Kitchen Cabinets

The Dirtiest Places in Your House (and How to Clean Them)

Keeping a clean house is important for health and hygiene. However, some areas of the home tend to harbor more germs and dirt than others. Here is an overview of the dirtiest places in your house and tips for cleaning them effectively.

Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths

The kitchen sponge is often cited as the dirtiest item in the home. Moist and frequently used, sponges easily collect bacteria, fungi, and food particles. To clean:

  • Replace sponges weekly
  • Microwave damp sponges for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria
  • Wash dishcloths frequently in hot water

Bleach solutions and the dishwasher can also disinfect kitchen sponges and dishcloths. Let them air dry between uses.

Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink encounters high traffic and lots of waste. Grime, food, and bacteria can accumulate in the drain, garbage disposal, and on the faucet handles. To clean:

  • Scrub the sink basin weekly with a disinfecting cleaner
  • Use a drain-clearing product monthly
  • Disinfect and shine faucets
  • Clean the garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar

Cutting Boards

Bacteria and raw meat or egg juices can cling to cutting boards. Salmonella and E. coli are particular risks. To clean:

  • Wash boards after each use, especially after contact with raw meat, poultry, or eggs
  • Use antibacterial dish soap and hot water
  • Sanitize with a bleach solution or vinegar
  • Replace worn, hard-to-clean boards

Refrigerator

The refrigerator collects drips, spills, and food debris. Mold and bacteria then thrive in the closed, humid environment. To clean:

  • Wipe up spills immediately
  • Clean shelves, drawers, and containers regularly with hot water and baking soda
  • Disinfect inside monthly with a non-toxic cleaner
  • Remove mold with vinegar
  • Clean condenser coils every 3-6 months

Can Openers

The sharp wheel of a can opener easily collects food residue. Bacteria then multiplies in the moist remnants. To clean:

  • Wipe the wheel after each use
  • Remove any debris stuck under the wheel
  • Wash thoroughly with soap and hot water, then disinfect monthly

Remote Controls

Handled frequently, TV remotes carry lots of bacteria, including fecal matter. To clean:

  • Wipe down remotes weekly with disinfecting wipes
  • Spray a microfiber cloth with disinfectant and wipe
  • Use cotton swabs for crevices
  • Remove batteries first when cleaning thoroughly

Light Switches

Light switches accumulate fingerprints, skin oils, and dirt. Germs are then spread via touch. To clean:

  • Wipe down frequently touched switches weekly
  • Spray with disinfectant and wipe clean
  • Use cotton swabs to reach crevices

Doorknobs and Handles

Doorknobs are breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria from hands. Bathroom and kitchen handles are especially problematic. To clean:

  • Disinfect handles several times a week or whenever visibly soiled
  • Use EPA-approved disinfecting wipes or sprays
  • Wear gloves when cleaning bathroom handles

Bathroom Surfaces

Toilets, sinks, faucets, showers, and bathtubs are prone to mold, bacteria, and bodily fluids. To clean:

  • Scrub surfaces weekly using disinfectant cleaners
  • Use bleach solutions on tile grout and the toilet bowl
  • Clean shower walls with a squeegee after use
  • Wipe bathroom handles and switches after each use
  • Replace shower curtains regularly

Pet Bowls

Pet feeding bowls easily collect saliva, food debris, and bacteria. To clean:

  • Wash bowls thoroughly after each use
  • Use hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher
  • Disinfect bowls regularly with diluted bleach
  • Replace worn or cracked bowls

Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable grocery bags easily pick up meat juices and drippings. Bacteria multiply quickly on any remnants. To clean:

  • Turn bags inside out and wash weekly
  • Use hot water and soap or the washing machine
  • Spray or wipe with disinfectant regularly
  • Allow bags to fully air dry before reusing

Mops and Buckets

Dirty mop water contains bacteria, especially after cleaning the bathroom. To clean:

  • Rinse mops after each use
  • Wash microfiber mop pads regularly
  • Disinfect buckets after use
  • Allow everything to completely dry

Sponges and Rags

Any sponges or rags used for cleaning can harbor grime and germs. To clean:

  • Rinse thoroughly after each use
  • Machine wash microfiber cloths often
  • Disinfect other rags and sponges weekly
  • Replace frequently for optimal results

Washing Machine

The warm, damp environment encourages mold and bacterial growth. Detergent and lint also build up. To clean:

  • Leave the door open between uses to allow drying
  • Use bleach or other washing machine cleaners monthly
  • Run empty hot water cycles with vinegar or baking soda
  • Clean the detergent dispenser and seals regularly

Kitchen Towels and Cloths

Moist towels and cloths spread bacteria easily. Dish towels harbor the most germs. To clean:

  • Wash regularly in hot water
  • Use bleach or sanitizing cycles
  • Replace dish towels frequently
  • Avoid using damp towels or letting them sit crumpled

Garbage Cans

Dirty garbage cans collect grimy residues that breed bacteria. Even clean cans hold germs on the lids and handles. To clean:

  • Empty trash frequently
  • Use liners for easy removal of debris
  • Wash cans regularly with hot, soapy water
  • Disinfect with bleach or other antimicrobial cleaners
  • Wipe handles after taking out trash

Shower Curtains and Bath Mats

Warm, damp environments allow mold and bacteria to thrive on shower curtains and bath mats. To clean:

  • Wash or replace plastic liners monthly
  • Clean cloth liners and curtains regularly
  • Wash bath mats weekly in hot water
  • Use a diluted bleach solution on tile grout

Pet Toys

Dog and cat toys spread fecal matter and saliva between pets. Bacteria clings to fabric toys. To clean:

  • Wipe hard toys weekly with antimicrobial wipes
  • Machine wash fabric toys regularly
  • Use a pet-safe disinfectant cleaner
  • Replace torn, worn, or damaged toys

HVAC Air Filters

Dirty HVAC filters circulate dust, allergens, pet hair, and microbes through the home. To clean:

  • Check filters monthly and replace if needed
  • Vacuum pleated filters instead of washing
  • Run the system fan only during filter cleaning

Replacing air filters regularly is better than cleaning used ones. Good airflow prevents the HVAC system from harboring bacteria.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Excess moisture allows mold and bacteria to grow in these devices. To clean:

  • Empty water tanks daily
  • Follow all manufacturer cleaning guidelines
  • Use vinegar or bleach to disinfect tanks
  • Replace filters per instructions

Pillows and Bedding

Pillows and sheets pick up lots of skin cells, body oils, drool, and hair. Dust mites feed on these organic materials. To clean:

  • Wash pillow protectors regularly in hot water
  • Wash sheets weekly in hot water
  • Replace pillows every 1-2 years
  • Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow encasings

Mattresses

Old stains, sweat, and dead skin cells find their way deep into mattresses. To clean:

  • Vacuum mattresses regularly to remove dust and debris
  • Spot clean stains immediately with upholstery cleaner
  • Use steam cleaners to penetrate surface grime
  • Rotate and flip mattresses regularly to evenly distribute wear

Carpets and Rugs

Carpets trap dirt, dust, hair, pollen, and other debris that feeds bacteria. To clean:

  • Vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice weekly
  • Shampoo or steam clean carpets every 6-12 months
  • Clean small rugs in the washing machine
  • Avoid walking on carpets with outside shoes

Reusable Water Bottles

Reusable bottles easily develop grimy residues and mold. To clean:

  • Hand wash with hot, soapy water after each use
  • Use bottle brushes to reach inside
  • Disinfect regularly with bleach, vinegar, or other antimicrobials
  • Avoid sharing bottles or using with multiple beverages

Cell Phones and Tablets

Phones and tablets harbor lots of bacteria and viruses from hands and surfaces. To clean:

  • Use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes gently on screens
  • Use disinfectant wipes on phone cases
  • Avoid moisture in ports, buttons, speakers, etc.
  • Air dry completely after wiping down

Makeup Brushes

Cosmetic brushes pick up makeup, skin cells, oils, and bacteria. To clean:

  • Wash bristles weekly with mild soap and water
  • Use brush shampoo or wipes after each use
  • Allow to fully dry pointing downward
  • Replace brushes every 3-6 months

Loofahs and Bath Poufs

The moist, soapy environment encourages germ growth in these shower tools. To clean:

  • Allow to dry fully between uses
  • Wash thoroughly in hot water weekly
  • Disinfect regularly with bleach or antimicrobial cleaners
  • Replace loofahs every few weeks

Cleansing Facial Brushes

Exfoliating facial brushes carry makeup, dead skin, and bacteria from the face. To clean:

  • Remove brush heads and wash bristles with soap and water after each use
  • Disinfect the tool with alcohol or UV light
  • Replace brush heads every 1-3 months

Hairbrushes and Combs

Hair products, scalp oils, and hair all build up on these grooming tools. They can then transfer to clean hair. To clean:

  • Use a fine comb to remove hair and debris regularly
  • Wash hard brushes weekly with soap and water
  • Disinfect plastic combs in boiling water or rubbing alcohol
  • Replace heavily used brushes every 4-6 months

Kitchen Counters

Kitchen counters are prone to bacteria from food prep and contact with other dirty surfaces. To clean:

  • Clean counters thoroughly daily
  • Use a disinfecting cleaner to kill bacteria
  • Avoid sponges and cloths that spread germs
  • Disinfect sinks, faucets, and appliances regularly

Kitchen Garbage Cans

Kitchen garbage cans contain drippings, waste, and debris perfect for breeding germs. To clean:

  • Empty the garbage frequently
  • Use bags or liners for easy waste removal
  • Wash cans regularly with hot water and soap
  • Disinfect with bleach or other antimicrobial cleaners

Stovetops

Food, grease, and liquids can burn onto stovetops and harbor bacteria. To clean:

  • Wipe up spills as soon as the surface cools
  • Use cooktop cleaning creams for burnt-on food
  • Disinfect knobs and controls regularly
  • Avoid steel wool scrubbies that can scratch glass tops

Coffee Makers

Warm, damp coffee makers easily grow mold and bacteria. To clean:

  • Follow manufacturer’s cleaning instructions
  • Use white vinegar to descale mineral buildup
  • Disinfect plastic parts with diluted bleach
  • Replace filters as directed

Tea Kettles

Hard water leaves mineral deposits that allow bacteria to thrive inside kettles. To clean:

  • Descale regularly using vinegar or citric acid
  • Use baking soda and water to scrub away stains
  • Avoid steel wool or harsh chemicals
  • Remove lid during storage for airflow

Dishwashers

Food particles and standing water create bacterial breeding grounds in dishwashers. To clean:

  • Wipe seals regularly and clean food traps
  • Run empty cycles with vinegar or baking soda
  • Use commercial cleaning products monthly
  • Remove debris from the drain pump and filter

Salt and Pepper Mills

Kitchen mills easily collect spices and food residues. Leftover oils can go rancid. To clean:

  • Wipe exteriors regularly with hot, soapy water
  • Disassemble for thorough washing, if possible
  • Replace spices after prolonged use
  • Allow all parts to fully dry before refilling

Spice Containers

Kitchen spice containers spread flavor but can also harbor bacteria. Dust, moisture, and residue build up over time. To clean:

  • Wipe shakers clean between refills
  • Use small amounts of rubbing alcohol or vinegar
  • Wash containers in hot, soapy water
  • Replace spices every 6-12 months

Food Storage Containers

Plastic and glass storage containers collect food debris that breeds bacteria. To clean:

  • Hand wash after each use if possible
  • Soak in hot, soapy water before washing
  • Clean with baking soda or vinegar
  • Replace stained or damaged containers

Water Coolers

Standing water in water coolers promotes algae and microbe growth. To clean:

  • Sanitize units regularly per manufacturer instructions
  • Clean and replace filters as directed
  • Use bleach-based cleaners for the reservoir
  • Avoid completely enclosed water storage

Water Bottles and Drinkware

Beverage bottles, cups, mugs, and travel tumblers harbor germs from mouths and hands. To clean:

  • Wash daily with soap and hot water
  • Use bottle brushes on narrow openings
  • Clean kids’ cups and bottles after each use
  • Choose dishwasher-safe drinkware when possible

Lunchboxes and Bento Boxes

Kids’ packed lunches pick up lots of classroom germs and food mess. To clean:

  • Empty and wash daily after use
  • Disassemble parts for thorough cleaning
  • Use disinfecting wipes on handles and closures
  • Allow to fully air dry before repacking

Pacifiers

A baby’s saliva provides food for bacteria growth on pacifiers. To clean:

  • Wash pacifiers after each use
  • Boil for 5 minutes or run through dishwasher
  • Avoid cleaning with mouth
  • Replace pacifiers monthly

Baby Bottles

Milk or formula residues can breed bacteria inside baby bottles. To clean:

  • Rinse bottles after each use
  • Wash thoroughly in hot, soapy water
  • Sterilize using steam, boiling water, or UV light
  • Clean nipples by turning inside out

Baby Toys

Babies’ mouthing behaviors spread germs quickly between toys. To clean:

  • Pick toys that can be sterilized or washed
  • Check labels and follow cleaning directions
  • Wipe hard toys regularly with soap and water
  • Disinfect toys that contact the mouth after each use

Car Seats and Strollers

Child safety restraints harbor saliva, food crumbs, and dirt. To clean:

  • Vacuum straps and crevices frequently
  • Spot clean messes quickly
  • Wash removable covers in machine
  • Disinfect high-touch areas regularly

Potty Chairs and Training Toilets

Kids’ toilet training gear collects urine, feces, and germs. To clean:

  • Empty after every use into the toilet
  • Wash and disinfect entire chair after use
  • Rinse removable pots thoroughly
  • Clean around seals, hinges, and crevices

Robot Vacuums

Vacuums pick up dirty debris but can spread dust and allergens when not cleaned. To clean:

  • Empty dust bins after every use
  • Clean filters regularly as directed
  • Remove hair or debris around brushes
  • Disinfect units periodically, avoiding electronics

Furniture and Upholstery

Sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture collect dust, dirt, hair, and other debris that can breed bacteria over time. To clean:

  • Vacuum cushions and crevices weekly
  • Spot clean messes immediately
  • Steam clean or shampoo upholstery every 6-12 months
  • Flip and rotate cushions to evenly distribute wear

Upholstery can also be treated with antimicrobial protectants when cleaned.

Backpacks and Bags

Bags used for work, school, or travel pick up lots of germs in transit. To clean:

  • Empty contents completely
  • Turn bags inside out if possible
  • Wash fabric bags in washing machine
  • Wipe leather or vinyl bags with disinfectant
  • Use UV light sanitizers for quick cleaning

Yoga Mats

Yoga mats collect sweat, skin cells, dirt, and microbes with frequent direct contact to skin and feet. To clean:

  • Wipe down with antimicrobial wipes after each use
  • Wash regularly with mild soap and water
  • Disinfect with diluted hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil
  • Allow to fully air dry before rolling up for storage

Helmets

Helmets worn for sports or biking have pads and straps that contact hair, skin, and sweat. To clean:

  • Sanitize the interior after each use
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines
  • Wash removable comfort pads regularly
  • Disinfect the outer shell with approved cleaners

Replace helmets following any major impacts.

Ball Pits

Public or home ball pits allow exchange of bacteria and viruses between many children. To clean:

  • Provide antibacterial foam balls rather than cloth
  • Vacuum balls and surface frequently

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