When was the last time you cleaned your phone? Or how about your remote control? We spend hours each day touching these items, yet most of us rarely think about cleaning them. The truth is, some of the dirtiest things in our homes are items we use constantly but almost never clean. These everyday objects can harbor thousands of bacteria, viruses, and fungi—sometimes more germs than a toilet seat! Ready to find out what might be growing on your most-used belongings? Let’s take a look at the surprisingly filthy things most people forget to clean.
Your cell phone is dirtier than a toilet seat
Think about it—your phone goes everywhere with you. You take it to the bathroom, set it down on restaurant tables, and touch it after handling money or shaking hands. Studies have found that the average cell phone carries ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat! All that touching transfers oils from your skin, along with whatever germs you’ve picked up throughout the day. And because phones generate heat when in use, they create the perfect warm environment for bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Cleaning your phone is actually simple and should be done at least weekly. First, unplug it and power it off. Then gently wipe the exterior with a disinfecting wipe made for electronics, being careful to avoid getting moisture in any openings. Pay special attention to the screen and phone case, as these areas accumulate the most germs. For stubborn grime in crevices, try using a dry cotton swab. Just remember not to spray any cleaner directly onto your device as this could damage the internal components.
Remote controls gather grime from everyone
Your TV remote passes through more hands than almost any other item in your home. Everyone touches it—family members, kids, guests—often while eating snacks or after coming in from outside. The buttons and crevices collect oils, food particles, and dead skin cells, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Those same grooves and button spaces make cleaning difficult, so most people simply never bother. Over time, remotes accumulate layers of gunk that can actually affect how well the buttons work.
To properly clean your remote, first remove the batteries to prevent any electrical issues. Then wipe it down thoroughly with a disinfectant wipe, paying close attention to the spaces between buttons. For a deeper clean, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently scrub around each button and in the crevices. Let everything dry completely before replacing the batteries. Making this a weekly habit takes just a minute but can significantly reduce the germs lurking on this frequently touched item. Consider using a washable remote cover if you have young children who tend to handle remotes with sticky fingers.
Coffee makers harbor mold and mineral buildup
Your morning cup of coffee might come with an unwanted extra—mold. The dark, damp environment inside coffee makers is perfect for growing mold and yeast. The water reservoir, in particular, rarely dries out completely and often develops a slimy biofilm if not cleaned regularly. Many people never think to clean inside their coffee maker beyond occasionally rinsing the pot. Even worse, mineral deposits from water slowly build up inside, not only affecting the taste of your coffee but also reducing the efficiency of your machine.
Cleaning your coffee maker monthly can prevent these issues and improve your coffee’s taste. Run a cycle using equal parts white vinegar and water through the machine, then run two or three cycles with clean water to rinse. For single-cup brewers, fill the reservoir with the vinegar solution, let it sit for 30 minutes, then run several clean water cycles. Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior and wash removable parts in hot, soapy water. Some parts may even be dishwasher safe. Regular cleaning prevents mold growth and removes mineral buildup that can clog your coffee maker over time.
Light switches collect grime from every touch
Everyone in your household touches light switches multiple times a day, but when was the last time you actually cleaned one? Light switches are among the most frequently touched surfaces in any home, making them collection points for germs, oils, and dirt. The typical switch plate shows visible grime around the edges and toggle if you look closely. Over time, this buildup can become quite noticeable, appearing as a yellowish or brownish stain around the switch. Despite being in plain sight, most people simply don’t think to include them in regular cleaning routines.
Cleaning light switches is quick but requires some caution. First, never spray cleaner directly onto the switch as liquid could seep inside and cause electrical problems. Instead, spray a microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down the entire plate, paying special attention to the switch itself and the surrounding area. For stubborn grime, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub around the edges. Make sure the cloth is just damp, not dripping wet. Adding this simple step to your weekly cleaning routine only takes seconds per switch but makes a noticeable difference in both appearance and hygiene.
Toothbrush holders are surprisingly disgusting
When you think about the germiest places in your bathroom, your toothbrush holder probably doesn’t come to mind. However, studies consistently rank it among the filthiest spots in the entire home. Think about it: water and toothpaste residue drip down your brush and collect in the bottom of the holder, creating a perfect environment for bacteria growth. Add to that the fact that most bathrooms are warm and humid, and you’ve got ideal conditions for mold and mildew. Since the holder sits out in the open, it also collects airborne particles when toilets are flushed nearby.
Cleaning your toothbrush holder should be a weekly task. For ceramic, metal, or plastic holders, wash them in hot, soapy water and then disinfect by soaking in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water for about 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before returning your toothbrushes. Many holders are even dishwasher safe, making cleaning even easier. If you use a cup or glass as a toothbrush holder, run it through the dishwasher weekly or hand wash it with hot, soapy water. Consider switching to a holder design that keeps brushes separated and allows for better air circulation to reduce moisture buildup.
Door knobs and handles spread germs throughout the house
Every time someone enters or leaves a room, they touch the door handle. These high-traffic touchpoints collect germs from everyone in your household plus any visitors who come through. Door handles and knobs are perfect vehicles for transferring germs from one person to another. When someone in your home is sick, these surfaces can quickly spread germs throughout the house. Despite being such a common touch point, most people rarely think to clean them during regular housekeeping, allowing oils, germs, and dirt to accumulate over months or even years.
To properly clean door handles, wipe them down with a disinfectant spray or wipe at least once a week. Pay attention to the entire handle or knob, including any backplates or surrounding areas that may be touched. For metal handles, use appropriate cleaners that won’t damage the finish. When someone in your home is sick, increase cleaning frequency to daily to prevent germs from spreading. This simple practice takes just a few seconds per door but can significantly reduce the transmission of colds, flu, and other illnesses. Remember to clean both sides of doors, especially for bathrooms and bedrooms.
Reusable shopping bags collect bacteria from food
Reusable shopping bags are great for the environment, but not so great for hygiene when left uncleaned. Most people use these bags repeatedly without ever washing them. Think about what goes into them: leaky meat packages, unwashed produce, or sometimes even shoes and gym clothes between grocery trips. Over time, bags accumulate food residue, juices from meat and produce, and bacteria that can cross-contaminate your groceries. The inside of these bags can harbor E. coli, Salmonella, and other harmful bacteria, especially when they’re folded up and stored in warm places like car trunks.
Washing your reusable bags is simple. Fabric bags can typically go straight into the washing machine using hot water and regular detergent. Hang them to air dry or tumble dry on low heat. For plastic-lined bags, hand wash in warm, soapy water, rinse well, and let them air dry completely before folding and storing. Make sure to check the care label on your reusable bags to determine the best cleaning method. It’s also smart to designate specific bags for meat products and others for produce to avoid cross-contamination. Aim to wash your bags at least monthly, or immediately if they come in contact with any food spills.
Computer keyboards hide months of snack residue
Your computer keyboard probably contains crumbs from every snack you’ve eaten at your desk. Between the keys lurk dust, hair, dead skin cells, and food particles that have fallen in over time. Many people eat while working or browsing, and those tiny crumbs work their way down between and under the keys. Studies have found keyboards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat, especially in shared environments like offices or homes with multiple users. The warm environment created by your computer makes it even more hospitable for bacteria growth.
To clean your keyboard properly, first unplug it or turn off your laptop. Then turn it upside down and gently shake out loose debris. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining particles from between the keys. For a deeper clean, dampen a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the tops and sides of the keys. Use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol to clean between the keys. Let everything dry completely before plugging back in or turning on. For mechanical keyboards with removable keycaps, you can actually take them off for more thorough cleaning. Developing a habit of cleaning your keyboard monthly will prevent buildup and keep it functioning properly.
Looking at all these commonly overlooked items makes it clear that our cleaning routines often miss some of the germiest spots in our homes. While we focus on obvious areas like countertops and floors, these smaller, high-touch items can actually harbor more bacteria. The good news is that cleaning these often-neglected items doesn’t take much time but makes a huge difference in reducing germs throughout your home. Now might be a good time to take a fresh look around your living space and identify what other spots you’ve been missing in your cleaning routine!
