This post is all about what needs to be cleaned in your apartment/home | 11 disgusting things you’ve probably been ignoring
A home is a place for living, but with living comes a whole lot of dust, grime, and bacteria you didn’t know were plotting against you. Let’s dive into the gross spots in your home that need your attention
1. Your Bathroom Sink (a.k.a. The Gunk Magnet)
Why is it gross? Between toothpaste spit, soap scum, and stray hairs, your sink is practically a crime scene.
I spray my all-purpose cleaner over the whole entire sink and take paper towels to rub it all in. I then spray my disinfect spray focusing on the edges and faucets.
Alternative option: Scrub the sink down with a mix of baking soda and vinegar for a natural clean. Bonus points if you remember to wipe the faucet and handles—they’re bacteria central. If you’re feeling fancy, polish it off with a microfiber cloth to make it shine.
2. The Shower (a.k.a. The Mold Party)
Why is it gross? Mold loves your shower more than you do. It thrives in all the damp, dark corners.
How to clean it: Spray a mix of equal parts vinegar and water on tiles and grout. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush or an eletrical one. Don’t forget to clean the shower curtain if you have one of those—if it’s plastic, toss it in the washer with a few towels to help scrub it clean.
3. Your Toilet (Because Duh)
Why is it gross? Do we even need to explain? Toilets are the reason cleaning gloves were invented. (don’t fact check me)
How to clean it: Use a good toilet cleaner (or DIY it with baking soda and vinegar) and a toilet brush. For black gunk buildup, especially under the rim, use a pumice stone—it’s magic. And don’t forget to wipe down the base; the floor around it needs love too.
Great products:
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel: This powerful cleaner disinfects and removes stains. It also helps with tough germs and odors.
Clorox ToiletWand Toilet Cleaning Kit: This cleaning kit has been highly popular and remains a constant bestseller.
Toilet Bowl Fresheners: This one is not only functional but also cute!
4. Clean all mirrors
This one is simple but clean your mirrors. It will remove the dust and make it seem more clear when you use it next! The all-purpose cleaner will work great for this.
Blog Post: Home remedy for clean mirrors
5. Dust all surfaces
Take a cloth and some of that all-purpose spray and go over all surfaces including your bed, desk, lamps, dressers, etc.
Especially if you have closets, bookcases, and cupboards that don’t go all the way up to the ceiling, stand on a chair and get the surfaces cleaned. They’re magnets for dust.
6. Your Fridge (a.k.a. The Forgotten Leftovers Graveyard)
Why is it gross? Condiment spills, expired yogurt, and questionable “mystery containers” lurking in the back.
How to clean it: Empty it out completely and take a cloth and some of that all-purpose spray and go over all surfaces. Toss anything expired, and while you’re at it, reorganize so you don’t lose track of your food again.
7. The Microwave (a.k.a. The Splatter Zone)
Why is it gross? That “five seconds more” heating habit means food splatter is baked onto every surface.
How to clean it: Place a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon in the microwave and heat for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen up the gunk, and the lemon adds a fresh scent. Wipe everything down with a sponge, and don’t forget the inside of the door!
8. Door Handles and Light Switches (a.k.a. The Touchy Zones)
Why is it gross? You touch them every day—with clean hands, dirty hands, hands covered in Cheeto dust. What you really need to do is get some disinfecting spray.
How to clean it: Use disinfecting spray or if you prefer disinfecting wipes instead, these are my favorite.
9. Sheets & Mattress (a.k.a. The Dust Mite Kingdom)
Wash your sheets! They are a bacteria playground. Preferably wash your sheets every two weeks.
Should you also clean your mattress? Yes!
Why?
You spend hours on it every night, and yet it’s probably never been cleaned. Dead skin, sweat, and dust mites galore.
How to clean it: Vacuum it with an upholstery attachment, then sprinkle baking soda all over and let it sit for a few hours to absorb odors. Vacuum it again, and boom—a fresher bed.
10. Wash your towels
Please do your best to wash your towels once a week!
Just think about everything your towel has touched. Those community bathroom walls? Yep. The bathroom floors? Maybe. These are all things that are just accumulating germs and then you go out them all over your body.
Towels should generally be washed at 40°C to 60°C (104°F to 140°F) to effectively clean and sanitize them while maintaining their softness and longevity. Here’s a breakdown:
Why 40°C (104°F)?
- Best for lightly soiled towels or towels made from delicate fabrics like bamboo or certain types of cotton.
- Saves energy while still removing odors and light dirt.
Why 60°C (140°F)?
- Ideal for heavily soiled towels, such as gym towels or those used in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Kills more bacteria and removes stubborn stains.
11. The Trash Can (a.k.a. The Smelly Zone)
Why is it gross? Even with a bag, liquids seep through and create a sticky, smelly residue at the bottom.
I would personally spray my all-purpose cleaner all over the trashcan, and rub it in with a paper towel. I would then take my disinfectant spray and let it sit for however long your directions say.
For a more natural remedy: Scrub the trashcan with soapy water or vinegar, then let it dry completely before putting it in a new bag. Sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom to keep odors at bay.
A little tip: One thing that has helped me is Febreze trash bags.
Bonus Tips:
- Set a cleaning schedule so you’re not tackling everything at once (or worse, ignoring it).
- Invest in some good cleaning tools: microfiber cloths, a sturdy vacuum, and rubber gloves.
- Play your favorite playlist or podcast while cleaning to make it less dreadful—it’s a vibe.
- Reward yourself afterward (coffee, chocolate, a Netflix binge). You earned it.
Cleaning your home may not be glamorous, but a clean space feels like a win. And honestly, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as sitting in a spotless living room, knowing you conquered the black gunk in your bathroom and survived. You’ve got this!
