Everyday Items You Need to Clean to Keep Germs Away (Besides Your Hands)

Trying to avoid sickness is a priority for some people. And many have made it a habit to keep their hands clean to limit the spread of germs. But it’s important to remember that everyday household items can also spread germs. These hidden culprits often lurk in overlooked spaces and may be an unknown source of infection. 

Let’s take a closer look at everyday household items that may need to be cleaned more often. And learn about the health benefits you can expect so that you can have a healthier living space.

What are the benefits of keeping household items clean?

From the kitchen to the bathroom, cleaning can feel like a big chore. But the benefits of keeping your household items clean can’t be emphasized enough. Here are six health benefits to keeping up with household tasks. Let’s review them below.

1. Decreasing the spread of illness

Germs are commonly found in the environment, and they thrive in unclean places. They can spread from contaminated surfaces to people. You may be more likely to get sick from illnesses like the cold, flu, or a stomach bug if you don’t clean household items that are touched often. This could include things like:

• Doorknobs

• Handles

• Remotes

2. Fewer allergies and breathing issues

Dust and mold can build up in areas that aren’t cleaned often. When these allergens build up, they can trigger allergies, causing you to sneeze and feel itchy. They can also make breathing hard, especially for people with asthma or allergies. Allergens can pile up on items like:

• Ceiling fans

• Carpets

• Furniture

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3. Reducing unpleasant odors

A buildup of dirt, food leftovers, and germs can result in unpleasant odors throughout your home. These odors can commonly occur in:

• Garbage bins

• Sinks

• Kitchen appliances

These smells make the living space uncomfortable and uninviting. But that’s not all. They can make breathing hard or cause headaches in people who are sensitive to strong odors. 

4. Better sleep

A clean bed is a restful bed. A National Sleep Foundation (NSF) study found that almost 75% of people reported sleeping better on clean sheets. Also, dead skin cells can collect if you don't wash your sheets regularly. It’s more likely to trigger rashes and eczema if you don’t have clean bedding. And this can leave you itching and scratching instead of getting a good night’s sleep.

5. Cutting down on foodborne illness

Germs can hide on surfaces that come into contact with food that you eat. This can include surfaces like:

• Counters

• Cutting boards

• Kitchen tools (silverware and appliances)

So, it’s a good idea to always wash your hands before and after touching food. You’ll also want to clean fruits and veggies before you eat them. And separate your raw and cooked foods when storing them. 

Following healthy food habits can help to lower your chances of getting sick from food.

6. Lowering stress

Living in an unclean environment can also make you feel more stressed. When there’s a lot of clutter around, it can make you feel like everything is out of control. But when your living space is clean and organized, it helps to foster a more calm and peaceful mood. 

The benefits of keeping household items clean extend far beyond mere appearances. Regular cleaning is a cornerstone of a happy and healthy home life.

Cleaning checklist for everyday items around the house

A checklist is an excellent way to stay organized when cleaning your home. How often you clean depends on your house size, how many people live there, and your lifestyle. Here's a simple guide to help you figure out what, and when, to clean different items in your house.

Daily

Here are some things you should do every day:

• Wipe down kitchen countertops and tables after meals.

• Wash dishes or load them into the dishwasher.

• Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen.

• Make the bed and tidy up the bedrooms.

• Wipe down your cell phone. 

Weekly

Once a week, you should clean the following:

• Dust surfaces such as shelves, furniture, and electronics.

• Clean bathrooms including toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

• Vacuum or mop all floors.

• Change bed sheets and towels.

• Wipe down kitchen appliances — inside and out — and cabinet fronts.

• Clean all mirrors.

• Wash your toothbrush holder on the top rack of the dishwasher.

• Wash dish towels at least twice a week in hot water and bleach — these can hold up to 4 billion germs.

• Wipe off the keyboard and mouse on your laptop.

Monthly

The following items should be cleaned monthly:

• Deep clean appliances such as the oven, microwave, and refrigerator.

• Clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents.

• Wash windows and window coverings.

• Vacuum upholstery and wash curtains.

• Wash all rugs.

• Clean the dishwasher and coffee maker.

• Launder pillows and bedding.

• Get rid of the grime on any remote controls. 

Seasonally

As the seasons change, remember to check these things off your list: 

• Clean or replace air filters in heating and cooling systems.

• Clean the air ducts.

• Declutter and organize closets, cabinets, and storage areas.

• Clean outdoor spaces such as patios, decks, and outdoor furniture.

Finding a cleaning schedule that suits you and your household’s needs is best. Adjustments may be needed based on lifestyle changes, or if someone in your home gets sick.

Tips for maintaining a clean home

When you get ready to clean your living space, you’ll want to make sure you’re following the proper technique. Otherwise, you may think you’re getting rid of germs when you’re actually spreading them around. These practical tips will keep your home clean and healthy:

• Use the right cleaning products. Clean with disinfectant sprays and sanitizers that are approved to fight off germs and viruses effectively.

• Minimize cross-contamination. When moving between different items or surfaces, sanitize your cleaning tools first. Otherwise, you could be spreading germs or bacteria.

• Use a microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths are great for dusting and cleaning surfaces. They trap dirt and bacteria better than traditional clothes.

• Replace cleaning tools regularly.  Swap out scrub brushes and mop heads every 2 to 3 months. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and germs.

Following these tips can help keep your living space clean and germs and viruses at bay. 

How can I find time to clean with a busy work schedule?

Finding time to clean can be a challenge, especially with a busy work schedule. But with some planning, it’s possible to fit cleaning into your routine. Here are some strategies to create harmony between your work life and your home responsibilities:

• Create a schedule. Set aside specific time slots each week for cleaning. A cleaning routine will help you stay on top of tasks and stop them from stacking up.

• Prioritize tasks. Focus on high-traffic areas or tasks overdue for attention.

• Try multitasking. Look for opportunities to combine cleaning with other activities. For example, listen to a podcast or audiobook while cleaning. Or tidy up while waiting for laundry to finish.

• Delegate the responsibilities. If you live with others, distribute cleaning tasks among household members.

• Break the tasks into small steps. Tackle one cleaning job at a time. This can make cleaning less overwhelming.

• Use weekends or days off. Reserve part of your weekend or days off for big cleaning tasks. It’s also a good time to catch up on any tasks you missed during the week.

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Written by:

Bernadette Anderson, MD, MPH

A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Dr. Bernadette earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She completed a master's degree in public health at the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate of medicine from the Medical College of Ohio.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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