company, advises checking and replacing filters monthly. They also recommend scheduling professional HVAC or AC maintenance twice a year. Between professional visits, use a vacuum to clean the AC coils and small filters, removing any dust or debris buildup.

Pet food bowls can harbor harmful bacteria transferred from your pet’s mouth, and leftover food can foster bacteria such as Bacillus and Salmonella. To combat this, Vet Street advises pet owners to wash food bowls daily using hot water and soap. Water bowls should be cleaned every other day in the same manner to maintain hygiene.

Children’s toys are frequently handled and often come into contact with their faces and mouths. While this might seem like a breeding ground for germs, Safe Space, a disinfecting innovations site, suggests it’s not a major concern—exposure to everyday elements can help strengthen a child’s immune system. They recommend cleaning toys monthly, increasing frequency if the child has been ill or the toys are visibly dirty. For heavily used toys, a weekly wash is advised.

For machine-washable toys, use the dishwasher (or washing machine for plush toys). Start by cleaning off dirt with soap and water, then disinfect. For hard toys, place them in a mesh bag and soak in a solution of half a cup of bleach mixed with one gallon of water for five minutes. After soaking, hang the bag to dry.