8 Things You Should Wipe Down Every Week (But Probably Don’t)
Even if you’re good about tidying up, there are spots that quietly collect grime. They don’t look dirty right away, but over time they build up bacteria, smudges, or just start looking dull.
Wiping them down weekly keeps the whole place feeling cleaner—and saves you from bigger messes later.
Light Switches and Outlet Plates
These get touched all day, especially with dirty hands or while cooking. Even if they look fine, they’re covered in germs. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipe once a week keeps them from becoming greasy or discolored.
Remote Controls
TV remotes, garage openers, and gaming controllers pick up skin oils, crumbs, and everything else your hands have touched. Give them a weekly wipe, especially if you eat around them. Don’t spray directly—use a cloth so you don’t damage the buttons.
Handles and Knobs Around the House
Fridge doors, cabinet pulls, oven handles, and microwave buttons are touched constantly. You probably clean the countertops and forget the parts you actually grab. Wiping down handles takes less than five minutes and makes everything feel fresher.
Laundry Machines and Detergent Lids
Detergent bottles drip, dryer lint floats, and the top of the washer ends up catching it all. Wipe down the lids, knobs, and surrounding shelf once a week so your laundry room doesn’t start feeling grimy. It also helps you spot leaks or product buildup early.
Bathroom Trash Can Lid or Sides
Even if you line the can, the lid and outside surface catch splashes, dust, and who-knows-what. Wipe the whole thing down with disinfectant once a week. It’s easy to overlook but makes the bathroom feel much cleaner when done regularly.
Coffee Maker or Kettle Base
If you’ve got a countertop coffee maker or electric kettle, chances are it’s got rings, stains, or splashes around it. Wipe the base, buttons, and any removable trays weekly. Not only does it look better, it keeps old drips from turning sticky or moldy.
Doorknobs—Especially the Back Ones
Front doorknobs get cleaned more often, but interior and backdoor knobs tend to get skipped. Those are the ones kids, pets, and muddy hands often hit. Hit them with a disinfecting wipe during your weekly routine to stop germs from spreading around the house.
Appliance Touchscreens
Microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and even washing machines often have digital screens that get smudged up quick. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth or screen-safe cleaner to keep them looking clean and responsive. It’s a small step that keeps your kitchen looking well-kept.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
