12 Things You Never Clean But Should

Inside: Our homes can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Check out these 12 things you never clean but should. Prevent illness and keep your home safe by cleaning these items.

We all have those daily tasks that we do to keep the house clean. Wash the dishes, run a load of laundry, and make the bed. If you are like me, you probably also do some weekly chores to keep on top of the housework. I like to deep clean the bathroom, dust, and clean out the refrigerator. But, how often do you go through and really deep clean things like your dishwasher and washing machine? Our computers and phones are breeding grounds for germs, but we don't usually think of cleaning them.

While you are doing your spring cleaning make sure you take a few minutes every day and clean the things you don't usually clean. Garbage cans, dryer vents, and throw pillows all need to be cleaned occasionally. Check out these 12 things you never clean but should.

Dryer Vent

If your dryer is clogged it will take more time to dry your clothes or even start a fire. You should be cleaning the dryer vents out every few months to prevent fires and quicken drying times on clothes. I am always amazed at all the lint that I find trapped in the dryer vent. You can see all the details to this super easy job here. Of all the things you never clean but should this is #1. Prevent fires and clean that dryer vent.

Garbage Cans

Garbage cans are covered with germs and dirt, yet if you are like me you probably don't clean them very often. After getting all the garbage out of your cans spray them down with warm water. Then add a squirt or two of dawn soap depending on the garbage can size. I like to use a cheap toilet brush from the dollar store to scrub down the inside and outside of the trash can to make sure it gets really clean. Then just rinse out the garbage cans and let it dry in the sun. Germs and dirt are gone!

Washing Machine

My sister was dealing with a smelly washing machine that left her clothes smelling funky too. I was so excited when I learned this easy tip on how to clean a front load washer.  I was amazed at the difference it made. Her clothes now smell better. Washing machines can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria so make sure you clean them every 6 months or so. If you have a top load machine you can see how I clean the washing machine here.

Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes can get germy and dirty. By cleaning them regularly you help keep the germs from getting all over your face and spreading illness. You can clean your makeup brushes every couple of months, or after being sick. You can buy cleaners in the store to do this or you can make your own homemade makeup brush cleaner. It not only keeps them clean but helps prolong the life of your brushes.

Dishwasher

The dishwasher is another one of those things you never clean because they clean things for us. But, the dishwasher needs to be cleaned occasionally too. If you haven't cleaned your dishwasher before it is pretty easy. I use citric acid to keep my dishwasher clean and free from hard water buildup. You can see all the details on how to clean your dishwasher here.

Laundry Hamper

The laundry hamper needs to be cleaned regularly to keep away germs and bacteria. We fill it with our dirty clothes and the germs can easily be transferred to the hamper. If you have a hamper with a cloth liner the easiest way to clean it is by washing the liner in hot water. If you have a plastic hamper then you can spray them down with warm water. Then add a squirt or two of dawn soap. Scrub down the inside and outside of the hamper with a sponge or scrub brush. Then just rinse it out and let it dry.

Cell Phone

We carry our phones with us everywhere these days. Of all the things you never clean this may be one of the most important to clean. I don't know about you, but I think nothing of setting the phone down in public where it picks up germs. Then, later I may grab a snack and play on my phone while I am eating. I have heard that phones often have more germs than a toilet, so gross! You can see how to clean your iPhone to keep it free from germs.

Fridge Coils

When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils? It may not be something you think of cleaning that often, but you should clean them occasionally. Cleaning your fridge coils helps keep your fridge running longer and helps it use less power and can save you money. I have heard that you save approximately $5-$10 dollars a month by keeping your fridge coils clean. That's easy money! You can see how I clean the fridge coils like a pro.

Computer

Just like phones, computers tend to be really dirty and germy yet not get cleaned that often. I recommend using electronic wipes to wipe down your computer every month or so. During cold and flu season you can also usually use some Lysol wipes on the keyboard. It really helps to keep everything clean and free from germs.

Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is often overlooked in regular cleaning until it becomes smelly. You can keep it from becoming smelly and gross by regularly cleaning it. It doesn't take a lot of time to keep the disposal clean. I like to wipe it down once a week and use some garbage disposal drops. You can see the homemade ones that I make here.  In just a few minutes time you can tackle this smelly and germy spot of your home.

Mattress

I have heard that your mattress doubles in weight from dead skin and dust mites. That is just so disgusting. Yet, I am still not always great at cleaning my mattress on a regular basis. Cleaning your mattress and those stains from the mattress are easy! Next time you wash your sheets on the bed take a few minutes to really clean your mattress too. You can see all the details on how I clean the mattress.

Throw Pillows

Throw pillows aren't usually thought of as something we need to clean a lot. Usually, they just sit there and look pretty. They don't always get a lot of use but can pick up a bunch of germs. If your throw pillows are machine washable toss them in every couple of months. If not, vacuum them well and spray them down with some Lysol spray to kill off germs.

So get cleaning on these things you never clean and get rid of germs and dirt. It's easy to add these 12 things to your regular spring cleaning schedule. What items do you often forget to clean?