5 Of The Grossest Items Around Your Home
We all have our daily cleaning routines, but some of the dirtiest spots in our homes are overlooked. These hidden germ hotspots can harbor bacteria, mold, and grime—yuck! Here are five of the grossest items in your home that need to be cleaned (or tossed) immediately.
1. Your Pet’s Stuff: Beds, Toys & More
Your furry friend’s favorite items may look harmless, but they’re magnets for bacteria, dirt, and pet hair. If left uncleaned, they can start to stink and even pose health risks for both pets and humans.
How to Clean Pet Beds & Toys:
Vacuum first – Remove as much pet hair as possible before washing.
Wash the bed – If it has a removable cover, toss it in the washing machine using pet-safe detergent.
Dry completely – A damp bed can breed mold and bacteria.
Clean pet toys – Rinse plastic and rubber toys in soapy water or run them through the dishwasher for a thorough clean.
2. Bath Mats & Shower Curtains: A Germ Haven
Your bath mat absorbs moisture daily, making it a prime spot for mold and bacteria to thrive. Don’t forget about your shower curtain—it can harbor soap scum, mildew, and even mold if left unchecked.
How to Keep Them Clean:
🛁 Wash bath mats regularly – Toss them in the washing machine every 1-2 weeks.
🚿 Clean your shower curtain – Wash fabric ones occasionally, and replace plastic ones as needed.
3. Your Coffee Maker: A Hidden Mold Trap
Your beloved coffee maker works hard every day, but when was the last time you cleaned it? Over time, mineral deposits, mold, and bacteria can build up inside, affecting both the taste of your coffee and your health.
How to Clean Your Coffee Machine:
☕ Descale with vinegar – Fill the reservoir with a 50/50 mix of hot water and white vinegar.
🔄 Run two cycles – Brew a cycle, then repeat with the same vinegar solution.
🧼 Wash the pot – Scrub the carafe with hot, soapy water to remove stains.
💦 Rinse thoroughly – Run two cycles with clean water to remove any vinegar residue.
✨ Wipe the exterior – Use a vinegar-water mix to remove water spots and grime.
4. Your Toothbrush Holder: A Slimy Nightmare
Think about it—your toothbrush holder sits in a humid bathroom, collecting stagnant water, toothpaste residue, and bacteria. Over time, it turns into a breeding ground for slime.
How to Clean It:
🦷 Rinse with hot water – Loosen debris and residue.
🪥 Scrub inside – Use a small brush or pipe cleaner to reach the bottom.
🦠 Soak in mouthwash – Let it sit in antibacterial mouthwash for several minutes.
💨 Air dry completely – Prevent moisture buildup before placing toothbrushes back in.
5. Your Dish Sponge: The Dirtiest Item in Your Kitchen
Your dish sponge is one of the germiest things in your home. It soaks up food particles, bacteria, and even mold, making it a must-clean (or replace) item.
How to Sanitize Your Sponge:
🔥 Microwave method – Soak the sponge in water (1/4 cup for scrub sponges, 1/2 cup for cellulose) and microwave on high—1 minute for scrub sponges, 2 minutes for cellulose.
🌊 Dishwasher method – Place your sponge in the dishwasher with a heated dry cycle.
🗑️ Replace often – Swap out your sponge every 1-2 weeks to prevent bacteria buildup.
Final Thoughts
These five household items may seem harmless, but they can be breeding grounds for bacteria and grime if not cleaned regularly. By adding them to your cleaning routine, you’ll keep your home fresher, safer, and healthier.
💡 Tip: Set reminders to deep clean these items so they don’t get overlooked!
Stock up on Quick Shine products to maintain a clean home.