15 household items you really should be cleaning (but aren’t)

You wash your dishes but what about the underside of your taps? The dish drainer? You’ll eat more safely when these things are clean.

1. Toothbrush holder

Sure, you disinfect your toothbrush on a regular basis, but have you ever thought about the holder? One study found it was the third most germ-infected place in the home. Start by rinsing the holder with hot water, then use a pipe cleaner to dislodge any grime and dried toothpaste from the holes. Fill the holder with antibacterial mouthwash, allow to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water. Then leave to air dry before using again. 

2. Hairbrush

Every time you run your brush through your hair, it picks up dead skin, grease, dust particles and hair product residue. To clean, remove hair strands and gently scrub using a toothbrush with a few drops of shampoo on it. Rinse in a bowl of hot water, taking care not to submerge any part of the soft cushion as this may cause mould. Leave your brush, bristles down, to air dry over the sink.

3. Light switches

Never spray the switchboard directly. Instead, spray disinfectant or rubbing alcohol on to a paper towel and wipe down the surface. Then use a cotton bud to get into every corner of the actual switch.

4. Around your fridge

You’re right to dread what lurks underneath. Get to those hard-to-reach spots using a flexible microfibre duster.

5. Reusable jars

How many times do you refill the cookie/cereal/sugar/flour jar before you think to wash it out? They are known to carry salmonella, yeast and mould, so make sure you thoroughly wash with detergent and hot water between each use. Take care to clean the rubber seals and allow to air dry before filling with anything else.

6. Remote controls and game controllers

Remove the batteries from the back, then wipe clean with a cotton cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Next, use a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol to carefully clean around the buttons. If there’s grime underneath, use a toothpick to get in the crannies. Dry using a microfibre cloth.

7. Dish drying rack

Though you only place clean items on your dish rack, the water that drips from your cutlery and plates can cause mould and mildew. Disassemble your rack and scrub each part with a sponge, detergent and hot water. Make sure you reach deep inside the utensil holder, using a toothbrush to get into every corner. Then, soak each part in a sink of hot water and a tablespoon of bleach. Leave for two minutes, rinse, then leave to air dry.

8. Fridge drawers

The drawers in your fridge are a hot spot for salmonella, listeria and other nasties. Take out the drawers and wash with a clean sponge and hot water mixed with detergent. Rinse and wipe dry with a clean towel. Also, separate meat from vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.

The drawers in your fridge are a hot spot for nasties. Photo: Stocksy

9. Can openers

Since most people tend to wipe their can openers clean, they can become hot spots for disease-causing bacteria. If you can, throw into the dishwasher or wash in hot soapy water and allow to air dry before tossing back into the drawer. You can clean blender gaskets using the same method.

10. Reusable grocery bags

You should be cleaning yours at least once a week. Launder using a cool setting (it doesn’t matter if they come out a bit crinkly) and leave to dry in the sun. Use separate bags for meat, fish or poultry to avoid cross-contamination.

11. Rubbish bin

If your bin ever begins to smell, you know it’s long overdue for a clean. Put on some rubber gloves, completely empty your bin (removing any food particles stuck to the bottom), hose down, then pat dry with paper towel. Liberally spray with a disinfectant, scrub with a toilet brush, then rinse and allow to air dry.

12. Sink

Want to get your sink looking sparkly and new again? First, wet the entire surface. Then pour bicarb soda over the area and scrub using a toothbrush. Rinse, then pour white vinegar on to paper towels and line your basin with them. Allow them to sit for 20 minutes, then wipe and throw away. Wash again with soapy water, paying attention to the faucets, knobs and sink stopper, before rinsing once more and allowing to dry.

Yes, there is a way to get your sink looking sparkly and new again. Photo: Stocksy

13. Doorknobs and handles

Sickness spreads very easily via doorknobs and handles, touched by everyone but cleaned by no one. To clean, spray with a gentle disinfectant, then wipe down with a clean towel.

14. Couch cushions

First, remove the cover and wash separately from the pillow. Pre-treat any stains then machine wash on a delicate wash cycle, along with the pillow itself. Tumble dry or leave to dry in the sun – taking care to fluff back into shape. If the pillow’s foam, rinse clean by hand and gently press out the water before leaving to dry. 

15. Sponge and rags

Think about it – they’re warm, moist hotbeds for nasty microbes. Give them a quick clean by soaking them in a solution made from nine parts water to one part bleach, to instantly eliminate bacteria. Rinse with water, wring out to dry, and they’re good to use again.