#Collaborative post
Most people have a cleaning routine. You probably vacuum the floors, wipe down kitchen counters, and scrub the bathroom sink without a second thought. But what about the places you don’t clean?
Some areas in your home quietly collect dust, bacteria, and allergens, and you may not realise how much they impact your health. From triggering allergies to harbouring mould and germs, these forgotten spots could be affecting your sleep, immune system, and even your skin. The good news? They don’t require a ton of effort to clean—just a little awareness and consistency.
Here are some of the most commonly missed areas in your home and how to clean them properly for a healthier living space.
1. Your Bed Isn’t as Clean as You Think
Your bed is a place of rest, but if you aren’t cleaning it properly, it could be a breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, and allergens. Many people wash their sheets every week, but the mattress itself often gets ignored.
Sweat, dead skin cells, and dust settle into your mattress over time, creating the perfect environment for allergy-triggering dust mites. If you wake up with a stuffy nose, itchy skin, or unexplained sneezing, your mattress could be the problem.
Here’s a guide on how to clean your mattress.
- Vacuum the surface to remove dust and allergens.
- Treat stains using a mild solution of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the mixture, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it dry.
- Deodorise by sprinkling baking soda over the mattress and letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming again.
- Air it out by placing it in direct sunlight or near an open window.
- Use a mattress protector to keep it fresher for longer.
A clean mattress not only improves sleep quality but also reduces allergy symptoms and unpleasant odours.
2. Light Switches and Door Handles
How often do you clean your light switches and door handles? You touch them countless times a day, but they rarely get a second thought when cleaning. These surfaces collect bacteria and germs, especially during flu season.
Quick fix:
- Wipe them down at least once a week with disinfecting wipes or a vinegar-water solution.
- Pay extra attention to kitchen and bathroom handles, which tend to collect more germs.
Regular cleaning of these high-touch surfaces helps reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses in your home.
3. Kitchen Sponge and Dish Towels
Your kitchen sponge may harbour more bacteria than your toilet seat—gross, right? Sponges absorb food particles, moisture, and bacteria, making them a perfect breeding ground for germs. The same goes for dish towels, which are used multiple times before getting washed.
How to clean them:
- Microwave a damp sponge for one to two minutes to kill bacteria.
- Replace sponges every two weeks.
- Wash dish towels in hot water and replace them every couple of days.
These small habits prevent bacteria from spreading to your dishes and countertops.
4. Remote Controls and Game Controllers
TV remotes and game controllers are high-touch items, but they’re rarely cleaned. Dust, finger grease, food crumbs, and bacteria build up over time, which can contribute to skin issues and germs spreading.
Cleaning tip:
- Remove the batteries before cleaning.
- Use a disinfecting wipe or rubbing alcohol to wipe down the surface.
- A cotton swab can help clean around buttons and crevices.
This quick cleaning routine helps prevent bacteria buildup and sticky residue from forming on your remotes.
5. Shower Curtains and Bathroom Vents
Bathrooms are naturally humid environments, making them prime spots for mould and mildew growth. Shower curtains often develop mould, while bathroom vents collect dust and moisture over time.
How to clean them:
- Wash fabric shower curtains in the washing machine with vinegar.
- Scrub plastic curtains with a baking soda paste.
- Remove and clean bathroom vents with a vacuum or damp cloth every few months.
Keeping these areas clean improves air quality and reduces the risk of mould-related health issues.
6. Under Your Appliances
How often do you check under your fridge or stove? These spaces collect dust, grease, and food crumbs, which can attract pests and worsen indoor air quality.
What to do:
- Slide appliances out and vacuum underneath.
- Wipe away grime with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
- If moving them isn’t possible, use a long-handled duster to reach under.
Cleaning under appliances prevents pest infestations and keeps your kitchen fresh.
7. Toothbrush Holders and Bathroom Accessories
Your toothbrush holder sits in a humid environment, making it a hotspot for bacteria buildup. If you store makeup brushes in a container, the same issue applies.
Cleaning method:
- Soak toothbrush holders in warm, soapy water once a week.
- If dishwasher-safe, run them through a dishwasher cycle.
- Wash makeup brush holders and organisers regularly.
This habit prevents bacteria from transferring to your toothbrushes and makeup tools.
8. Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds trap dust, pet dander, and allergens, yet they’re often overlooked in weekly cleaning routines.
How to clean them:
- Vacuum curtains regularly.
- Wash fabric curtains in the laundry.
- Wipe down blinds with a damp cloth or dusting tool.
Regularly cleaning these areas reduces allergens and improves indoor air quality.
9. Inside Your Car’s Cabin
Your car might not be part of your home, but it’s an extension of your daily environment. Steering wheels, dashboards, and cup holders collect bacteria, food crumbs, and dust.
Quick fix:
- Use disinfecting wipes on high-touch surfaces.
- Vacuum seats and floor mats weekly.
- Clean out cup holders to prevent sticky buildup.
A clean car interior reduces bacteria exposure and makes for a healthier ride.
10. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Ceiling fans circulate dust every time you turn them on. Light fixtures, especially in kitchens, collect grime and dust buildup over time.
How to clean them:
- Use a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment for fan blades.
- Wipe down light fixtures with a damp cloth.
Keeping these clean reduces allergens and keeps your lighting bright.
Without regular cleaning, these hidden spots can impact your air quality, allergies, and overall health. Adding them to your cleaning routine ensures a healthier and fresher home—without much extra effort. A little time spent on these often-forgotten areas can make a huge difference in how you feel every day.