10 Overlooked Places Germs Are Hiding in Your House That Need Cleaning Right Now

• An average home can host over 340 different types of bacteria, even after it’s been cleaned. 

• Studies have shown that your kitchen sponge is dirtier than your toilet. So is your phone. And your toothbrush holder.  

• TV remotes can carry cold and flu viruses for up to 24 hours and are touched hundreds of times per week. 

• Toothbrush holders are the third dirtiest household item, often harboring bacteria, mold, and even yeast. 

In fact, some of the germiest places in your home are the ones you never think to clean, the ones that look harmless but quietly collect bacteria, viruses, and grime every single day. 

If you're wiping down counters and calling it “clean,” you're only scratching the surface. Here are 10 hidden germ hotspots in your home that you’re probably missing, and how to clean them before they make you sick. 

Light Switches & Doorknobs 

Why it matters:  

These are high contact areas which are handled multiple times per day by everyone in the house, whether it’s before washing hands, after coming in from outside, or while cooking. These surfaces collect bacteria, viruses, and other dirty germs pretty fast. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Use disinfectant wipes or spray a microfiber cloth with cleaning alcohol 

• Focus on edges especially and grooves where dirt and germs collect 

• Clean 2- 3 times per week, and daily during cold or flu season. 

• Don’t forget less obvious spots like the bedroom light switches or closet handles 

Remote Controls 

Why it matters:  

They’re often used while eating or lying in bed and rarely cleaned. They carry a ton of germs from dirty, unwashed hands, food, and even bathrooms that can easily accumulate on the surface and spread among family members. 

How to do the cleaning: 

• Remove batteries before cleaning. 

• Use alcohol wipes or a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol 

• Clean between and around buttons using a cotton swab 

• Disinfect weekly, or more often, especially if someone is sick 

Kitchen Sponges 

Why it matters:  

A dirty sponge is a breeding ground for E. coli and other bacteria. Especially since it is moist and warm, it traps food particles. They often spread more germs than they clean, including across surfaces and dishes. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Replace it every 1-2 weeks 

• Microwave the damp sponge for 60-90 seconds between uses to kill bacteria 

• Alternatively, soak in a bleach solution for 5 minutes 

Toothbrush Holders 

Why it matters:  

Toothbrush holders are one of the dirtiest items in most bathrooms. Dripping water and toothpaste residue pool at the bottom creating a moist environment ideal for mold and bacteria. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Rinse weekly with hot, soapy water. 

• Soak in a 50/50 vinegar-water mix for at least 30 minutes to kill germs 

• If dishwasher-safe, run through a full cycle every week 

Refrigerator & Cabinet Handles 

Why it matters:  

These surfaces are hands down one of the most touched surfaces whether it is while cooking, before washing hands, and during meals, often transferring bacteria. They’re a key site for cross-contamination. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Wipe with disinfectant spray or antibacterial wipes 2-3 times per week 

• Pay attention to edges and undersides where germs and dirt builds up 

• For stainless steel, use a streak-free disinfectant or metal-safe product 

Under the Couch/Cushions 

Why it matters:  

Crumbs, dust mites, pet hair, skin cells and even mold collect in these nooks and crannies where we can’t see them, especially in pet or kid-friendly homes. All of it contributes to poor indoor air quality and hidden bacteria buildup. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Vacuum beneath and between cushions weekly 

• Deep clean every few months using upholstery-safe cleaner or steam cleaner 

• For leather, use disinfectant wipes followed by a conditioning product 

Pet Bowls 

Why it matters:  

Bacteria can build up fast in leftover food or stagnant water, even creating dangerous biofilms. Contaminated bowls can lead to illnesses in pets and also spread germs across floors and feeding areas. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Wash daily with hot, soapy water using a designated sponge 

• Sanitize weekly by soaking in a vinegar-water solution or using the dishwasher 

• Clean the floor area around the bowls frequently too 

Laundry Baskets 

Why it matters:  

Dirty clothes can carry bacteria, and even clean laundry can pick up germs from a dirty bin which creates even more problems.  

How to do the cleaning:  

• Wipe plastic baskets with disinfectant weekly 

• If using a fabric liner, wash it in hot water every 1–2 weeks 

• Allow baskets or liners to fully dry before reusing 

Cell Phones 

Why it matters:  

Studies show phones carry more germs than toilet seats, and we press them to our face, take them into bathrooms, and rarely clean them. They’re one of the dirtiest objects in the home and can carry E. coli and flu viruses. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Use a disinfectant wipe made for electronics daily 

• Avoid moisture getting into ports, wipe gently and thoroughly 

• For deeper cleaning, use a UV sanitizing device if available 

• Remove and clean phone cases separately (soap + water for plastic, specialty cleaner for leather) 

Water Bottles & Lids 

Why it matters:  

These go everywhere, work, gym, car, and often get refilled without proper cleaning. Moisture trapped in lids becomes a prime spot for germs. 

How to do the cleaning:  

• Wash daily with hot, soapy water and a bottle brush 

• Use a narrow brush for cleaning mouthpieces, lids, and rubber seals 

• Soak in vinegar-water solution once a week for deep disinfection 

Bonus Tip: 

Germs don’t just live where we expect them. They settle in corners, high-touch surfaces, and everyday items. Tackling these germ hotspots in your home doesn’t require hours, just some awareness and consistency. 

People Also Ask: 

1. How often should I disinfect high-touch areas? 

   Aim for 2–3 times per week, and daily during flu season or when someone’s sick. 
   

2. Do natural cleaners really kill germs?  

   Some do! Vinegar and baking soda clean well, but for disinfecting, use alcohol based cleaners.  

3. What’s the dirtiest room in the house? 

   Surprisingly, it’s often the kitchen, not the bathroom. Sponges, sinks, and fridge handles are major offenders. 
   

4. How can I tell if a surface is truly clean? 

   If it looks clean but feels sticky or has an odor, it’s probably not disinfected. Cleaning removes dirt, disinfecting kills germs, you need both. 

Feeling a little suspicious of your sponge now? Good. That means you’re paying attention. When you’re ready to hand off the germ-hunting to people who actually enjoy this stuff (yep, we exist), Visit WOCCO to book your deep cleaning today and let our experts handle the hidden gems, so you can breathe easier.