Hidden Grime: How Often Should You Clean These 8 Household Items?

Maintaining a clean and healthy home requires more than just vacuuming floors and wiping countertops. Some areas and items are easy to overlook, yet they can harbor dirt, bacteria, and allergens. Regularly cleaning these often-neglected spots not only improves your home’s hygiene but also extends the lifespan of your belongings. Here’s a detailed guide on how often you should clean these eight commonly overlooked household items and why it matters.

1. Refrigerator Coils

How Often: Every 6 months

Why It’s Important: Dirty refrigerator coils force your appliance to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan. Dust and debris can block airflow, reducing cooling efficiency.

How to Clean:

• Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.

• Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from the coils, typically located at the back or bottom of the fridge.

• Wipe away remaining grime with a damp cloth.

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder to clean the coils every spring and fall.

2. Trash Cans

How Often: Every week (light cleaning); monthly (deep cleaning)

Why It’s Important: Trash cans can become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors, even when lined with bags.

How to Clean:

• Rinse out the can weekly with hot, soapy water.

• Once a month, scrub the interior with a disinfectant cleaner and let it dry completely before adding a new bag.

Pro Tip: Use baking soda to neutralize odors between deep cleans.

3. Shower Door Tracks

How Often: Weekly

Why It’s Important: Shower door tracks collect water, soap scum, and mildew, creating an unhygienic and unsightly buildup.

How to Clean:

• Spray a vinegar solution into the tracks and let it sit for 15 minutes.

• Scrub the tracks with a toothbrush or a small brush.

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a cloth.

Pro Tip: Use a squeegee after every shower to minimize buildup.

4. Ceiling Fans

How Often: Monthly

Why It’s Important: Dust accumulates on fan blades and gets redistributed into the air when the fan is in use, aggravating allergies and asthma.

How to Clean:

• Place a pillowcase over each blade and wipe to trap dust.

• Use a microfiber cloth to remove remaining debris.

• For tough buildup, use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution.

Pro Tip: Reverse your fan’s direction seasonally to optimize airflow.

5. Washing Machine

How Often: Monthly

Why It’s Important: Residual detergent, fabric softener, and lint can build up inside your washing machine, leading to mold, mildew, and bad odors.

How to Clean:

• Run an empty cycle with hot water and 2 cups of white vinegar.

• Wipe the drum, door seal, and detergent dispenser with a damp cloth.

• Leave the door open after each use to allow the interior to dry.

Pro Tip: Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in front-loading machines to minimize residue.

6. Baseboards

How Often: Quarterly

Why It’s Important: Baseboards collect dust, dirt, and pet hair, detracting from your home’s cleanliness and appearance.

How to Clean:

• Vacuum baseboards using a brush attachment to remove loose dust.

• Wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth or a mixture of water and mild dish soap.

• Use a cotton swab to clean corners and crevices.

Pro Tip: Apply a dryer sheet to baseboards after cleaning to repel dust.

7. Remote Controls

How Often: Weekly

Why It’s Important: Hands frequently touch remote controls, making them hotspots for germs and bacteria.

How to Clean:

• Remove batteries before cleaning.

• Wipe the remote with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

• Use a cotton swab to clean between buttons.

Pro Tip: Avoid spraying cleaners directly onto the remote to prevent damage.

8. Reusable Grocery Bags

How Often: Weekly (or after each use if carrying raw food)

Why It’s Important: Reusable bags can harbor bacteria from spills and raw food residues, posing a risk of cross-contamination.

How to Clean:

• For fabric bags, machine wash in hot water and air dry.

• For plastic-lined bags, wipe the interior with a disinfectant cloth and let dry completely.

Pro Tip: Designate specific bags for meat, produce, and pantry items to reduce contamination.

Final Thoughts

Paying attention to these often-overlooked household items can make a big difference in the overall cleanliness and health of your home. While these tasks may seem small, their impact is significant in creating a more hygienic living environment.

For professional cleaning services tailored to your home’s needs, call or text Maids of Livermore at 925-264-9646. Our team of experts will help you tackle even the most neglected areas, ensuring a spotless and healthy home year-round!