Important Things That Must Be Regularly Cleaned In Your Home But Often Overlooked

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” — John Wesley.

A 17th-century quote on tidiness still holds its true meaning three centuries later. As humans, we have evolved to accept cleanliness as the hallmark of good hygiene. Heck, we even have organizations that purport to be cleaning ambassadors — and with good reasons!

Today, more than ever before, we’ve taken careful measures to fight the germs present in our homes by adopting good cleaning practices. But with a fast-paced world full of busy schedules, many people don’t clean their houses as needed. And when they do, they could be leaving out some household items that require more detailed cleaning. These items can become germ-breeding grounds if neglected.

That said, let’s cover six household items that need thorough washing during your next cleaning ritual. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Air Filters

Let’s admit it, we sometimes switch on the AC and feel like it’s not working. Questions start to crop up in your head — “Why is it still hot?” “Is the world experiencing a meltdown?” Next, you start fiddling with the temperature modes on the remote. You even lean in close to the blowers to check for temperature change. Nothing. You can try to solve this problem by changing your filters often. This is a critical maintenance task that you need to do at periodic intervals. Dirty filters need more energy to run. Over time, this can result in high energy bills, not mentioning, that your health is also on the line.

2. Washing Machine

Who would have thought your washing machine needs cleaning? After all, it cleans other things, so it has to be clean, right? Well, you’re mistaken. Your washing machine can become a home to mildew, mold, and bacteria because it’s damp all the time. This build-up increases when you leave the door closed between cleaning cycles. So, how do you clean your washing machine? Follow these steps:

Add 400ml of white vinegar to the detergent spot.
Run a complete washing cycle.
Add 100ml of baking soda and run a second cycle.
Clean your machine with a damp cloth after the second cycle.

You can also purchase washing machine cleaning tablets if you want something more efficient

3. Shower Storage Kit

If you use a wire container for your shampoo, it’s prone to getting dirty quickly; this also applies to the plastic container. Germs and bacteria can accumulate in these containers — and the humidity of the shower only makes it worse. That said, ensure you clean these at least once a week. Use boiling water, and once you’ve brushed the container, don’t forget to soak it.

4. Coffee Maker

If you’re always on the go, you may neglect cleaning your coffee maker. And for most people, they’ll forget their coffee machines exist once they’ve had their cup of Joe. However, your coffee maker needs regular cleaning. Hard water substrates can build up in its interior. Over time, this can affect how your brew tastes. That said, ensure you perform a deep clean of your coffee maker once a month — especially if you’re a regular coffee drinker. Here’s how:

Add equal amounts of distilled water and white vinegar into the water reserve.
Set the mixture to brew for 30–45 minutes.
Stop the brewing halfway through.
Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes.
Resume the brewing process to complete the cleaning ritual.

5. Remote Controls

Other than the doorknob, everyone in your house comes into contact with remote controls. What’s more, no one ever washes their hands before grabbing them. And in most cases, they’ll often touch them while eating their meals. These small household items are full of bacteria and germs that you don’t want near your family. Ensure you clean your remote controls every three days. This way, you can reduce bacteria build-up and germ-causing diseases.

6. Computer and Laptop Keyboards

If you work remotely, it makes it easier to eat breakfast or lunch at your desk. But according to new research, your keyboard is dirtier than your toilet. Yikes! This sounds even more awful if you’ve been enjoying breakfast tacos at your desk. Clean your keyboard at least once a month. Remember to unplug it before cleaning to reduce the risk of electrocution.

There you have it! Six critical household items you need to clean regularly. The above items require little effort to clean. What’s more, you don’t need to spend a dime buying cleaning agents: You can use everyday kitchen items such as white vinegar or baking soda. That said, try and set a weekly or monthly schedule to clean the above items. This way, you can say goodbye to bacteria and germs in your house. Over to you!