The 10 Dirtiest Things in Your Home

#1. The Bathtub

You know you’ve been putting off cleaning the tub. It’s not the most fun job, but oh so necessary! We use the shower and bathtub to remove all the dirt and grime each day. While it seems all this would get washed down the drain, the bacteria lingers making your bathtub more dangerous than the toilet when it comes to bacteria. It won’t take long and it’s not very difficult, here’s all you need to do:

What You Will Need:

• Bathroom cleaner (make sure it’s safe for the material your bathtub is made of)
• Soft bristled brush
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

The Cleaning Process:

1. Spray the entire bathtub with the bathroom cleaner.
2. Use the soft bristled brush to scrub away any build-up.
3. If soap scum is being stubborn, the Magic Eraser is your secret weapon. You’ll be amazed at how easily it removes all kinds of dirt with very little effort!
4. Rinse with clean water.
5. Enjoy! If you clean the tub just once a week it will be much faster than cleaning it every couple of weeks.

#2. The Kitchen Drain

We know germy the kitchen sink can be and how important it is to keep it clean, and we do. So where is that smell coming from? Chances are it’s the goop that’s collected in your drain. Here’s a couple of tricks to remove odors from the drain.

What You Will Need:

• Baking soda
• White Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Hot Water
• Bowl or pitcher

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by running very hot water through the drain to flush out any loose debris.
2. Next, you have several options.
   1. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain and wash it down with hot water.
   2. Pour 1 cup of vinegar or lemon juice down the drain and let it set for 30 minutes. Then flush it down the drain with hot water.
   3. To prevent grease build-up, make a strong salt brine and pour that down the drain.
3. Chemical cleaners are always an option, but should be used more sparingly. For a more eco-friendly cleaner, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain. Wash it down with ½ cup of vinegar. This will immediately cause a foaming and fizzing reaction. This is good. Let this set for a few minutes and rinse with hot water.

#3. The Telephone

We use it everyday, and chances are you’ve wiped it on your shirt a time or two to remove the dirt, but have never really cleaned it. We spread so many germs when we’re talking, it’s amazing the filth that builds up on the phone. Add in the lotions, make-up and body oils and you’ve got a real need to clean.

What You Will Need:

• Disinfectant wipes
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Soft cloths

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by wiping down the entire phone with a disinfectant wipe, removing as much dirt as possible.
2. Slightly moisten the cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol and use them clean dirt from the nooks and crannies such as in between the numbers, around the caller ID window, etc.
3. Dry with a soft cloth and you’re good to go.

#4. Your Toothbrush

We use our toothbrush to remove all the gunk and germs from our mouth each day, so it’s no wonder it gets a little nasty itself. Here’s some easy ways to clean and disinfect your toothbrush.

What You Will Need:

• Alcohol (concentrated, not the diluted type)
• Listerine (optional)
• Small bowls
• Old toothbrush
• Mild dish detergent

The Cleaning Process:

1. The first thing to do is always wash your hands before handling your toothbrush, that will dramatically cut back on the amount of germs.
2. Begin by washing your toothbrush daily by running it under hot water and using pressure when rubbing the bristles. Using toothpaste everyday is also helpful.
3. You can disinfect your toothbrush several different ways, the easiest of these is to soak it in mouthwash (one that contains alcohol) for 30 seconds.
4. You can also boil it for a few minutes or place it in the dishwasher. (if you have a plastic toothbrush, place it on the top rack so it doesn’t melt)
5. These methods will greatly reduce the germs and bacteria that live in your brush. Now won’t you feel a little better about brushing your teeth tonight?

#5. The Remote Control

So many of us can’t live without it, so let’s give it the care it deserves.

What You Will Need:

• Alcohol (concentrated, not the diluted type)
• Cotton swabs
• Paper towels
• Disinfectant wipes

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by wiping the outer casing with a disinfectant wipe.
2. Dampen the cotton swab slightly with rubbing alcohol and wipe away any dirt from tiny crevices and around the buttons.
3. Continue scrubbing with a clean cotton swab each time until the dirt is gone. Depending on the amount of build-up, you may need to use several.
4. Dry any remaining alcohol with the paper towels and it’s ready to use.

#6. Computer Keyboard and Mouse

Dust, crumbs, dirt, and many other items make their way under your keys leading to a small colony of germs growing beneath your fingertips. Use this simple method to remove the dirt and clean up your keyboard.

What You Will Need:

• Lint free cloths
• Can of compressed air
• Mild dish detergent
• Vacuum with soft brush attachment
• Small bowl
• Water

The Cleaning Process:

1. Start by turning your keyboard over and gently tapping the back to knock out any loose dirt.
2. Take the keyboard outside if possible along with the can of compressed air. Direct the can at the spaces in between the keys and blow the dirt loose. Turn the keyboard over and shake out the loosened dirt.
3. Fill the bowl half full with water and add a small amount of dish detergent. Mix until suds form.
4. Slightly moisten the cloth in the water and use it to gently wipe any dirt off of the keys. If your keys are not very dirty, plain water may be enough. Dry with another cloth.
5. Use the vacuum with the soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dirt from inside the keyboard.
6. Now for your mouse, wipe it down with the soft cloth that as moistened with the soapy water.
7. If your mouse has a ball inside, unlock the cover, remove the ball and clean it with the soft cloth. You may also want to clean inside the cavity where the ball was as dirt quickly collects there.
8. Replace the ball and cover, and dry the entire mouse with a dry cloth.

#7. Wooden Cutting Board

Wooden cutting boards are great for chopping and dicing, but when it comes to bacteria and stains, they seem act like a sponge. These boards can be a breeding ground for germs if not cleaned regularly. Here’s how:

What You Will Need:

• Dish detergent
• Lemons
• Salt
• Soft cloths
• Mineral oil
• Vinegar
• Bleach
• Water
• Hydrogen peroxide

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by cleaning the board off with hot, soapy water. Do not immerse the board in water or it will absorb the water and crack when it dries.
2. Next, you want to disinfect the board to remove any dangerous bacteria. There are several ways to do this:
   1. Use a soft cloth to wipe the board down with white vinegar.
   2. Use soft cloths to wipe the board down with vinegar then wipe again with hydrogen peroxide.
   3. Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach with one quart of water. Drench the top of the board with the solution and let it set for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with a clean cloth and clean water. Allow to air dry or dry with a towel.
3. Remove stains by covering with salt and rubbing with a lemon. Rinse and dry.
4. Once a week, apply some mineral oil to a soft cloth and rub onto the board in the direction of the grain. Allow this to soak in then remove any remaining oil with a clean cloth. The oil will fill the pores of the wood and prevent other liquids from being absorbed.

#8. Behind Appliances

Out of sight, out of mind - these areas are often the most neglected areas, but so necessary to clean. Pull them out and you’ll be shocked at what all you’ll find.

What You Will Need:

• Mop
• Kitchen cleaner
• Bucket
• Floor cleaner
• Sponge or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Partner to help move the appliances
• Cleaning cloths
• Vacuum with hose attachment

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by having someone help you pull the appliances away from the wall. Never attempt to do this yourself as they can be very heavy and could fall over causing serious injury.
2. Begin by unplugging any plugs that may be hanging in the way and assess the yuck you find back there to determine your plan of action. Most likely you want to start by vacuuming the dust and dirt build-up. The hose attachment is especially helpful for this.
3. Use the kitchen cleaner to scrub away any dirt or food splatters that have fallen between the cabinets and the appliance. Be sure to clean both the walls of the cabinets as well as the sides of the appliances. For removing stubborn build-up, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will be a useful tool.
4. Next fill the bucket with water and floor cleaner. Use the mop to clean the floor area that was underneath the appliance.
5. When the entire area is clean, have your helper assist with pushing the appliance back into place.

#9. The Top of the Refrigerator

Another place that’s often out of site out of mind, this spot seems to be a “collect-all” in many homes for more than just dust.

What You Will Need:

• Spray cleaner
• Paper towels
• Box

The Cleaning Process:

1. Begin by removing all the miscellaneous items that many of us place on top of the fridge and put them in a box. You can organize or replace them later.
2. Spray the cleaner all over the top of the fridge.
3. Carefully wipe the layer of dust and dirt into the paper towel. Try not to wipe it onto the floor as it will just cause another mess.
4. Repeat as necessary until you find the top of your fridge and all the dirt is gone.

#10. Doorknobs

They’re most likely one of the last items you think to clean yet one that needs it the most. Fortunately, cleaning them is a snap.

What You Will Need:

• Disinfectant wipes

The Cleaning Process:

1. The best way to clean and remove germs from doorknobs is just to wipe them down really well with disinfectant wipes. Can’t get much easier than that!