Ewwww! When did you last clean these 28 surprisingly dirty items in your house?
With a massive rise in cleaning influencers on social media, and cleaning products going as viral as the latest make up must-haves, getting your home spick and span has become a trend. But while we are used to whizzing around with a duster, and tackling the obvious areas with a mop, have we forgotten the hidden danger areas that could be damaging our health?
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Factory Direct Flooring conducted a swab experiment recently in eight different homes in the UK, and spoke to cleaning experts at Homeaglow, and health expert, Dr. Deborah Lee, at Doctorfox.co.uk. The results showed that carpets are a hidden hotspot for mould and that bathrooms have the dirtiest floors overall, though they're the easiest to clean. They found that bedrooms have the filthiest carpets and that staphylococcus is especially rife here. Streptococcus was the germ most resistant to cleaning in their tests, which can cause a range of illnesses including sore throat, fever and itchy eyes.
‘Everyday items can harbour dangerous bacteria if neglected because these tend to be used the most,’ says kitchen equipment expert Guy Cooper from Mitchell & Cooper. ‘Take, for instance, the humble can opener. Often overlooked in the cleaning routine, it can accumulate harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. Ensure to thoroughly clean and sanitise your can opener after each use to prevent contamination.’
Let us present to you 28 more gross items to consider in your next blitz:
1. Your light switches
Cleaning expert Alice Lynch runs her own property services business in London, Lynch Property Services. She says, ‘Constantly touched but rarely cleaned, light switches collect grease, germs, and grime from hands throughout the day. Wipe them weekly using a cloth lightly sprayed with disinfectant (never spray directly). Antibacterial wipes work well too. Use glass spray and a glass cloth for a polished, professional finish.’
2. Your window tracks
They’re out of sight until the sun hits just right… and then you spot the dust, dead bugs, and mystery grime hanging out in your window tracks. Andrew Haydon, DIY and home expert at Simply Plastics recommends cleaning them by vacuuming out loose debris – a crevice tool will help you get in all the nooks and crannies. Next, sprinkle in baking soda, then spritz with white vinegar. Let it fizz, scrub it with an old toothbrush, and wipe clean.
‘You’ll be amazed by what comes out,’ says Andrew. ‘But your windows will look and feel cleaner immediately. It can also help reduce the amount of damp and mould that can grow around your windows.’
3. All handles (doors, microwave, dish washer…)
Cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey at MyJobQuote.co.uk says, ‘Many homeowners overlook door and cabinet handles when cleaning. It’s just not really something that people think about. However, door handles collect germs, dirt, and grease, so it’s important to wipe them down. This should be completed on a weekly basis. The most important areas are places where they are exposed to mess such as the kitchen cabinet door handles.
‘Door and cabinet handles are something that we touch every single day. Your hands carry sweat and germs. We touch so many things throughout the day which can collect on your hands. Door handles are a place where bacteria can thrive and this means that anyone else that touches the handles will also pick up this bacteria.
‘The safest and simplest method of cleaning door and cupboard handles is with warm water and a clean cloth that can be used to wipe the surface of the handles. If any dirt of grease remains after wiping it with warm water, then use a soft soap such as dish soap with warm water and a clean cloth.
‘Avoid using harsh chemicals on your handles as this can affect the coating on them. Over time, this could lead to a deterioration of the handles. In order to protect the surface of your door handles and cupboard handles, it’s worth using a spray on wax. Simply spray and wipe this product onto the handles. Avoid rubbing it in as the chemicals could affect the handle. This spray on wax will provide some simple but effective protection from grease and dirt and can provide some protection from the transmission of diseases.’
4. Your blinds
Sarah also advises to keep your blinds clean. ‘The best way to clean your roller blinds will depend on how dirty they are and the material that they’re made from. This may be polyester, PVC, faux silk, bamboo, or voile.
‘For blinds that are lightly dusty and not heavily soiled, it’s easier to leave them in place and simply vacuum the blind using the soft upholstery attachment.
‘When your roller blind requires a more thorough cleaning, you’ll need some warm water and mild detergent. It’s often easiest to take down the blind and lay it on a flat surface covered with a towel before cleaning it.
‘You should first vacuum the blind using the upholstery attachment to remove any dust. If the roller blind is still in place, you should support the blind from the back as you vacuum to stop the fabric getting creased or crumpled by being sucked into the hose.
‘To wipe down the roller blind, dip a sponge into some warm water, mild detergent, and isopropyl alcohol. Squeeze out the sponge so it’s damp but not too wet. Roller blinds are coated in starch to help them keep their shape and remain uncreased. Too much water used during cleaning will remove this layer of starch.
‘Delicate fabric roller blinds should not be cleaned with water and should only be dusted and vacuumed. Spot cleaning can be done with a mild detergent, warm water and a soft sponge or cloth.’
5. The contents of the toy basket
New research using contamination tests by MattressNextDay reveal that childhood teddy bears swabbed were 650% dirtier than a bin lid and 229% dirtier than a toilet seat! Katy Roberts, washing machine expert at AO.com, advises that you should wash soft toys every month. Most used ones may need a more frequent attention if they get particularly grubby or your child is ill.
‘If your furry companion is looking a bit worse for wear, there’s nothing finer for it than popping it into your washing machine,’ says Katy. ‘To clean them properly, check your care label and if this has worn away over the years then put on a gentle, cold wash with a mild detergent to be on the safe side. If your teddy has seen better days and is more on the delicate side, then use a soft cloth or sponge with shampoo and dab away at any dirty areas. Leave this to air dry naturally and you can even give this a quick fluff with a soft brush for a magic touch to finish.’
6. Your sofa
Melissa Denham, Interior Design Expert at Hammonds Furniture says, ‘Natural oils from your skin and hair can leave yellow staining and a greasy residue, meaning it is important to give it a proper clean.
‘Dust, dead skin cells and pet dander settle on and get caught in the fibres of the upholstery, which encourages mites and aggravates those with allergies. The first thing you should do before any cleaning, is refer to your sofa’s care label, as different materials can have different needs. If possible, clean your sofa every 2-3 weeks, but if that isn’t manageable, give it a deep clean every 4-6 weeks.’
Her tips for fabric sofas are to use a steam cleaner or spot cleaning machine. ‘Alternatively, you can use warm water and a mild detergent. You can carefully work this into the fabric with a clean, damp cloth and follow with a dry cloth to absorb any leftover liquid. Before using your sofa after a clean, ensure the cushions dry fully. Open the window and doors to aid air circulation.’
Velvet sofas are trickier to maintain. ‘Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first,’ says Melissa. ‘If it’s suitable for cleaning with detergent, make sure you dab rather than rub with your cloth to prevent damaging the delicate material. A bristle brush will be your best friend. Avoid putting liquid onto your sofa where possible and instead, keep it looking fresh by regularly brushing with a bristle brush or a bristle brush attachment on your vacuum.’
Luckily, leather sofas require less deep cleaning than material ones – frequent wiping with a damp, clean, microfibre cloth should do the trick! ‘Ensure you are using products designed specifically for leather,’ adds Sarah. ‘Make sure you never use anything containing antibacterial or bleach, as this may damage the finish of the leather.’
7. Your shower doors or curtain
Sarah Dempsey says, ‘Most people assume that the toilet is the dirtiest area of the bathroom but the dirtiest part of your bathroom is actually your shower space, including the shower tray and shower curtain.
‘A lot goes on in your shower. All of the dirt that you wash off yourself while showering ends up hitting the shower tray. In addition, some people will shave in the shower, brush their teeth in the shower, and more people than you may think actually urinate in the shower. This results in a collection of bacteria.’
So how to best clean a shower curtain? ‘You can wash a shower curtain in the washing machine in most cases,’ says Sarah. ‘Take the curtain down and remove the hooks if necessary. Place your shower curtain in the washing machine. Add a couple of bath towels into the washing machine with the shower curtain. This will help scrub the dirt and grime from the shower curtain and will prevent it from wrinkling. It will also prevent it from sticking to itself and tearing. Add laundry detergent (use the usual amount for a typical wash cycle) and half a cup of baking soda. Run the washing machine on a gentle, warm setting. Once the cycle is over, hang the shower curtain back up and allow it to dry naturally.’
It’s best to give your shower curtain a good cleaning every week or so to prevent mould and bacteria from building up on it.
For shower doors, Kelly Moore, Founder of Cleaning With Meaning advises the following Eco-friendly way to clean your shower doors: ‘Make a daily preventative spray with 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp natural dish soap (like castile soap) and a few optional drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon or tea tree). Lightly mist the doors after each shower to prevent soap scum and mineral buildup.’
She also recommends using a squeegee after each shower to reduce water spots. For soap scum. Kelly recommends using a baking soda paste – mix it with a small amount of water or vinegar and apply with a damp cloth or sponge, scrubbing gently in circles before rinsing with water. ‘Baking soda is mildly abrasive but gentle on surfaces and safe for the environment,’ she says. Hard water stains can be tackled with warm white vinegar. ‘Spray or apply it with a cloth directly on the glass,’ says Kelly. ‘Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth, then rinse and dry.’
8. Your mattresses
Sarah Dempsey says, ‘If your mattress has a removable cover, it's a good idea to clean it regularly. Most removable mattress covers are machine washable.
‘If possible, it's best to tackle stains while they are still wet. Clean your mattress with a damp cloth and try to soak as much of the moisture up as possible. Afterwards, open your windows and allow your mattress to air dry before replacing your bedding.
‘Whenever you change your sheets, it's a good idea to vacuum your mattress as well. This will help to remove any dust, dirt, hair, and dead skin cells from the mattress. This also gives you a nice, clean surface on which to put your fresh bedding. This is also highly recommended for people who suffer from allergies.
‘Whenever you clean your mattress, you should always allow it to air dry. This will prevent it from remaining damp for long periods of time. It’s important to ensure that it’s completely dry before you put your bedding back on.
‘If you want to keep your mattress smelling fresh and clean, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda over the surface. Lightly cover the entire mattress and then leave it for a few hours. Afterwards, vacuum the baking soda up, and this will leave your mattress completely odourless.
Kelly Moore also recommends spot cleaning your mattress with a natural mix of 1 cup water to ½ cup white vinegar. ‘Spray it lightly on the stain, blot with a clean cloth, and air dry,’ says Kelly. ‘Do not soak the mattress; use minimal moisture. It’s also a good idea to air out a mattress in the sun if possible, or move it to a sunny window for a few hours. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser.’
9. Your knife block
‘Knife storage can often go unnoticed during cleaning routines but can accumulate food particles and bacteria if left unchecked,’ says Guy Cooper. ‘Disassemble your knife block and clean each slot with warm, soapy water. Ensure it's completely dry before reassembling to prevent mould growth.’
10. Your wooden spoons and utensils
‘They may be kitchen essentials, but they can absorb odours and harbour bacteria over time,’ says Guy. ‘To refresh them, create a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, and soak the utensils for a few hours. Then, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry.’
11. Your food processor
‘Deep cleaning a food processor can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be,’ says Guy. ‘A simple mixture of baking soda and water can effectively remove stubborn stains and odours from the blades and bowl. Additionally, running a slice of lemon through the food processor can leave it smelling fresh.’
12. Your fridge
Sarah Dempsey says, ‘A few times each year, homeowners should perform a deep clean on their fridges. You'll want to ensure the fridge is unplugged before you begin. It's also a smart idea to put a towel down on the floor to protect it from any spills. Remove the food from your fridge and place everything in coolers while you complete the cleaning. Check the expiration dates on everything and bin anything that is out of date.
‘Remove the shelves and drawers and wipe each one carefully with a mixture of water and baking soda, which will remove any odours. For any stubborn crusts, use a putty knife or butter knife to loosen the gunk before wiping again. Then, leave the shelves and drawers to soak in a water and baking soda solution while you continue with the rest of the appliance.
‘Spray the inside of the fridge with a cleaning solution such as a multi-purpose cleaning spray and thoroughly wash all of the built-in fixtures, the nooks and crannies of the door, and the bottom of the fridge. Make sure you get into all of the cracks underneath the shelving areas. Once clean, dry the inside of the fridge with a clean, dry towel. Wipe and dry the shelves and drawers and replace them.
‘Carefully pull the fridge away from the wall and vacuum the coils at the back to remove all of the dust. Remove the grate or kickplate at the bottom of the fridge as well, and vacuum there. If your fridge has a drip pan, carefully remove this and clean it with the same method as the internal shelves or drawers.
‘Once finished, return everything to the fridge. While doing so, wipe any containers that may be sticky. Place an opened-up box of baking soda in your fridge as this helps to absorb any odours in the future.
13. …Especially refrigerator seals
‘The rubber seals around refrigerator doors provide an airtight seal to keep your food fresh. However, they can also trap moisture and food particles, creating an ideal environment for mould and bacteria to thrive,’ says Guy. ‘Regularly wipe down the seals with a mixture of vinegar and water to prevent buildup.’
14. Your reusable grocery bags
‘While reusable grocery bags are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags, they can harbour harmful bacteria if not cleaned regularly,’ says Guy. ‘Food spills and leaks can contaminate the interior of the bags, leading to bacterial growth. Wash reusable bags in hot, soapy water after each use, and allow them to air dry thoroughly.’
15. Your coffee maker
‘Your morning cup of coffee may be harbouring more than just caffeine,’ says Guy. ‘Coffee makers, especially those with water reservoirs, can accumulate mineral deposits, mould, and bacteria over time. Regularly clean your coffee maker by running a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar through a brewing cycle, followed by a cycle of clean water to rinse.’
16. Your rubber spatula
‘Rubber spatulas are versatile kitchen tools, but their crevices can trap food particles and bacteria if not cleaned properly,’ says Guy. ‘Pay close attention to the area where the rubber meets the handle, as this is a common hiding spot for bacteria. Wash rubber spatulas thoroughly with hot, soapy water, and consider replacing them if they show signs of wear and tear.’
17. Your sink drains
‘While it may seem counterintuitive, the very place where you wash your dishes can be a breeding ground for bacteria,’ says Guy. ‘Food particles and organic matter can accumulate in the sink drain, creating a foul odour and providing a habitat for bacteria. Regularly clean your sink drain by pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down buildup.’
18. Your extractor fan cover
‘Out of sight and often out of mind, extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms often gather thick layers of dust and grease over time,’ says Andrew Haydon. ‘Pop off the cover (most simply click out), soak it in soapy water, and give it a scrub with a toothbrush or cloth.
‘They’re easy to forget, but clogged fans can reduce airflow and make your extractor work harder, which means higher energy bills and damp rooms.’
19. Your cleaning cloths and tea towels
‘Sponges can hold onto moisture, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria,’ says Siobhán Carroll, a fully qualified naturopath and herbalist at A.Vogel (avogel.co.uk). ‘They can harbour an astonishing number of bacteria. A cubic centimetre of a kitchen sponge can contain millions of bacteria, making it one of the dirtiest items in a typical household. A German study found the presence of unpleasant bacterial habitants including E coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus.
‘Pour boiling water over your sponge each morning before using and replace the sponge after a few days. Consider swapping to silicone scrubbers that dry quickly and don’t allow bacteria to live on them like moist sponges do or use more old-school dishcloths, which is what I use. These are great because you can get natural materials like cotton and simply pop them in the washing machine at the end of the day and take a new one out the next morning. With about 7 or 8 cloths you can easily interchange them throughout the week this way!’
20. Your kitchen tap
Alice Lynch says greasy hands, food splashes, and hard water deposits make the kitchen tap a surprising germ hotspot. ‘Wipe daily with soapy water, then polish with glass cleaner and a glass cloth,’ she suggests. ‘Use limescale remover weekly with a scrubber or toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. If the material allows, use the same method throughout the sink. Soak the tap aerator in vinegar monthly to clear hidden limescale and improve water flow.’
21. Your microwave
Kelly Moore suggests giving your microwave a weekly steam clean with vinegar and water to loosen up stick-on food and naturally deodorise. ‘Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water, 2–3 tablespoons of white vinegar and an optional few lemon slices or a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Leave the door closed for another 2–3 minutes to let the steam loosen grime. Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!). Finally wipe down all surfaces with a reusable microfiber cloth or sponge.’
Kelly advises scrubbing with baking soda on stubborn spots.
22. Your make-up bag (and the contents)
A recent study by Fatimah M. Alshehrei in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences found that cosmetics are a haven for bacteria. ‘Cosmetic products contain several components that are ideal for microbial growth,’ says Fatimah, ‘exposed to contamination by pathogenic bacteria and fungi, and this may cause health risks such as skin and eye infections.’ She found that the most contaminated product was lip gloss and then lipstick, with the most predominant species of bacteria being Staphylococcus aureus (27 %) and E. coli (27 %). The study recommends keeping cosmetics in a dry, cool environment to prevent spoiling, which will reduce infection and lengthen the shelf life of items. It also recommended sterilising items with a good sanitiser.
‘Makeup brushes accumulate bacteria and oils, even mould, if not cleaned regularly,’ says Siobhán Carroll. ‘Without proper cleaning, they become ideal breeding grounds for germs in a very similar way to kitchen sponges. This is an especially important place to look if you have sensitive skin or if you are prone to spots. Also, if you use the brushes over any broken skin, the germs can get into your body and cause infection.
‘Regularly clean makeup brushes with a gentle, natural brush cleaner or mild shampoo, ensuring all residue is removed. Allow brushes to fully air-dry before reusing to prevent bacterial or mould growth. I sometimes use a hair dryer to dry them more quickly!
‘You can consider disposable makeup applicators for single-use situations if you have particularly sensitive skin or if you do not have time to regularly clean your brushes.’
23. Your gym or work bag
Household cleaning brand Astonish recently conducted research that revealed almost three quarters of Brits admitted they have never cleaned their gym bags, work bags or make-up bags. 1 in 5 admit they’ve never cleaned their wallet or purse – meaning people are quite literally walking around with germ ridden hotspots!
Olivia Young, Cleaning Expert and Product Development Scientist at Astonish, says, ‘Items such as our bags and purses can quickly become hotspots for bacteria and grime from being in constant use. Despite this, our research shows that concerningly, they are being overlooked when it comes to cleaning.
‘With items like our work bags, we’re essentially transporting bacteria from place to place if we don’t clean them, harbouring dirt, food crumbs and germs from public transport and office floors.
‘Because of this, it’s really important to give these everyday essentials a good clean regularly as this can make a big difference in keeping germs at bay. By not doing so, you are quite literally walking around carrying or wearing items that have been exposed to bacteria and grime – which is not a pleasant thought!
‘Use an antibacterial spray inside and out and let them dry. If the bags are fabric, you can also more than likely pop them in the washing machine once a month – just make sure you refer to the care label instructions.’
24. Your BBQ
Professor Chris Elliott OBE, one of the UK’s leading food safety experts and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast is working with Oven Pride to launch the ‘Grill With Pride’ campaign. He says, ‘A dirty grill is not a badge of honour – it’s a serious health risk. The belief that fire sterilises everything is a dangerous myth. Some bacteria – like E. coli and Salmonella – can survive if the grill isn’t properly cleaned. High heat won’t cut through baked-on grease or cold spots where bacteria thrive.’
Teaming up with him is Toby Inskip, better known as Eating With Tod – one of the UK’s leading food influencers and co-founder of the FUME BBQ Festival. Known for his bold BBQ takes and love of proper flavour, Tod is bringing heat – and hygiene – to the campaign. ‘People think that black, burnt-on stuff on the grill is ‘seasoning’ – it’s not. It’s old grease and carbon that makes your food taste bitter, not better,’ says Tod. ‘And no, cleaning your grill with onions, lemons, beer or coke won’t do the trick – it’ll only make your BBQ smell like a pub at closing time.’
He suggests using Oven Pride’s Degreasing Spray and Cleaning Kit.
25. Your laptop keyboard
‘Computer keyboards, often overlooked in regular cleaning routines, are hotspots for harbouring an array of crumbs, dust, and bacteria accumulated from fingertips,’ says Siobhán Carroll. ‘Our hands constantly touch various surfaces, and as we type, these germs transfer onto the keys, combining with food particles and oils that fall in between the crevices, creating an optimal environment for bacterial growth.
‘Using a disinfectant specifically made for electronics can effectively clean keyboards. It's also helpful to use a soft brush or a specialised keyboard cleaning tool to dislodge debris from the keys, allowing the disinfectant to reach all the nooks and crannies.
‘Consider silicone keyboard covers that are easier to clean. The use of silicone keyboards also helps you avoid many endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastic that contribute to hormone imbalances.’
26. Your remote control
Sarah Dempsey recommends cleaning your remote control regularly in the following way: ‘Remove the batteries from the remote control and then replace the cover on the battery slot. Tap the remote control lightly on a table to loosen or dislodge any debris or crumbs that may be stuck in the crevices. If any crumbs or debris remains, carefully use a toothpick to get into all of the crevices. Use a disinfecting wipe to clean both sides of the remote. Wipe between all of the buttons and any other narrow areas. If your remote control is particularly grubby or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you may want to go over it a second time with another disinfecting wipe.
Allow the remote control time to air dry. Once the remote control is fully dried, you can then return the batteries to their compartment, and the remote is then ready to be used again.’
27. Your phone and chargers
‘These days, mobiles are practically extensions of our hands, collecting germs as we touch various surfaces,’ says Siobhán. ‘Our phones accompany us everywhere – from the kitchen to the office, on public transport to the bathroom. You might not think of it but the exterior of phones provides a warm and often moist environment due to the accumulation of sweat, humidity, and exposure to various surfaces, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.
‘There are some sanitisers you can use on electronics if you feel the need to disinfect your phone. But if you think the constant companion is causing harm from the bacteria on it, it’s also worth considering the effect of 5G and blue light and rather than over-sanitising you may want to simply reduce how often you use your phone. But if that is too out there, then maybe just stop bringing it into the loo with you!’
28. Your watch strap
Often overlooked, our watch straps come with us everywhere, trapping dirt and grime on our skin. Olivia Young recommends cleaning a damp cloth and leather cleaner if it’s a leather strap. ‘For metal or silicone straps, a quick scrub with warm soapy water and a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, will work wonders.’
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