Your Cleaning Tools Are Filthy—Here's How to Disinfect Your Mop, Broom, and More

Homes are filled with countless items that need cleaning. While you might immediately think of larger areas like your bathroom or major appliances such as your oven, one crucial category often neglected is your cleaning tools. These unsung heroes assist in scrubbing, wiping, and sanitizing everything else in your home. And yes, they absolutely require regular cleaning too! Before you grab that mop, broom, towel, or brush next time, consider giving it a thorough wash. Here’s a guide to help you do just that.

Brooms

It’s easy to overlook the care our brooms need! After several uses, clean the bristles by running them through the teeth of your dustpan or using an old wide-tooth comb to remove dust and hair. Every few weeks, soak the broom’s bristles in a bucket of warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap, swish it around, rinse thoroughly, and let it air-dry for 24 hours. If the bristles become worn or frayed, trim them with scissors to keep them effective.

Mopheads

For machine-washable mopheads, toss them into the washing machine on a gentle cycle (avoid fabric softener to prevent residue) and air-dry. If hand-washing is required, start by removing debris manually or rinsing under a faucet. Soak the mophead in a bucket of warm water with mild detergent or dish soap for 10–15 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before storage.

Dish Brushes

Dish brushes work hard daily, so they deserve a nightly cleaning. Soak the brush in a bowl of warm water with a few drops of dish soap for 10–15 minutes to loosen grease and grime. Use your hands (or dish gloves) to clean between the bristles, then rinse thoroughly. For plastic brushes, you can also place them on the top rack of your dishwasher for a thorough clean.

Sponges

Here’s a sobering fact: Sponges should be replaced at least every two weeks. They can host an astonishing amount of bacteria—up to 54 billion per cubic centimeter, according to a 2022 study—and no cleaning method can make them safe for extended use. (While microwaving or boiling may reduce some bacteria, the USDA warns these methods aren’t sufficient to sanitize dirty sponges.) During their short lifespan, rinse sponges thoroughly after each use and store them upright to dry completely. Unfortunately, used sponges can’t be repurposed safely, though plant-based options, like cellulose sponges, can be composted.

Microfiber Cloths

Gather all your soiled, dusty, or stained microfiber cloths and wash them together (they can be washed with your mophead but keep them separate from other laundry to avoid staining items like white towels). Use cool or warm water with mild detergent, and skip fabric softener, as it can reduce the cloths’ absorbency. Air-dry or use the lowest dryer setting to prevent damage to the fibers.

Toilet Brushes

It might not be pleasant, but your toilet brush requires cleaning after each use, and the holder needs monthly disinfection. After cleaning the bowl and flushing, swirl the brush in the fresh water. Secure the handle under the toilet seat, allowing the brush to hang over the bowl. Spray the bristles thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide, rotating the brush to cover all sides. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush and rinse the brush in the clean toilet water. Wipe the handle with a disinfecting wipe, and you’re done.

For the holder: Generously spray it with disinfectant and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse it under hot water afterward. Ensure both the brush and holder are completely dry before putting them back together.