6 dirtiest things in the house that you’re forgetting to clean

From kitchen sponges to switchboards, these commonly used household items are dirtier than you think. Here’s how to clean them properly (Image: Pexels)

• Electronic devices, door knobs, and switches gather hidden germs
• Dirty sponges and sinks can harbor bacteria
• Toothbrush holders and faucets need regular cleaning for hygiene

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Cleaning and dusting are everyday affairs in Indian households, yet there are things that are often overlooked. This is because the grime is invisible or takes time to build up and become noticeable. Another cause is that humans often don’t pay attention to the things they use and touch daily, making them more vulnerable to dust and bacteria. Here are five dirty items in the house you should instantly get to cleaning…

Electronic items

Have you ever paid attention to the electronic devices in your home, such as cellphones, television remotes, computer keyboards, and others? With frequent touch, they accumulate dust and germs, which must be cleaned. Wipe them regularly with a soft microfibre cloth, using a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Be safe around wires and ports and give them a thorough wipe-down.

Also Read: Holi 2026 Vastu tips: Remove these things from your home before the festival to clear negative energy

Door knobs and cabinet handles 

The first thing we do as soon as we enter our home is touch the door knobs. This means they get touched with uncleaned hands, increasing the risk of germs. The same goes for cabinet handles, which are touched multiple times a day without even realising it. To clean, use a mix of water and vinegar in equal portions and wipe them thoroughly.

Kitchen sponges

Kitchen sponge or dish cloth is used to clean utensils. Most people think that it is used for washing, but forget to pay attention to the trapped scraps and dirt. It actually hides more bacteria than you can imagine. Thus, it is important to keep changing sponges every 15 days or boil dish cloths to kill bacteria.

Sinks 

Both kitchen and bathroom sinks tend to get dirty because they are used to wash dirty hands or dishes. Since these are used by many people during the day, they become quite the breeding ground for bacteria when not cleaned. These should be cleaned with soap and water at least once a day. Use a cleaning sponge to ensure you cover the entire area.

Toothbrush holder

A toothbrush holder is a safe space to keep toothbrushes but over time, water pools inside it, and it also accumulates dust and grime. So it’s important to clean it along with the toilet faucet, which also carries the possibility of transferring germs onto the holder. Paying attention to bathroom hygiene is especially essential, as there are more chances of bacteria for obvious reasons.

Also Read: 5 tips to de-clutter your home and organize cleaning before Diwali

Switchboards

Switch boards often get neglected as many people touch them. When we enter the house, they are among the first things we touch, without even realising that our hands may not be very clean. But they get the least attention when it comes to cleaning. Just like electronic devices, use a solution of rubbing alcohol and water for switches too. Ensure they are switched off before cleaning.