Most of us feel pretty good when we stay on top of the laundry, keep the dishes done, and run the vacuum once in a while. But according to cleaning experts, there are several household items that often get overlooked when it comes to washing.
The tricky part is that many of these items don’t look dirty. Even so, they can collect bacteria, sweat, pet hair, odors, and everyday grime over time. If it’s been a while since you’ve thought about cleaning them, this might be your reminder.
Here are five common household items experts say deserve a spot on your cleaning schedule.
1. Bath Mats and Shower Curtains
Wash weekly
Your bathroom is one of the dampest places in the house, making it a prime spot for mold, mildew, and bacteria to build up. Bath mats soak up water every day, while shower curtains are constantly exposed to moisture.
A weekly wash can help keep things fresh and prevent unwanted odors from taking over your bathroom.
2. Pet Bedding and Blankets
Wash weekly
We love our pets, but let’s be honest… they can be messy. Pet beds and blankets collect fur, dirt, dander, and whatever your furry friend tracked in from outside.
Giving these items a weekly wash helps reduce odors and keeps your pet’s favorite hangout spot a little cleaner.
3. Mattress and Pillow Protectors
Wash monthly
Many people regularly wash their sheets and pillowcases but forget about the protective covers underneath. These protectors absorb sweat, skin oils, and allergens month after month.
A quick trip through the washing machine once a month can help keep your bed feeling fresh.
4. Oven Mitts
Wash monthly
Oven mitts may not seem dirty, but they’re constantly handling hot pans, food splatters, grease, and spills. Over time, all of that can build up.
Experts recommend tossing them in the wash about once a month to keep your kitchen a little cleaner.
5. Fabric Laundry Hampers and Liners
Every 2 to 4 Weeks
It may sound funny to wash the thing that holds your dirty laundry, but hamper liners can pick up odors, dirt, and bacteria from clothes over time.
Giving them a wash every couple of weeks can help prevent musty smells from spreading through your laundry room or bedroom.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to focus on the obvious laundry and cleaning tasks, but these often-forgotten items can quietly collect dirt and odors without us noticing. Adding a few of them to your cleaning routine could help keep your home feeling fresher and cleaner year-round.
Now be honest… how many of these were overdue for a wash? Chances are at least one of them just made your weekend to-do list.
