10 Everyday Items You’re Cleaning Wrong
Most of us clean the same way we always have, using habits we picked up from parents, roommates, or whoever we lived with when we first moved out. But some everyday items are trickier to clean than they look and sometimes, your parents might have been cleaning wrong without realizing it. You might think you’re cleaning some of these things well, only to find out you’ve been doing it the hard way or, worse, not really cleaning them at all. Here’s a list of ten things that most people don’t realize they’re cleaning wrong.
Your Coffee Maker
Despite what you might think, a quick rinse after brewing isn’t enough. Coffee makers build up oils and mineral deposits inside the machine where you can’t see them. Running a cycle with vinegar and water once a month helps keep it clean and tasting fresh. It’s wild how much better your morning coffee tastes when the machine isn’t coated with buildup from yesterday’s brew. A clean machine makes a big difference towards keeping you healthy and keeping your coffee maker working for years to come.
Your Dish Sponge
Most people rinse their sponge and think it’s good to go, but sponges are basically little hot spots for bacteria growth. The best way to clean yours is by tossing it in the microwave for a minute or running it through the dishwasher to sanitize it. And if it’s starting to smell, it’s time for a new one, no matter how “fine” it looks. A dirty sponge will only make your dishes dirtier, so make sure you’re cleaning it properly if you want a clean kitchen.
Your Cutting Board
Soap and water help clean your cutting board, but if you’re using it to cut raw meat, garlic, and onion, there might still be odors and bacteria left behind in tiny scratches. Sprinkle coarse salt, scrub with half a lemon, and then rinse it off for a deeper clean. Wood boards especially need this kind of attention. It keeps them fresh and helps them last longer. It’s a bit of extra work, but it’s worth it to stop the spread of germs.
Your Phone
Most people wipe their phone on their shirt and call it a day. But phones are some of the most germ-filled items we own. Instead, use a microfiber cloth and a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol on the case and back of the phone, not directly on the screen, to safely disinfect the high-touch surface. It takes ten seconds and prevents smudges, streaks, and breakouts. Your phone will feel noticeably cleaner, and honestly, a little more pleasant to use.
Your Vacuum Filter
We expect vacuums to pick up everything, but they can’t do their job when the filter is clogged with dust. A dirty filter means weaker suction and more dust blowing back into the air. Clean or replace the filter regularly, depending on if your filter is reusable or not. You’ll hear and feel the difference immediately. It’s one of those small chores that really pays off.
Your Shower Curtain Liner
Most people scrub the bottom edge while it’s still hanging, which never fully solves problems like the musty smell or mildew. Instead, toss plastic liners into the washing machine with towels. Add detergent and a little baking soda, and it comes out looking new. It keeps mold at bay and makes the whole bathroom smell cleaner. It’s surprising how much grime hides on something you see every day.
Your Stainless Steel Appliances
A quick wipe with a damp cloth usually leaves behind streaks and smudges. Stainless steel needs to be wiped with the grain using a microfiber cloth and a small amount of gentle cleaner or vinegar. And when you’re done, try using flour to make the stainless steel shine. Once you do it the right way, you’ll notice how shiny everything looks and how everything stays clean for longer.
Your Pillows
Washing pillowcases isn’t enough. Pillows themselves collect sweat, oils, and dust over time. Most synthetic pillows can go in the washing machine, and down pillows can be washed gently too. Dry them thoroughly with a couple of clean tennis balls to fluff them back up. It makes your bed smell fresher and helps the pillow last longer. You sleep on your pillow every night, so make sure you’re putting your face on a clean surface.
Your Reusable Water Bottle
Many people only rinse the inside of the bottle, but the lid and its tiny crevices are where bacteria love to hide. Take the lid apart when possible, clean the threads, and let everything dry completely. You’ll notice the smell disappears almost instantly. It’s surprising how many of those “metallic” tastes are just leftover residue from not cleaning the bottle well enough.
Your TV Remote
TV remotes get handled constantly but are rarely cleaned. Spray a little cleaner onto a cloth, not the remote itself, and wipe around each button. A cotton swab can help get into the tight areas. It’s a quick job and makes the remote feel less grimy. You’ll wonder why you didn’t start doing it earlier once you see how much dirt comes off.
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Most of these fixes are small, but they make everyday items work better, look better, and last longer. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated routines, just a few more minutes to clean something the right way. And the best part? Your home feels fresher, and you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing what you’re doing.
Bliss Donahue-Power
