Most Forgotten Cleaning Spots (And How to Fix Them Naturally!)

You clean your counters, wash your laundry, and probably don’t leave the house in dirty clothes, but what about the spots in your home that get overlooked? It’s easy to focus on the obvious areas that require cleaning, such as surfaces that are frequently used or visible to guests. However, there are many nooks and crannies in our homes where dust, dirt, and germs can accumulate over time.

For instance, think about high-touch surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls, which often get neglected in routine cleaning. The tops of cabinets, ceiling fans, and behind furniture are also places that can harbor dust and allergens. Don’t forget areas like your washing machine and dryer. While you may wash your clothes regularly, the machines themselves can accumulate residue and odors.

Additionally, consider the condition of your refrigerator, which may need a deep clean both inside and out. Cleaning out expired food and wiping down shelves can enhance the cleanliness and efficiency of your appliances. Underneath and around large furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and desks might be hiding dust bunnies or even forgotten items.

The bathroom also has its share of overlooked spots, such as the back of the toilet, shower curtains, and the grout between tiles, which can become discolored and dirty over time.

By expanding your cleaning routine to address these often-ignored areas, not only will you create a more sanitary living environment, but you’ll also enhance the overall freshness and appeal of your home.

So today, we’re diving into the Top 3 Most Forgotten Home Cleaning Tasks, and how you can clean them using smarter, safer practices (and yes, even with the help of a zero-waste all-purpose cleaner). 

Your Knife Block

That beautiful chunk of wood sitting on your counter, often admired for its rustic aesthetic and craftsmanship, is not just a decorative item; it plays a significant role in your culinary endeavors. However, despite its charm, it can also be a gathering spot for crumbs, food particles, and potentially harmful bacteria. Over time, as you chop vegetables, slice bread, or prepare meats on the cutting board, tiny remnants can accumulate in the crevices of the wood.

These remnants may seem insignificant at first glance, but they create an environment where bacteria can thrive if the board isn’t properly cleaned and maintained.

Common bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella can be particularly concerning, as they pose health risks if they come into contact with fresh foods or are left to multiply unchecked. Inadequate cleaning, such as simply rinsing the board with water, can leave behind these harmful microorganisms.

To ensure your wooden cutting board remains safe and beautiful, it is vital to implement a thorough cleaning routine. This includes washing it with hot, soapy water, scrubbing it with a brush, and regularly applying mineral oil to maintain its condition and protect it from moisture and food particles.

Additionally, sanitizing the board with a vinegar solution or a diluted bleach solution can help eradicate any lingering bacteria. By taking these steps, you can enjoy both the functionality and beauty of your wooden cutting board without compromising your health.

How To Clean Your Knife Block

• Use a can of compressed air to blow out crumbs and debris. 
• Soak the block in hot, soapy water (adding a drop of our dish soap bar made into liquid works great here). 
• Rinse well and dry upside-down overnight.

Your Dishwasher

You’d think it cleans itself, right? It seems like a convenient appliance that would maintain its cleanliness. However, the reality is quite different. Over time, food debris accumulates in various parts of the device, such as filters, internal components, and surfaces.

This buildup can lead to unpleasant odors that permeate your kitchen and can also significantly impair the appliance’s performance. If left unaddressed, not only does it become less effective in its primary function, but it can also pose hygiene concerns, making it essential to implement regular cleaning routines to ensure optimal operation and a pleasant cooking environment.

How To Clean Your Dishwasher

• Remove and soak the bottom filter in hot, soapy water. 
• Use a brush to remove any stuck-on gunk. 
• Place a cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack and run a hot, empty cycle.

How To Clean Your Dishwasher Cleaner (DIY Dishwasher Cleaner)

1 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup baking soda

Optional: A few drops of lemon essential oil (for a fresh scent)

Empty the Dishwasher
Make sure there are no dishes inside.

Clean the Drain & Filter
Remove food debris from the drain and wipe around the filter (if accessible).

Vinegar Wash

• Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
• Run a hot water cycle (no detergent).

Baking Soda Rinse

• Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short hot cycle.

Optional: Add a few drops of lemon essential oil with the baking soda for a clean scent.

Your Shower Head

If the water starts spraying sideways, it’s time for a cleaning! Check the nozzle for any buildup or debris, and gently scrub it with a brush or soak it in a vinegar solution to remove mineral deposits.

Regular maintenance can help prevent uneven spraying and keep your system running efficiently.

How to clean it:

• Fill a zip bag with white vinegar. 
• Secure it around the shower head with a rubber band. 
• Let it soak for 10–30 minutes. 
• Remove, rinse, and wipe clean. 

Door Knobs and Light Switches

Think about how many times a day you and your family touch doorknobs and light switches. These surfaces are frequently used throughout the day, from entering and exiting rooms to turning on and off lights. It’s easy to overlook their cleanliness, leading to a concerning accumulation of germs and bacteria.

Now, consider how often you make a conscious effort to clean these high-touch areas. Yikes, right? Many people may realize they rarely clean them, which can pose health risks, especially during cold and flu seasons or amid ongoing health concerns.

These high-touch areas can become a hotbed for germs due to frequent contact, making them prime candidates for regular disinfection. Bacteria and viruses can linger on surfaces for hours, if not days, impacting your family’s health. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to make it a habit to wipe them down regularly with a disinfecting wipe or a cloth sprayed with a disinfecting solution.

Establishing a cleaning routine, perhaps daily or a few times a week, can significantly reduce the risk of spreading germs. Make sure to focus on all high-contact surfaces, including not just door knobs and light switches, but also remote controls, cell phones, and kitchen counters. By incorporating regular cleaning into your family’s routine, you can help ensure a healthier environment for everyone.

Cleaning door knobs and light switches naturally is a safe and effective way to reduce germs without using harsh chemicals. Here are some methods and tips for natural cleaning:

Natural Cleaning Solutions

Vinegar Solution

• Ingredients: Equal parts white vinegar and water.
• Instructions: Mix the solution in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the surface or onto a cloth, then wipe down the door knobs and light switches. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and helps to eliminate odors.

Baking Soda Paste

• Ingredients: Baking soda and water.
• Instructions: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the surfaces using a cloth or sponge, then scrub gently. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Baking soda is great for removing grime and stains.

Essential Oils

• Ingredients: A few drops of essential oils (like tea tree, lavender, or lemon) mixed with water or vinegar.
• Instructions: Add the essential oils to your vinegar or water solution. Spray or wipe the mixture onto the surfaces. Essential oils have natural antibacterial properties and leave a pleasant scent.

Castile Soap

• Ingredients: Liquid Castile soap and water.
• Instructions: Mix a few drops of Castile soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray onto the surfaces and wipe down with a cloth. This soap is biodegradable and gentle on surfaces.

Remote Controls and Electronics

Remote controls, keyboards, phones, and other electronics are essential tools in our daily lives and are frequently touched, making them hotspots for germs and bacteria.

Despite their frequent use, these items are rarely cleaned, leading to the accumulation of dirt and harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks. To combat this issue, it is advisable to keep disinfectant wipes specifically designed for electronics on hand. These wipes are safe to use on screens and sensitive surfaces, which helps ensure that the functionality of your devices is not compromised.

To maintain a hygienic environment, it is recommended to perform a thorough wipe-down of your gadgets at least once a week.

This not only helps keep germs at bay but also enhances the longevity of your devices by removing grime and preventing buildup that can interfere with performance. It’s important to pay special attention to high-contact areas, such as the keys on a keyboard, the buttons on a remote control, and the surface of a smartphone, as these areas tend to harbor the highest levels of bacteria.

Toothbrush Holders and Soap Dispensers

Toothbrush holders and soap dispensers are often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning, despite being among the most frequently touched items in the bathroom. The surfaces of these items can harbor a significant amount of bacteria and germs, which can pose a risk to our health if they are not cleaned on a regular basis.

Toothbrush holders, typically used to store our toothbrushes upright, can accumulate moisture and organic material from the brushes themselves. This moisture provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Soap dispensers, especially those that are manually pressed, can also become contaminated with soap scum and bacteria.

To maintain hygiene, it is essential to ensure these items are cleaned frequently. Most toothbrush holders and soap dispensers are dishwasher safe, making it easy to sanitize them thoroughly. Simply placing them on the top rack of your dishwasher will allow the high temperatures and hot water to effectively kill off any bacteria.

For those who prefer to hand wash, using warm soapy water is a great alternative. A sponge or cloth can be used to scrub the surfaces, paying special attention to any crevices where bacteria might hide. After washing, it’s important to rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

Furthermore, drying them completely after washing is crucial. Leaving these items damp can promote the growth of mold and mildew. It is advisable to use a clean towel or let them air dry completely before placing them back in their usual spots.

By making it a habit to clean toothbrush holders and soap dispensers regularly, we can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria in our bathrooms and contribute to overall better health practices. Remember, a clean bathroom is a happy bathroom!

Forgotten Cleaning Spots & Items to Clean

Area/Item	Why It Matters
Light Switches & Door Handles	High-touch areas that collect germs and grime.
Baseboards & Moldings	Dust and scuffs build up easily over time.
Ceiling Fans & Light Fixtures	Often overlooked, but collects bacteria.
Behind & Under Appliances	Hides grease, crumbs, and pests.
Air Vents & HVAC Filters	Clogged vents reduce air quality and efficiency.
Remote Controls & Keyboards	Harbor bacteria from frequent hand contact.
Trash Cans (Inside & Outside)	Odors and germs can linger if not cleaned.
Shower Curtain & Liner	Prone to mold and mildew buildup.
Under Furniture	Dust bunnies collect and trigger allergies.
Washing Machine & Dishwasher	Can develop mold, soap scum, and odors.
Refrigerator Coils	Dirty coils strain your appliance and raise energy bills.
Window Tracks & Blinds	Attract dust, bugs, and grime.
Toothbrush Holders	Often overlooked, but collect bacteria.

Make the Switch to a Cleaner Clean

Whether it’s your knife block or your bathroom, you deserve products that help, not harm, your health. Tangie’s plastic-free cleaning products are made without toxins, so you can feel good about every scrub and spray. 
 
Ready to ditch synthetic cleaners and reclaim your healthy home? 💚 
 
Explore the Tangie Shop for everything from refillable laundry detergent to unscented all-purpose cleaner bars.