7 everyday things you may be forgetting to clean

Keeping our homes spotless can feel like a never-ending task.

Even with well-oiled laundry routines or regular bathroom deep-cleans, there are a range of under-the-radar cleaning jobs we’re all guilty of forgetting about, many for items we use every day. 

Not to worry – we’ve singled out these often-forgotten offenders with some tips to make keeping them clean a breeze.

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1. Houseplants

Houseplants can attract dust like any other fixture in the home. Not only does this dull the colour they bring to a room, but it can also negatively impact their healthy growth. And if a thick-enough layer of dust accumulates on a plant’s leaves, it can impact their ability to photosynthesise, so they may wilt or shrivel up altogether.

For larger plants, a wipe-down every other week with a dust cloth or damp paper towel is enough to keep them clean and happy. Remember to give the underside of the leaves a once-over too, and keep an eye on dust build-up on the stems and stalks.

For smaller or more delicate plants, it may be easier to place them in the sink or shower and give them a gentle spritz with low-pressure tepid water – just be careful not to overwater them.

You should also check your plants regularly for whiteflies, fungus gnats or mealy bugs.

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2. Toothbrush holders

We’re all aware of how important keeping your toothbrush clean is to oral hygiene, but what about where you store it? Without proper care, leftover water and toothpaste residue can accumulate at the bottom of the holder over time, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.

Needless to say, this isn’t conducive to good oral hygiene – and it’s only compounded if your whole family is sharing the same holder. 

To clean your toothbrush holder, first, disassemble it if it comes in multiple parts, then follow these steps once a week:

1. Empty out any standing water and debris, then rinse it under warm water.
   
2. Soak it in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. If it’s in need of a heavy-duty clean, you can add white vinegar in a 1:1 solution and soak for up to 30 minutes.
3. Give it a scrub with a soft brush or sponge, paying particular attention to any crevices and corners.
4. Allow the holder to air dry completely before putting your toothbrushes back.

To keep things hygienic between cleans, use a holder specifically made for storing your toothbrush. These are designed to encourage adequate airflow to allow them to dry properly.

If you need to refresh your teeth cleaning routine, visit our guides to the best electric toothbrushes and water flossers, as well as choosing the best toothpaste. We've also got tips on when to replace these everyday items.

Be sure to check out the best bathroom cleaning sprays to keep the rest of your bathroom sparkling. We also have some expert tips on how to clean your toilet.

3. AirPods and earphones

Wax, dust and other gunk from your ears and the environment can accumulate quickly inside your earphones. Without regular cleaning, you risk potential ear infections and impacted earwax, not to mention that clogged-up buds will also suffer significantly in the sound department. 

Water and electronics obviously don’t mix, so to keep your earphones on top form for longer with optimal sound, use a soft cloth or cotton bud with a touch of soap to clean them. For stubborn marks, you can use a soft, clean brush - either a brush or cloth designed for cleaning headphones or an unused, soft bristle toothbrush - to buff them away gently.

Be sure to check underneath any soft silicone or removable parts, and don’t skip any cables or the charging case either - these can be gently wiped down with a cloth. Make sure everything is completely dry before the next use. 

Doing this once a week or so will keep your earphones in good shape under general use, but they may need cleaning more frequently if you use them at the gym or in summer. 

For extra guidance, check out the 3 mistakes you're making when cleaning your AirPods (and other headphones).

Earbuds beyond saving? Grab yourself a reliable new pair with help from our guides: best wireless earbuds and best headphones.

4. Mobile phones and tablets

Health experts recommend disinfecting our phones and tablets daily, given how often we use them. Studies have found phones can harbour up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat – that's enough to make anyone think twice before skipping a regular phone cleaning routine.

It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials when cleaning your devices as these can damage their delicate finish and protective coating, and potentially harm their screen.

Instead, after making sure your device is unplugged and powered off, use a 70% alcohol wipe to clean the exterior surfaces. Both Google and Apple recommend this method for cleaning their devices.

Alternatively, you can use a mild soap and water solution on a lint-free or microfibre cloth to wipe the surfaces clean. Take care not to soak the cloth, and never submerge your phone or tablet underwater as this can break the internal elements. You should also make sure you do not get any moisture inside the ports.

For more expert tips, see our guide on how to clean your mobile phone without damaging it.

If you're in the market for a new smart device, see our pick of the best smartphones and best tablets

5. Inside your closet and drawers

The inside of our storage fixtures can become a haven for dust, lint and allergen - or you may find damp moths, mice or other nasty pests.

The next time you spring clean your closet, follow these steps:

1. Completely clear out the drawer or closet. Use the opportunity to donate or sell any underused clothing items. To make it easier, we've compared the best and worst places to shop second hand online.
2. If you detect any unpleasant smells during the clear-out, sprinkle some baking soda and let it sit for a while. Then dust down the interior with a cloth, duster or even a handheld vacuum if needed.
3. For stubborn stains, use a damp microfibre cloth dipped in warm soapy water. Make sure you don’t leave any standing water behind, as this can encourage mould.
4. Give the exterior a wipe and dust down.
5. Once the inside is clean and completely air-dried, restock its contents.

To make decluttering your storage units easier next time, a great hack is to try lining your drawers with contact paper before restocking the contents – that way, the paper will catch any dust and debris and can be easily removed and disposed of, saving you time and effort when the next clean comes around. Don't forget to read our clever storage ideas too.

If you're concerned about pests nibbling through your clothes, check out our guides to getting rid of clothes moths and how to get rid of mice in your house.

For more advice, check out our expert tips on how to keep your clothes looking good for longer

6. Extractor fan covers

The extractor fans in our kitchens and bathrooms ventilate our homes to prevent excess condensation and mould. In your kitchen especially, deposits of unwanted grease and vapours accumulate over time, and eventually this can become a fire hazard.

The more bunged-up extractor fans get, the less effectively they work. But cleaning can keep them at their best - aim to do these steps every two to three months, if not sooner: 

1. Make sure the fan is switched off, then remove the cover and filters. 
2. Soak them in hot, soapy water with dish soap and a sprinkle of baking soda for at least 10 minutes.
3. Scrub with a non-abrasive brush to remove any stubborn stains or build-up. Then rinse and air dry completely.
4. While they are drying, dust inside the extractor unit itself and scrub it down with the soapy water if needed. 

If your fan isn't working as it should and needs replacing, find out how to buy the best bathroom extractor fan, or head to the best cooker hoods.

Breathe clean air at home - see the best air purifiers

7. Tumble dryer lint tray

Your tumble dryer’s lint tray works to catch fibres from your clothes during a spin cycle and it can get clogged up surprisingly quickly. You should clean it out after every cycle.

A clogged tray restricts airflow and reduces drying efficiency, so your clothes will take longer to dry, using more energy and costing you more per cycle while potentially reducing the dryer’s lifespan. Plus, lint is highly flammable, so neglecting a regular clean-out can create a fire hazard in your home. We go into more detail in our tumble dryer safety advice.

You'll usually find the lint tray around the door and rim. Simply pull it out and remove any fluff with your hand. If the filter is a pain to remove or the dryer is hard to use, we'll mention this in our tumble dryer reviews.

You can also run the tray under a tap to clean any residue, just make sure to let it fully dry before replacing it. 

It’s also worth checking in the tray’s slot, or anywhere else you can see a build-up of lint inside the machine.

The best tumble dryers from our testing dry clothes well and evenly, and don't cost the world to run. See our favourite models in our guide