Even the cleanest homes have dirty secrets—especially in the kitchen and bathroom, where germs love to hide in plain sight.

Kitchen Cleaning Tips: Places You're Probably Missing

While most people assume the bathroom is the dirtiest place in the house, research shows the kitchen actually wins that title. From the sponge by your sink to the filter in your dishwasher, many commonly used kitchen items quietly collect bacteria. Here’s where to look—and how to clean them properly.

1. Kitchen Sponges
Sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Instead, use washable dishcloths or towels.
Quick clean: Soak sponges in vinegar for five minutes or zap them wet in the microwave for two minutes.
How often: Daily cleaning; replace every 2 weeks.

2. Dishwasher Filter
That funky smell from your dishwasher? It could be trapped food particles.
Quick clean: Remove the strainer, rinse under hot water, and scrub off debris.
How often: Every 3–6 months.

3. Coffee Maker Reservoir
This hidden water tank is a favorite hangout for mold and bacteria.
Quick clean: Add up to 4 cups of vinegar, let sit for 30 minutes, run a cycle, then rinse with plain water.
How often: Monthly or every 40–80 brew cycles.

4. Trash Can
Even with liners, spills and smells build up fast.
Quick clean: Scrub the inside and outside with soapy water, then dry before adding a new liner.
How often: Monthly or as needed.

5. Range Hood Vents
These collect greasy buildup that can hinder function and even pose a fire hazard.
Quick clean: Soak the filter in hot soapy water, rinse, and dry.
How often: Monthly or annually, depending on usage.

6. Refrigerator Coils
Dusty coils = less efficiency and higher energy bills.
Quick clean: Use a vacuum and degreasing solution with a mop.
How often: Every 3–4 months.

7. Faucet and Sink
Mineral deposits and food remnants love to camp here.
Quick clean: Soak the faucet head in vinegar. Scrub the sink and clean the disposal with baking soda and vinegar.
How often: Weekly for the sink, every few months for the faucet.

8. Stove Knobs and Pantry Shelves
Often overlooked, but loaded with germs and food debris.
Quick clean: Wash knobs in hot soapy water. Wipe pantry shelves and discard expired items.
How often: Weekly for knobs, quarterly for pantry cleanouts.

Bathroom Cleaning Tips: Hidden Germ Zones You Shouldn’t Ignore

Bathrooms may sparkle on the surface, but lurking mold and bacteria can quickly build up in commonly missed spots. Keeping these areas clean goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about health and functionality.

1. Bathroom Exhaust Fan
A dusty fan traps moisture, increasing mold risks.
Quick clean: Remove the cover, vacuum, and wipe blades.
How often: Every 3 months.

2. Showerheads
Hard water buildup can reduce pressure and spread bacteria.
Quick clean: Soak in vinegar overnight and scrub gently.
How often: Monthly.

3. Tile Grout
Grout absorbs moisture and stains easily.
Quick clean: Scrub with a baking soda paste or grout cleaner.
How often: Deep clean at least twice a year.

4. Sink Drains
Clogs start small—prevent them with routine flushing.
Quick clean: Use baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
How often: Monthly.

5. Medicine Cabinet
Expired meds pile up fast.
Quick clean: Toss old items and wipe the shelves.
How often: Every 6 months.

6. Shower Curtain
Moisture breeds mold and mildew.
Quick clean: Machine wash fabric curtains or spray and wipe plastic ones.
How often: Monthly.

7. Toothbrush Holder
NSF ranks it among the top 3 germiest household items.
Quick clean: Dishwasher or hand wash weekly.
How often: Weekly.

8. Under-Sink Cabinets
Leaks often go unnoticed here.
Quick clean: Wipe and inspect for moisture or mold.
How often: Monthly.

9. Toilet Tank
The inside of the tank can impact flushing performance.
Quick clean: Use vinegar and baking soda, scrub gently. Avoid harsh chemicals.
How often: Twice a year.

Taking the time to clean these often-forgotten areas can extend the life of your appliances, keep your kitchen and bathroom fresher, and even help you avoid expensive repairs.

Don’t wait for odors or clogs to remind you it’s time—put these tips into your seasonal deep-cleaning checklist now and enjoy a healthier, cleaner home all year long.