The 9 Dirtiest Spots in Your Home, According to Cleaning Experts

Kitchen Countertops

With all of their usage, this one isn't too unexpected. “You are preparing your food here,” points out Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo, “so you need to be on top of cleaning them.” She recommends wiping them down with warm, soapy water after every meal. And if the counters are bleach-safe, she likes to bleach them to disinfect.

If your solid-surface countertops are a little dull, McAllister recommends quickly polishing them with a polish cloth. And because those crumbs (and germs) can get lost in the shuffle, make sure to clean under appliances as well, cautions Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid.

Light Switches

High-touch areas like light switches see the most fingerprints and collect the most germs—so give them some extra attention. “Because they’re high up and inconspicuous, they often go unnoticed during cleaning routines,” says Galia Ivanova, founder and CEO of Cleaning Estimate. She recommends wiping switches with a disinfectant cloth or spray weekly, making sure not to oversaturate the surface.

McAllister notes not to miss the bathroom light switches, which can collect an abundance of germs. She opts for a recipe of 1 gallon of hot water, ⅓ cup bleach, and 1 teaspoon of powdered Tide to wipe down the switches and the wall surrounding them. 

Refrigerators

“Food spills, leaks, and expired items can make your fridge a bacteria hotspot,” warns Mock. She recommends cleaning the interior of your refrigerator by pulling out the drawers and wiping with a cloth dipped in mild dish detergent or a baking soda solution.

Ivanova emphasizes paying close attention to the refrigerator door handle, which can easily be one of the germiest places in the home. Wipe down the handle with disinfectant daily (especially before and after cooking), focusing on the edges where grime tends to build up. Always leave an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors.

Remote Controls

Commonly passed around between family members and guests, dropped on the floor, or found grazing our food, remote controls can be a bigger worry than one may think. Ivanova warns they can harbor bacteria and viruses, especially during flu season.

Wipe your remote with disinfectant wipes two or three times weekly, or daily when someone is sick, being sure to get in between the buttons. Mock recommends using the same practice to clean other high-touch surfaces, such as keyboards, door knobs, and stair railings. 

Toilets

A not-at-all-shocking trailblazer of germs, the toilet makes the list of the dirtiest spots in your home. “While there are plenty of products out there that do a great job of cleaning your toilet, there are a few tricky areas that you need to watch out for,” cautions McAllister.

For example, it's extremely common to neglect the underside of the latches that hold the seat or the skirting of the toilet. And don’t forget to disinfect toilet handles frequently, as they collect bacteria from unwashed hands. Wipe them down daily with disinfectant spray and dry with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots and mineral buildup, says Mock.

The Washing Machine

Who knew? The appliance used to wash your clothes can actually be a hotbed for dirt, bacteria, and musty odors. The rubber seal in front-loading washing machines is usually the main culprit as it traps moisture, leading to mold growth, explains Ivanova.

To avoid this, Ivanova recommends wiping the seal with a mix of vinegar and water after each use and leaving the door open to allow it to dry.

The detergent drawer is also an overlooked spot that should be cleaned regularly: The drawer should be pulled out, taken apart, and scrubbed with bleach. After returning it to the washer, pour bleach to the full line , and run through a long, hot cycle.

Ceiling Fans and HVAC Vents

Areas above eye level can easily be overlooked when cleaning. “Due to their elevated positions and lack of frequent cleaning, dust quickly accumulates on ceiling fans, light fixtures, and HVAC vents,” says Mock. Dust and dirt can then be dispersed into the air when these fixtures are in use, notes Ivanova.

Regular cleaning improves air quality and reduces allergens in your home. Use a pillowcase to gently trap and remove the dust from each blade or grate, followed by a damp microfiber cloth. If you're unable to reach the ceiling, look for a long-handled duster or vacuum with a brush attachment.

Bathroom Sink Overflow Hole

Have you ever leaned over the sink to wash your hands only to be greeted by a foul smell? Before you call the plumber, try cleaning this surprisingly dirty spot: Your sink's overflow hole traps water, soap residue, and bacteria, and often gets missed during cleaning, explains Ivanova.

You can eradicate the smell by pouring in a mix of baking soda and vinegar into the small hole, letting it sit for 10 minutes, and then flushing it with hot water. Use a pipe cleaner for stubborn buildup.

The Dishwasher

Your dishwasher also has an unexpected knack for accumulating dirt and grime. This is, in part, due to the filter which has a tendency to get clogged with debris. Additionally, the seal that runs around the door is another prime spot for food and gunk buildup.

“Remove the filter, normally located at the bottom of your dishwasher, take it to the sink, and rinse thoroughly. Then, gently scrub the filter with bleach, [being careful of] the delicate screen," says McAllister, who recommends this as a monthly to-do.

To clean the interior, McAllister uses a soft scrub brush and bleach to scrub the dirty spots, including the seal. She then runs a long, hot cycle with ⅓ cup of bleach to sanitize the interior. The exterior should be wiped with a warm, soapy cloth and can be shined with a stainless steel or glass cleaner after drying, depending on the material.