Quick Cleaning Checklist – Things You Forget To Clean
You wipe the counters. You vacuum the floors. You may even scrub the bathroom every weekend. But guess what? Germs still find places to hide, especially on high-touch surfaces you’re probably skipping over.
These areas might look clean, but they’re little magnets for bacteria, dust, and grime. And when they’re left uncleaned? Well, let’s just say your “clean apartment” might not be as clean as you think.
Let’s take a look at 7 high-touch surfaces that often go unnoticed and show you exactly how to clean them like a pro.
1. Remote Controls
TV remotes, streaming devices, even your Bluetooth speaker buttons, they get touched constantly, yet rarely make it into your cleaning routine.
Why It Matters:
These items pass from hand to hand, especially in shared apartments. Germs, oils, and even food residue can stick around, turning your chill movie night into a bacteria bonanza.
How to Clean:
- Remove batteries first.
- Dampen (not soak!) a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol or all-purpose cleaner.
- Gently wipe the remote surface and use a cotton swab to get into corners around the buttons.
- Dry it with a clean cloth before reinserting batteries.
Pro Tip: Clean remotes once a week, or after guests visit.
2. Light Switches
Think about how many times a day you flick those switches, morning, night, bathroom, kitchen… and yet we hardly notice how gross they can get.
Why It Matters:
Light switches are germy little hotspots. One study found they can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat. Yikes!
How to Clean:
- Lightly spray a microfiber cloth with disinfectant.
- Wipe down the surface, paying attention to the edges.
- Don’t spray directly onto the switch, it could seep inside and cause damage.
3. Door Handles (Yes, ALL of Them)
Front door? Sure. But what about your closet handles, cupboards handles, or the bathroom door?
Why It Matters:
Handles get touched constantly but are often cleaned rarely. Germs love to settle in here, especially during cold and flu season.
How to Clean:
- Use an all-purpose cleaner or disinfecting wipe.
- Give them a thorough wipe, especially high-traffic ones (like bathroom or fridge).
- Try doing this 2–3 times per week in shared spaces.
Bonus Tip: Clean drawer handles and appliance knobs too!
4. Cleaning Tools (Yup! Even Your Cleaning Supplies)
It’s ironic, right? But your mop, broom, and vacuum aren’t immune to dirt. In fact, if they’re dirty, you’re just spreading more dirt around.
Why It Matters:
Dirty tools = dirty apartment. Simple as that.
How to Clean:
- Rinse mop heads and broom bristles in warm, soapy and bleach water. Let them air dry completely.
- Wipe vacuum handles and empty canisters after use.
- Replace vacuum filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Make it a habit to clean your tools monthly or more often if you clean frequently.
5. Luggage & Travel Bags
Not exactly part of daily life, but they live in your closet, and they carry more than just clothes after a trip.
Why It Matters:
Airports, hotel floors, and public transport = Germ City. Then you roll that suitcase into your clean home? Nah, let’s fix that.
How to Clean:
- Wipe hard shells with a disinfecting wipe or damp cloth and mild soap.
- Vacuum and spot-clean fabric interiors.
- Let it dry fully before storing it away.
6. Under Sofa Cushions
It’s a crumb jungle under there! Lost snacks, dust, pet hair, and whatever your guests accidentally dropped.
Why It Matters:
Besides being kinda gross, this spot can attract pests (yep, ants love it there) and harbor allergens.
How to Clean:
- Remove all cushions.
- Vacuum thoroughly underneath and between cracks.
- Wipe down the frame with a damp cloth.
Repeat monthly or more if you have pets or small kids.
7. Your Keyboards & Touchpads
Working from home? Your laptop and keyboard might be dirtier than your toilet seat. Don’t believe it? Here’s the proof.
Why It Matters:
Dust, oils from your skin, food crumbs, all build up fast, especially if you’re typing while eating (we see you).
How to Clean:
- Shut down and unplug the device.
- Use a can of compressed air to blast out debris between keys.
- Wipe with an alcohol-dampened cloth.
- Clean the touchpad and mouse too!
Shared Apartment or Pets?
If you live with roommates or have furry friends roaming around, you’ll need to be even more on top of these cleaning zones. Pet dander and multiple hands touching the same surfaces means twice the germs and twice the need for regular wipe-downs.
Tips for Shared Spaces:
- Create a “weekly wipe list” and share the responsibility.
- Use color-coded cloths for different surfaces (e.g., blue for electronics, green for kitchen).
- Keep sanitizing wipes easily accessible.
Don’t Forget These Final Cleaning Hacks:
- Set Reminders: Add these surfaces to your weekly or bi-weekly checklist.
- Keep Supplies Handy: Store microfiber towels, all-purpose spray, and disinfecting wipes in easy-to-reach spots.
- Use Natural Alternatives: White vinegar and baking soda work wonders if you’re into DIY cleaning.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
A: At least once a week for general cleaning. In flu season or shared apartments? Bump that up to 2–3 times per week.
A: Not recommended. Use rubbing alcohol or electronic-safe cleaners instead.
A: Yes, but spray on the cloth, not directly on the device, to avoid damage.
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