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10 Things You’re Forgetting to Clean That Are Actually Really Gross

We dare you to take a peek inside your toothbrush holder.

By Liz Kadar
dog's toys
Kinga Krzeminska//Getty Images

When's the last time you disinfected the remote control for your TV? Never? Well, that sounds about right. While you’ve likely got the basics covered — floors, counters dressers — there’s a ton of small stuff you use everyday you're little forgetting to wipe down. Items like your comb, pillow, and pet bowls are hotspots for bacteria, and it's about time you bring them back to the condition you bought them. Here are 10 often-forgotten things you should be cleaning way more often, according to the experts. It's time to clean up your act.

1

Trash cans

girl throwing banana peel in garbage can at home
Maskot//Getty Images

You don’t even want to know the amount of bacteria growing inside your trash can. “Even if you’re constantly swapping out bags, your trash can is bound to end up with spills, dirt and germs in it,” notes Tanu Grewal, Chief Cleaning Officer at AlEn USA. “An all-purpose cleaner usually does the trick, just give a few sprays and wipe down both the inside and outside of the container.” If you’re dealing with an especially stinky bin, she personally likes to use products with pine-oil since it’s tough on grease, can remove any stuck on food, and smells fantastic to fill your house with a natural aroma.

2

Remote controls

hand of man pointing remote control at working television screen
Nico De Pasquale Photography//Getty Images

Consider just how many times a day you handle your remote control without so much as ever giving it a wipe down. For a quick clean, Stephanie Greenberg, Creative Director at Jane's Addiction Organization, suggests using disinfectant wipes or spray the control on a regular basis.

3

Light switches

woman's hand turning off the light
michellegibson//Getty Images

One study conducted by scientists at Simmons College in Boston even found that a light switch has the same amount of germs as a trash can, says Greenberg. To clean, she recommends wiping them regularly (once or twice a week) with a disinfectant wipe or spray.

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4

Pillows

man sleeping, overhead view, profile
Tim Kitchen//Getty Images

Dirty pillows can harbor everything from bacteria and allergens to germs, fungus, and even insects—all of which can make you sick. Most experts recommend washing your pillows at least twice a year (and more if you sleep with furry friends). You can also purchase a pillow protector to help extend time in between cleanings.

5

Ceiling fans/Light fixtures

fan
isitsharp//Getty Images

Just because you may not be able to see the top of your ceiling fans doesn’t mean they're not collecting dust, warns Grewal. “Similarly, we often overlook our chandeliers and lights as they may be difficult to reach, but when neglected they catch lots of dust, hair and can even become the perfect place for cobwebs.” Instead of using a regular duster that just spreads all of that grime back into the air, Grewal suggests using wipes to really get all of the dirt off. “Another unexpected hack is to grab a dryer sheet to wipe them down," adds Grewal. "The fabric softener in dryer sheets collects the dust and anti-static properties help keep your home dust-free for longer.”

6

Toothbrush holder

zero waste plastic free products in bathroom
Oscar Wong//Getty Images

You brush your teeth a couple times a day but when, if ever, have you cleaned out the inside of your toothbrush holder? “Either put it in the dishwasher or clean it by hand to get rid of the moldy residue inside,” says Greenberg. Once a week should suffice.

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7

Shower caddies

built in shower caddy
Marina Herrmann//Getty Images

You might think that these are clean since these sit in the shower and are surrounded by water, but there is a ton of gunk and residue left behind from products and water deposits. Greenberg suggests you "take everything off your shower caddy and wipe it down every few months.”

8

Toilet brush

cleaning toilet with toilet brush
Peter Dazeley//Getty Images

Greenberg suggests filling a bucket with hot water and adding a small amount of bleach to clean your porcelain scrubbing tool. “Soak the brush for at least an hour and then rinse in the tub.”

9

Pet bowls and toys

dog's toys
Kinga Krzeminska//Getty Images

A bowl of standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and between food bits and slobber, those bowls can get gross fast. “Think of it like you would your own dinner dishes—a little dish soap and warm water can go a long way or if you’re able to toss in the dishwasher with your next cycle to disinfect, even better!” says Grewal. As for their toys, she recommends throwing them in the washing machine with hot water to wash away the slobber. “If they’re starting to stink, try using an aroma-forward detergent on them, too.”

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10

Hairbrush

man worried about hair loss
PonyWang//Getty Images

If you check out the bristles of your brush or comb, you’ll likely find a lot of build up of product residue and oils from your hair, not to mention dirt. According to Greenberg, plastic brushes and combs can go in the dishwasher. “To care for wood brushes, clean the bristles with a small amount of shampoo and rinse. Do this once a month.”

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