Even in the cleanest homes, certain items often get overlooked. As cleaning professionals with years of experience, we've seen how these forgotten spots can harbor bacteria and grime. Here's our guide to tackling them effectively.
1. Bags
Gym bags carry sweaty shoes, workout clothes, and damp towels. Even if you unpack them at home, the bag itself needs regular cleaning. Handbags accumulate dirt too. Empty them out and give them a thorough wash.
2. Makeup Brushes
Ideally, wash brushes every two weeks, but life gets busy. Residue and dead skin cells turn them into bacteria hotspots. Use a dedicated cleaner or mild baby shampoo. Follow this step-by-step brush cleaning guide for best results.
3. Bedding
Wash sheets weekly at minimum. If you've spilled something, do it sooner. Swap pillowcases even more frequently, especially with sensitive skin, acne, or other issues.
4. Mobile Phone
Your phone is a constant companion, touched hundreds of times daily. An average screen hosts 17,000 bacterial types—mostly harmless, but worth addressing. Check our phone cleaning guide. Pro tip: Wash your hands regularly for the biggest impact.
5. Water Bottle
Reusable bottles encourage hydration, but clean water in doesn't mean it stays pristine. Each sip introduces bacteria, so scrub weekly.
6. Yoga Mat
Mats trap sweat and bacteria, even if not illness-causing. Layer with a towel or clean your own regularly. Learn how: Yoga mat cleaning tips.
Bonus: 15 more spots we often forget.
