10 Things You Forgot to Disinfect This Month

Even if you’re good about wiping down countertops and scrubbing bathrooms, there are always a few things that slip through the cracks. Disinfecting isn’t just about keeping things looking clean—it’s about cutting down the germs that build up on the things you touch every day without even thinking about it.

The truth is, some of the grimiest spots in your home are the ones you forget the most. These are the places to go back and hit this month—because they probably didn’t get the attention they needed.

Light Switches

You touch them all the time without thinking about it—dirty hands, clean hands, hands in the middle of making dinner. It adds up fast, especially if you’ve got kids or a lot of guests in and out.

Use a disinfecting wipe or a cloth with a little rubbing alcohol to give each switch plate a quick wipe. It takes less than a minute and helps keep germs from spreading room to room.

Remote Controls

Everyone in the house handles the remote, and most people never wipe it down. It’s a high-touch surface that’s easy to forget, even when you’re doing a deep clean.

Take out the batteries first, then use a cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. Make sure to get between the buttons and around the edges—those crevices are where grime likes to hide.

Reusable Shopping Bags

You carry them into stores, toss them in the trunk, and drop them on the kitchen floor. Then you hang them up and use them again without ever cleaning them.

Most fabric bags can be tossed in the washing machine. For insulated or plastic-lined bags, use a disinfecting spray or wipe. Don’t forget the handles—they pick up the most bacteria.

Toothbrush Holders

Toothbrush holders collect more gunk than most people realize—drips, toothpaste, and humidity all create a perfect spot for bacteria and mold.

Rinse it out with hot water and scrub the inside using dish soap or vinegar. If it’s dishwasher safe, toss it in for a deeper clean. Either way, it should be on your radar at least once a month.

Door Handles

You might clean your kitchen handles or bathroom knobs, but the rest of the house? Those often go untouched for weeks.

Walk through the house with a disinfecting wipe and hit every knob and handle, including closet doors and sliding glass handles. It’s a quick pass-through that makes a real difference.

Phone Screens

Phones go everywhere—bathrooms, grocery stores, gas stations—and then right back into your hands and pockets. They pick up more bacteria than most toilet seats.

Use a screen-safe disinfecting wipe or a microfiber cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget the back and case, especially if you set your phone down in public places.

Trash Can Lids

You take out the trash, replace the bag, and move on. But the lid, rim, and sides usually get ignored even though they’re the most touched parts.

Wipe them down with a disinfecting spray or cleaner. For extra grime, hot water and dish soap can help cut through the build-up. Try to hit it at least once a month to keep the smell and bacteria down.

Refrigerator Handles

It’s one of the most touched spots in your kitchen, especially if you have a big family or snack-loving kids. But while you may wipe down the shelves inside, the handle is easy to overlook.

Use a disinfecting wipe or spray and give it a thorough clean. Pay attention to any grooves or ridges—those collect crumbs, grease, and bacteria fast.

Pet Bowls

Even if you rinse them daily, bacteria can build up quickly in your pet’s food and water bowls. Disinfecting them regularly helps keep your pet healthy too.

Wash them with hot, soapy water and then sanitize with a diluted vinegar solution or run them through the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher-safe. Once a week is a good habit to get into.

Laundry Hamper

The inside of your laundry basket is constantly in contact with dirty clothes, sweaty socks, and damp towels. But it rarely makes the disinfecting list.

Wipe down hard plastic hampers with disinfectant, or toss fabric liners into the washer. It keeps odors down and bacteria from spreading to clean clothes later.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.