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Do you consider yourself a "neat freak?" Maybe you're typically tidy, but your home looks comfortably "lived in." Or maybe, you're the opposite and your house is delightfully disordered. No matter how you identify, I bet there are a few overlooked spaces in your home that you've been forgetting to clean. We've all been there! Here are 7 sneaky places that could use a good scrubbing (and without harsh chemicals).
1.) Washing Machine
When you have damp clothing balled up in such a small space, it's no wonder that washing machines are susceptible to mold and mildew. (Especially those front-loading models.) If you notice your newly-washed clothes smell less-than-fresh, it's time to clean your machine. Run a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda through the hottest cycle setting. Easy, right?
2.) Dishwasher
Sometimes the machines that handle our cleaning need to be cleaned themselves. And much like the washing machine, this is an easy task. First, clean the gunk out of your dishwasher filter, and then run a high-heat cycle with only a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. This will help remove hard-water deposits, soap scum and food debris.
3.) Coffeemaker
Coffee makers are warm and moist. They provide the perfect environment for mold, yeast, and bacteria to thrive. Plus, hard-water deposits and brewing residue add to the recipe for a major germ fest. So how do you avoid mold and enjoy a better-tasting cup of coffee? Once again, the magic ingredient is vinegar, which decalcifies and helps disinfect.
Fill the coffee maker's water reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Allow your coffee pot to brew halfway through a cycle and then shut the machine off. Let the vinegar mixture sit for about an hour, and then turn it back on to finish its cycle. After you dump out your carafe, make sure to run fresh water through the machine a few times until the vinegar smell (and taste) is gone.
For external pieces, such as the carafe and filter basket, you can throw them in the dishwasher. If you use your coffeemaker daily, this process should be done about once a month or so.
4.) Curtains and Upholstery
Curtains and upholstery may look clean to the naked eye, but without regular care, they can get seriously gross. They trap everything from pollen, to dust mites, to bacteria and mold. For a deep clean, sprinkle baking soda on your upholstery and let sit for 20 minutes. Then, use an extension tool to vacuum the upholstery clean. Also, check the tags on your curtains - some may be machine washable.
5.) Light switches, doorknobs and handles
Just think about how many times your household light switches, doorknobs and cupboard handles are touched daily. Sanitizing these things should be done regularly, and not just when somebody in your household is sick (although I'm guilty of that, myself). Add these fixtures to your daily cleaning routine and wipe them down with antibacterial cleansers. It's a quick and easy task that can help you stay healthier in the long run.
6.) Remotes and keyboards
How often can we really say we pay attention to the cleanliness of our remotes and computer keyboards? Remove the batteries from your remote(s) and sanitize once a week to prevent germs from spreading.
To disinfect your keyboard, unplug it from the computer and remove any batteries. Use a can of compressed air to remove gunk and debris. Wipe with disinfectant wipes and then dry with a microfiber cloth.
7.) Your cell phone
I saved the grossest one for last, so I'll jump right in. According to a recent study done by scientists at the University of Arizona, your cell phone is 10 times dirtier than most toilet seats. And by "dirty" we're talking serious pathogens, like E. coli.
For a cleaner phone, here are two tips: Don't use or take your phone into the restroom. And wipe your phone's surface with a mixture of 60% water and 40% alcohol. Be sure to clean with this mixture a few times a month, and of course, wash your hands several times a day.
