13 Common Household Items No One Remembers to Clean
You might not think about it, but allowing dust, dirt, and mold to build up in the home can seriously impact our health.
From asthma attacks to more serious respiratory issues, dust and other dangerous danders throughout your home can be everywhere and be a bigger issue than you realize.
It’s easy to procrastinate and delay cleaning, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You likely forget to clean some, if not all, of these household items that accumulate dust and other danders. We've provided some cleaning solutions so you can tackle these tasks right away. Let's get to work!
Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes can wreak havoc on your skin. To kill harmful bacteria, make a habit of cleaning your makeup brushes weekly.
Put the brushes in a bowl of warm water, adding some gentle shampoo. Swirl the brush head in the bowl or on your hand until the makeup is no longer visible. Lay your brushes flat on a towel and allow them to air dry.
Skirting Boards (Baseboards)

Skirting boards are often overlooked despite building up with dirt and grime.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the crevices. For more control, use a duster or cloth.
If the stains are deeper, use a vinegar and water solution. If you have mold or other challenges in your home, you can use many natural cleaning agents.
The Architraves of Doors

When you do your weekly dusting, remember the architraves — the grooves around your doors and windows.
All you need for basic cleaning is a duster or damp cloth. For the harder-to-reach places, you may need to open the door or remove it from its hinges to really get in there.
If the architraves are peeling and require restoration, you may want to consider paint stripping to give them the boost they need.
Microwaves

Luckily, microwaves are super easy to clean. Fill a microwaveable bowl with one cup of water, and add a tablespoon of vinegar. Microwave for about two minutes and allow it to sit for five minutes.
Wipe away any food residue with a cloth or sponge. Then, apply the solution to the walls of the microwave, the glass plate, and the turntable.
Bath Mats

Bath mats are a great addition to your bathroom as long as you keep them clean. They keep feet warm when you come out of the shower and prevent mold buildup and floor damage.
There are several types of mats, each with their own cleaning instructions. Many are machine washable, but some require hand washing. Follow the tags and labels for best practices.
Air Vents

When dust accumulates in your air vents, it can make you sick due to poor indoor air quality. The EPA advises cleaning your air ducts when they are contaminated with dust and mold.
To clean, remove the vent covers with a screwdriver and use a damp cloth to wipe down the vent covers. You can also clean any visible dirt with the vacuum cleaner, and scrub it with soft bristled brush and soapy water.
Window Sills

Like skirting boards, window sills require their fair share of cleaning.
Mix dish soap or a teaspoon of baking soda with warm water in a spray bottle. Grab a cloth and dampen it with the solution. Don’t forget the window sill track! Make sure to work this into your regular cleaning routine.
Top of Kitchen Units

The idea of cleaning inside your kitchen cabinets may have crossed your mind, but don’t neglect the top of the units!
Spray a degreaser cleaning solution and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
A clever hack for next time is to line the tops with sheets of wax paper. The dust and grime will stick to this like a magnet, protecting the top of your cabinets.
Outdoor Garbage Cans

Smelly garbage cans are enough for anyone to put off that cleaning task for another time. But here’s your sign you need to get your gloves on!
Start by cleaning down your trash can with a water hose. Mix four cups of distilled vinegar with half a cup of dish liquid and water. Use an extendable scrub brush to get deep into the container and rinse.
Phone and Personal Electronics

Phones can carry ten times more germs than toilet seats. We bring them everywhere; they’re often glued to our hands, even on the toilet.
Turn off and unplug your device before cleaning. Wipe your device with a cloth that is dampened with soapy water. To protect your phone, keep liquids away from its openings.
Remote Controls

Cleaning your remote only takes about five minutes, but it’s one household item that we forget about.
Remove the batteries before beginning. For basic cleaning, wipe the body of the remote with a cloth and some warm water and soap. Cotton buds can help you get in around the buttons.
Kids Toys

It’s time to clean those toys the kids have drooled over!
Most toys can be cleaned with soap and water, avoiding harmful detergents. Another option is to make a spray with water and vinegar to kill germs, and adding essential oils, such as lavender, helps mask the smell.
Shower Curtain

Tossing your shower curtains when they look worse for wear is not cost-effective and bad for the environment.
Instead of waiting until it gets moldy, toss it into the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Add detergent and one cup of vinegar to remove the mold.
If it’s not machine washable, as per the tag, you may want to soak the curtain in bleach and handwash it with laundry detergent.