23 Things You're Forgetting to Clean Regularly

Unless you're a master cleaner, there are spots and items in your space that probably get overlooked. That gap under your fridge, that forgotten basket of laundry behind your washing machine — all spots that are easily forgotten. But those nooks and crannies do need a bit of cleaning love, which makes creating a time frame for tackling the job a smart way to keep on top of things, because nothing is more embarrassing than your fridge kicking out a lint bunny while guests are over.

Every Week

  1. Bed sheets: Yes, you wash your sheets, but are you tossing them in the washing machine every week? Along with holding on to smells that then just linger on your skin, sheets are filled with dead skin cells, dirt, and grime that rub off of you while you're tossing around in slumber land. Go with a laundry detergent that has deep-cleaning abilities so you feel fresh every morning.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sarah Lipoff

  1. Your phone: Really, your phone is shoved against your face, touched by your hands, and tucked in various places, leaving it covered in random gunk. Here's how to make it better.
  2. Your favorite pen: Always reach for the same writing utensil? Ever tuck it behind your ear? Give it a nibble when brainstorming? Wipe it weekly to get rid of germs. Same goes for your computer keyboard.
  3. Remote controls: You use remote controls all over your home, from the television to setting the coffee maker. Give items you use daily a weekly disinfecting wipe to get rid of germs.
  4. Your bag handle: Since it's bumped into others during your commute, rested alongside dirty park benches, and manhandled when toted around, your bag handle could use a cleaning. Depending on what type of material it is, use a disinfecting wipe or even warm, soapy water to wash off after your long workweek.
  5. Fridge handle: Another spot in your home that gets lots of attention, your fridge handle should be wiped clean once a week to cut back on grime and germ buildup.

Every 4 Weeks

  1. Pillows: Washing your pillows once a month keeps your skin (and sleepy time!) happy. Using a detergent with stain-fighting powers and a great fresh scent like OxiClean™ Laundry Detergent busts through any dinginess on the pillow case.
  2. Duvet cover: Just like your pillows, don't forget your duvet cover! First, pretreat any stains with laundry detergent or a pretreater, then wash, refreshing your top layer.
  3. The underside of faucets: You never actually see them, but the screens underneath your faucets collect lots of grime and bacteria, which doesn't make washing your hands seem so lovely. An old toothbrush is a big help with this quick chore.
  4. The kitchen sink: You might be surprised, but your kitchen sink is one of the germiest places in your home. It's where you wash your dishes, but giving it a good scrub gets rid of any germs or bacteria that's collecting in your sink or around the outside edges.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sarah Lipoff

  1. Light switches and doorknobs: You touch them every day, spreading germs and bacteria between everyone that comes in contact with them, so spray down with your favorite cleaner and wipe every single one in your home clean.
  2. Toothbrush holder: Seriously, this spot is gross. Potentially harboring dangerous black mold, most ceramic or plastic holders can be added to your next dishwasher load. Do it regularly.

Every 3 Months

  1. Inside your washing machine: Your washing machine helps you look great every day, so make sure to give it some love — especially if you have a front loader. You can use a store-purchased cleaner or get in there and scrub the inner ring using baking soda and dish soap.
  2. Car seats: If you have fabric car seats, they deserve a good cleaning every few months too. Use OxiClean™ Laundry Detergent and warm, soapy water to gently clean seats. Finish by vacuuming fabric and leaving to dry overnight. And don't forget cleaning your steering wheel too. Your car will smell so fresh!
  3. Shower head: This is an easy clean, but one you probably don't think about. Giving your shower head some attention helps your water flow and gets rid of any calcium and germ buildup.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sarah Lipoff

  1. Under the refrigerator: The gunk that collects under your refrigerator is comprised of lint, hair, and random food bits, which isn't pretty. The buildup can make it difficult for proper air flow, which may result in a big chunk getting kicked out if the mess is left for too long. Use a towel-covered broom handle to dislodge and remove whatever is under your refrigerator.
  2. Garbage cans: Also not the most fun of chores, but cleaning garbage cans keeps germs and bacteria out of your home — especially if you have a swing-top container. Deep-clean using warm, soapy water until all stains are gone and you're left with a sparkling can.

Every 6 Months

  1. Curtains: If you have allergies, curtains can cause discomfort all year-round due to holding on to mold spores and other irritants. If they can be laundered, take the time to wash them using a stain- and odor-removing booster and a laundry detergent with a great fresh scent, which leaves them smelling so fresh.
  2. Behind your dryer: This is a spot that often gets neglected but can turn into a fire hazard if left for too long. Spend 10 minutes cleaning your dryer, and your machine will run more efficiently.
  3. Mattress: Plan on doing this deep-clean when you flip your mattress, which refreshes your bed while getting rid of dead-skin buildup and lurking germs. Yeah, it is kind of gross when you think about it.
  4. Your couch: Depending on the fabric of your couch, cleaning regularly gets rid of buildup and any stains you haven't tackled, creating a welcoming and refreshing spot to relax. Mix together OxiClean™ Laundry Detergent and some warm water and use to gently clean the fabric. Once dry, sprinkle with baking soda and give a big vacuum. You already vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly, but don't forget to pull them up and do a big clean underneath.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sarah Lipoff

  1. Your vacuum cleaner: Another item that gets lots of use, so give it a quick cleaning, which keeps it sucking up all your messes without any clogs.
  2. Ceiling fans and hanging light fixtures: They keep your room lit up, but they also collect lots of lint and dust, which when heated for long lengths of time, can smoke or release odd odors. Dust with a microfiber cloth to remove buildup and then spray with an air deodorizer, which helps spread good smells throughout your house.

More From Oxiclean™

When cleaning those forgotten spots, don't forget to use OxiClean™ Laundry Detergent.

Click to see our commercial, and go to OxiCleanLaundryDetergent.com to hear why more than 90 percent of those who try it recommend it!