WITH spring just around the corner, most of us are getting ready to deep clean our homes.
Before you get those rubber gloves on, you might want to check out this list of common areas that get - despite them being used on a nearly daily basis!
Germphobes might want to skip this article, as you'll be shocked about how many household items get missed - according to expert Deyan Dimitrov.
As the CEO of Laundryheap, the drycleaning app, he knows a thing or two about keeping things clean – especially areas that get overlooked.
In fact, he suggests that there are at least five areas which get regularly missed with bacteria building up between cleans.
Thankfully, there is a way to get a grip on even the grimiest items including the toilet, brushes, shower curtains, toasters, oven gloves and even wood spoons!
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WOODEN SPOONS
Yes, whilst they might look more aesthetic than plastic tools, wooden utensils can harbour bacteria in their cracks and groves.
Even scrubbing won’t necessarily get rid of all the germs lurking on your chopping boards and spoons, which could contaminate other areas in your kitchen.
For this reason, Deyan recommends soaking any wooden utensils in 2 litres of warm water mixed a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide.
After letting them soak for a few minutes, you can then dry them as you normally would – ensuring chopping boards are stacked upright to avoid moisture collecting.
OVEN GLOVES
Whilst you are in the kitchen, it might also be a good idea to wash those oven gloves as crumbs and food debris make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Though silicone gloves will need to be handwashed, most fabric gloves can be added to your weekly laundry load – just remember to check the care label.
You can also pre-treat them in a solution of warm water, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon of baking soda to get rid of any lingering bacteria.
Alternatively, you could just get them cleaned by Laundryheap.
TOASTER
For those longing to get their home squeaky clean, you might also want to give toaster more than the usual wipe down - especially as the crumb tray can easily overlooked.
Begin by unplugging your toaster and gently use a clean, dry toothbrush to dislodge any loose crumbs or larger bits of debris.
You can then remove the toaster tray, then use washing-up liquid to remove any sticky spots and replace it once dry.
SHOWER CURTAINS
Moving elsewhere in the home, the bathroom is next on the CEO’s to-do-list as shower curtains can be one of the dirtiest places in your home.
Whilst leaving your shower curtain open can stop mould and mildew from building up, it still should be cleaned once a month to prevent bacteria.
Most are machine washable nowadays, but you can clean them with a few drops of bleach on a damp, clean sponge.
You won’t even have to dry it off, as Deyan advises leaving shower curtains to air dry after a good scrub.
TOILET BRUSH
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Finally, you can tackle the dreaded toilet brush with hot soapy water and a bit of bleach then leave it to soak for at least 10 minutes.
As you wait for it to dry, you can balance the brush on the toilet and let any excess water drip into the bowl – just remember to clean the container with disinfectant too!
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it's always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here's how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You're cleaning your carpet all wrong - here's how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven't cleaned your mattress in ages, here's how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps


