You Might Be Forgetting to Clean These 13 Places in Your Home
And the best part? Now you can tackle them and feel cleaner than ever!
Sometimes We Need That Extra Deep-Clean
We all want our homes to feel fresh, clean, and comforting—but the truth is, even when we stay on top of daily tidying, some grime still finds a way to hide. We wipe counters, vacuum rugs, scrub toilets… yet there are always spots we forget. The ones that collect dust, mold, or bacteria quietly over time.
The truth is – we ALL have these spots in our home. They are nothing to be ashamed of, they are just so commonly overlooked in our busy every day life. So let me reassure you, all of these spots existed in my home – and often still do when life becomes a whirlwind!
You don’t need to deep clean every day, but these small, often overlooked places can make a huge difference in how clean your home actually feels—and smells. If you’ve ever wondered why your house doesn’t feel fully clean even after a big reset, this might be why!
13 Sneaky Places You Might Have Forgotten To Clean
This list walks you through 13 forgotten places to clean that can get gross fast, and exactly how to clean them properly without overthinking it!
1. Your Toothbrush Holder
Toothbrush holders are a convenient way to keep your toothbrush upright—but they also collect toothpaste residue, water, and bacteria. That gunky buildup sits inches away from the thing you put in your mouth. Time to tackle it!
How to clean your Toothbrush Holder:
-Wash it weekly with hot soapy water, then disinfect.
-Let it fully dry before putting your toothbrush back in.
2. Your Bath Mat (It Rarely Dries Completely!)
Your bath mat might look clean, but it’s likely harboring mildew and bacteria thanks to constant moisture. No worries, there’s a way around it!
How to clean your Bath Mat:
-Toss it in with your towels once a week and let it dry completely between uses.
3. Kitchen Sponge (Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat!)
Studies have shown that sponges are one of the dirtiest items in the average home—more bacteria than a public toilet. Cue the running to the kitchen! (Haha) We can fix this.
How to clean your Kitchen Sponge:
– Microwave a damp sponge for 1–2 minutes to kill bacteria.
-Replace it every 1–2 weeks or switch to a silicone scrubber.
4. Inside Your Coffee Maker
That cozy morning coffee? Might be coming from a moldy, yeast-filled machine—especially if you’ve never cleaned the inside. I know I certainly hadn’t until I learned how yucky they can get. You’re not alone!
How to clean Your Coffee Maker:
-Run a cycle with half vinegar, half water once a month.
-Follow with a plain water cycle to rinse.
5. Your Pillows
Changing your pillowcases isn’t enough. Over time, pillows soak up sweat, drool, dust mites, and bacteria. If yours are turning yellow… that’s probably why.
How to clean your Pillows:
-Wash pillows every 3–6 months
-Use pillow protectors in between.
I love these breathable ones that hold up in the wash.
6. Shower Curtains & Liners
Dampness, soap scum, and bacteria all build up on liners. Those pink, black, or orange spots? They’re likely mold. Don’t worry, I found some in my shower too.
How to clean your Shower Curtains:
-For plastic liners, scrub with vinegar and baking soda every few months.
-For fabric liners, toss in the wash with hot water and detergent.
7. Pet Bowls & Toys
Your pet’s bowls can be dirtier than your floors. Bacteria thrives on leftover food, slobber, and standing water. I love my animals and that motivates me to keep their bowls fresh and clean!
How to clean your Pet Toys and Pet Bowls:
-Wash bowls daily and run toys through the dishwasher regularly if they’re dishwasher-safe.
8. Toilet Brush Holder (Yikes)
You clean the toilet—but the brush holder? That thing collects dirty water and becomes a germ swamp. I will never forget the day I looked down into mine and nearly fell over. Never again!
How to clean your Toilet Brush Holder:
-Pour bleach or disinfectant into the holder weekly
-Let your toilet brush dry before storing
Pro tip: Switch to a vented holder so moisture can evaporate.
9. Your Mattress
Mattresses absorb sweat, dust mites, dead skin, and more over time—even with clean sheets. We spend hours laying there sleeping, relaxing, cozying up. It only makes sense that they collect ALOT of dirt.
How to clean your Mattress:
-Vacuum the surface every 3 months.
– Sprinkle with baking soda, let sit 30 minutes, then vacuum again to deodorize.
10. Remote Controls
These are handled constantly but almost never cleaned—and they can carry hundreds of times more bacteria than your toilet handle. My toddlers love to find them and chew on them (what’s with kids and remotes?!) so I can only imagine how much dirtier mine are!
How to clean your Remote Controls:
-Disinfect with a wipe once a week. Don’t forget the sides and buttons!
11. The Base & Back of the Toilet
The floor around the toilet and the back of the tank collect hidden splashes, dust, and—you guessed it—germs.
How to clean the Back of the Toilet:
-Use disinfectant wipes or spray with a cleaning cloth weekly. Trust me, it’s a game changer.
12. Your Couch
Your couch holds crumbs, sweat, pet hair, and odors deep in the fabric—and most of us rarely deep clean it. It’s one of the most used items in alot of our homes but get’s so overlooked! I look at this cleaning as a treat to myself – making my space even cozier.
How to clean your Couch:
-Remove cushions and vacuum thoroughly.
-Spot clean with a microfiber cloth or fabric-safe cleaner (we use the Bissell Little Green and it’s a game changer).
-Use baking soda to absorb odors before vacuuming.
-Finish with a gentle fabric spray or essential oil mist. This is the one we use at home and love.
13. Your Washing Machine
Ironically, your washer can get super gross. Mold, detergent residue, and mildew build up in the drum and gasket—especially front-loaders.
How to clean your Washing Machine:
-Run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar and baking soda once a month.
-Wipe the rubber seal and leave the door open to dry after each use.
Quick Recap: 13 Commonly Forgotten Cleaning Spots
- Toothbrush Holder
- Bath Mat
- Kitchen Sponge
- Inside Coffee Maker
- Pillows
- Shower Curtains & Liners
- Pet Bowls & Toys
- Toilet Brush Holder
- Mattress
- Remote Controls
- The Base & Back of Toilet
- Couch
- Washing Machine
Pick one or two from this list to tackle today—you’ll be amazed how much fresher your home feels with just a few simple resets. Small shifts make a big impact.
Final Thoughts: A Clean Home Can Be in the Details
You don’t need to stress about every little thing—but paying attention to these forgotten spots is one of the fastest ways to make your home feel cleaner. There’s something deeply comforting about walking through a space that supports you—knowing the places you can’t see are cared for too.
Cleaning isn’t just about appearances. It’s about energy, peace, and creating a space that feels like a soft place to land.
So the next time you do a quick tidy, pick just one or two of these hidden dirty spots in your home. Small shifts go a long way—and they’re a quiet reminder that you’re worthy of a home that feels good to be in.
You deserve to feel proud of your space, not pressured by it.
Let me know in the comments if any of these spots surprised you like they surprised me! I hope this simple deep cleaning check list helps you feel more settled in your space like it did for me. If you’re interested in more grounded, feel good cleaning content, check out my favorite 1 Hour Home Reset Routine that I use every day!
Much Love,
