You may scrub your kitchen surfaces and vacuum the floors regularly, but what about the areas you don’t think about? Many households overlook the small, everyday objects that harbour the most bacteria. From light switches to sponges, these hidden germ hotspots could be putting your health at risk — but with the right cleaning approach, they’re easy to manage.
Let’s shine a light on the most neglected places in your home and how to keep them hygienically clean.
1. Light Switches and Plug Sockets
Think about how often these are touched throughout the day — by clean and dirty hands alike. Yet they’re rarely on anyone’s regular cleaning list.
How to clean: Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth lightly sprayed with antibacterial cleaner. Be careful not to oversaturate and avoid letting liquid seep into the mechanism. Wipe down weekly, or more often in high-traffic areas like hallways or the kitchen.
2. TV Remotes and Game Controllers
These small devices get passed around frequently, often while eating or relaxing — yet are rarely cleaned.
How to clean: Remove batteries, then use a slightly damp cloth with rubbing alcohol or a gentle disinfectant. Pay attention to crevices between buttons using a cotton bud. Clean weekly, and especially if someone’s unwell.
3. Door Handles and Drawer Pulls
Touched every day by every member of the household, door handles are major germ transfer points.
How to clean: Spray or wipe with a disinfectant and leave to air dry for full effect. Prioritise bathroom, kitchen, and front door handles, and clean them at least once a week — more during cold or flu season.
4. Kitchen Sponges and Cloths
Warm, damp, and full of crumbs – kitchen sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella.
How to clean: Replace sponges every one to two weeks. Between uses, disinfect by microwaving a damp sponge for 1–2 minutes or soaking it in diluted bleach for five minutes. Wash reusable cloths in the washing machine on a hot cycle.
5. Bathroom Taps and Toilet Flush Handles
These are often touched before hands are properly clean and can spread bacteria across your bathroom.
How to clean: Spray with an antibacterial bathroom cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping down. Don’t forget to include the base of the taps and the flushing mechanism.
6. Mobile Phones and Tablets
You take your phone everywhere — including into the bathroom — making it one of the dirtiest objects you own.
How to clean: Wipe daily with an alcohol-based screen-safe wipe. Avoid sprays or soaking liquids that can damage the screen or internal components.
7. Fridge Handles and Appliance Buttons
Appliance handles in the kitchen, like those on the fridge, microwave, or oven, get touched constantly during cooking but are rarely disinfected.
How to clean: Wipe with a mild disinfectant regularly, especially if handling raw food. Don’t forget coffee machines, kettles, or toasters with buttons and levers.
8. Toothbrush Holders and Soap Dispensers
Water splashes, soap residue and toothpaste can make these holders a hotspot for bacteria and mould.
How to clean: Rinse and scrub holders weekly with hot soapy water or run them through the dishwasher if safe. Disinfect pump tops of soap dispensers regularly too.
Keeping Hidden Germs Under Control
Regular cleaning of these often-missed areas doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Incorporate them into your weekly routine or do a quick wipe-down while you’re already cleaning nearby. A few extra minutes can significantly reduce the spread of germs and help keep your home healthier for everyone.