Top 14 household items everyone forgets to clean: from light switches to yoga mats

We subconsciously perceive almost everything in our homes is clean, but this is a misleading impression. Ordinary household items that don't seem to have any traces of dirt can collect invisible contaminants such as bacteria and fungi.

The List has compiled a list of 14 household items that need regular care but usually don't get it. It also advised on the best way to clean these items.

Remote controls

Researchers at the University of Virginia decided to find out what lives on the surface of seemingly clean TV remotes, air conditioners, and other appliances. It turned out that their surfaces are among the dirtiest places in a modern home. Admit it: you don't always pick up the remote with washed hands. This is how bacteria get on it. An aerosolized household disinfectant will help you deal with them. Wipe the gaps between the buttons separately with a napkin  as dust can also accumulate there.

Light switches

It's about the same story with the light switch buttons. You touch them as often as the remote control, and probably even more often. The way to prevent this is similar: wipe the surfaces of the switches with a disinfectant solution once a week.

The wall behind the trash can

It's no secret that the trash can is a dirty place in the house. But it's worth reminding you that you don't always hit it accurately and waste often ends up on the wall behind the bin. Wipe this area with a damp cloth every time you clean the floor.

The trash can inside

But let's talk about the trash can itself. Even if you use very thick garbage bags, dirt, bacteria, and mold will find their way to the walls. Of course, it doesn't make sense to disinfect the bin every time you empty it. But it will be useful to rinse the bin with water at least once every couple of weeks.

The ins and outs of the ice maker

Some refrigerators are equipped with such a convenient thing as an ice maker. It comes in handy when you want to drink cold water or make a cocktail. But when was the last time you cleaned the ice maker's water tank? Meanwhile, the water in it can stagnate and various not-so-pleasant microorganisms can settle there. So disinfect it from the inside at least twice a year. For this purpose, medical alcohol without impurities is the best choice.

The inside of the coffee machine

You love coffee, but germs love coffee too, especially the one with milk. It is an excellent breeding ground for them. And the moisture and heat create ideal conditions for reproduction. Therefore, disassemble the machine from time to time and wash all removable parts from the inside. Read the instructions for your model as you may be able to simply put them in the dishwasher. You can also clean the coffee reservoir with a mixture of water and white vinegar.

Hair brushes and combs

When you brush your hair, you also remove dead skin and sebum from your head, which is a favorite of bacteria and fungi, including those that cause dandruff. Therefore, after each use, you need to clean brushes and combs from stuck hairs, and once a month, wash them with the same shampoo as your hair. It is better to do this in the evening so that the combs are well dried by morning.

Bathroom decor

Almost everyone knows that you shouldn't leave your toothbrush uncovered in a combined bathroom because it can get microsprayed by the toilet liquids. However, these same splashes also settle on other items, such as towels, decor, and cosmetic packages. To minimize this problem, you should close the toilet lid before flushing. And from time to time, treat items in the bathroom with a disinfectant. And keep clean textiles in closed cabinets.

Brushes for dishes

Sponges, cloths, and brushes used for washing collect a significant amount of dirt. Therefore, they require special care. Dish sponges can be easily disinfected in the microwave. However, brushes used in the kitchen can melt, so it is better to wash them in the dishwasher from time to time. Just put them on the top shelf where the temperature is lower.

Washing machine

There's probably no dirt that a washing machine doesn't get during its work. However, while it effectively cleans it out during the wash, it still runs the risk of mold growth due to the constant humidity. As a preventive measure, run an empty machine for a short cycle at the maximum water temperature from time to time. If the musty smell persists, add half a cup of vinegar instead of detergent. There are also special cleaning products that can help you clean the tray, door, and rubber bands, as well as rinse the machine mechanism.

Heater vents

Heating radiators, no matter what design they are, accumulate a lot of dust. This reduces their thermal conductivity, not to mention the fact that breathing dust is not a good idea in general. Plus, there is a risk of fire because all this stuff can also catch fire. Therefore, radiators and heaters should be regularly wiped from dust, both with a dry and damp cloth.

Light bulbs

Another dust collector that you can't do without in your household. Energy-efficient light bulbs last a long time, so they accumulate a lot of dust. And this, again, is a fire risk, plus a slightly dimmer light. So from time to time, they need to be either swept with a dust brush or wiped down.

Gymnastic and yoga mats

Perhaps this point could be ignored if not for one small nuance. During exercises, you often touch the mat with your face. Sports equipment experts advise wiping such mats with a cloth soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar in equal proportions.

Pet toys

No matter how many times you tell cat and dog owners that they shouldn't be kissed, they won't give up. But you can persuade them to clean their pets' toys. At least the microorganisms that got there from the mouth of a furry family member will not multiply on them. Fabric and soft toys are best washed in a machine, putting them in a special bag. Plastic or rubber ones can be washed with water, but you should seal all the holes with tape to prevent them from getting damp inside. They can also be treated with a water-vinegar mixture or washed in the dishwasher separately from human dishes.