14 Hidden Germ Spots Around the House

Don't forget to scrub these sneaky places where filth likes to hibernate.

Underside of Rugs 

To remove dust and dirt that's gone deep down into the rug, simply flip it over and vacuum the underside.

Purse

Spot clean fabric bags with a gentle detergent solution like Woolite and flip the purse inside out to wipe down the inner lining. On finished leather purses, use a leather conditioning cleaner — I love Guardsman Leather Wipes. And, if you place your purse on the floor in a restaurant or even worse, in the ladies' room, never put it on your kitchen table or counter top.

Reusable Grocery Bag

You're toting home fresh food in these handy helpers — certainly you want them to be fresh, too. Your cleaning tactics should vary depending on whether you have plastic, canvas, or nylon bags. Here's a good place to start

Blinds

The material they're made of — metal, wood, or fabric — determines how you dust them. For metal blinds, wipe with a sock lightly dampened with water or multi-purpose cleaner. For wood blinds follow the same procedure using only a little tap water. Do not over wet the wood and be sure to buff dry right away. For fabric blinds, go over the blinds with a dry microfiber cloth.

Top of Fridge

It's true what they say: "Out of sight, out of mind". This definitely applies to the top of the refrigerator. Don't forget to wipe it down when you do the sides and handles.

Kitchen Sponge

Soaking up bacteria is all in a day's work for your kitchen sponge. To disinfect, soak the sponge in a mixture of 3/4 cup bleach and one gallon of water. You can also run it through the dishwasher or zap it in the microwave to kill germs, but if you use the microwave method, make sure the sponge is soaked with water or it could catch fire.

Credit Cards

These everyday essentials get handled by lots of people, and germs can lurk in the crevices around the numbers. Give debit and credit cards a quick cleaning with an alcohol wipe and let them air dry before placing them back in your wallet.

Vacuum Cleaner Brushes & Attachments

You clean out the dust container or replace the bag routinely but when was the last time you cleaned the vacuum upholstery tool or brush roll? Check your manual for the how-to. Using scissors, cut off any carpet fibers or hair entangled around the brush.

Broom

Yes, you need to clean your cleaners. Brooms are great for getting rid of pesky dust bunnies, but in the process, they can get trapped in the bristles. Swish the broom head around in warm, soapy water, or vacuum with a handheld attachment (then be sure to clean out the attachment).

Kitchen Trash Can

Clean your can or the plastic liner in your utility room sink, the shower, or outside. (Be sure to disinfect the sink and shower afterwards). Thoroughly spray the trash can with a cleaner that contains bleach and let it stand for 10 minutes. Rinse and wipe clean. Before adding a new garbage bag, be sure the can is completely dry.

Plants

Outdoor plants are cleaned off by the rain, but houseplants become caked with dust. Spiff them up with water and a soft cloth, like an old t-shirt. Don't forget to inspect the dirt for mold.

Over watering plants can cause mold to develop on top of the soil. If you notice any, replace the soil.

Ceiling Fan

Just because you can't see the dust accumulating atop your ceiling fan blades doesn't mean it's not there. To keep the dirt from swirling around the air, try using a duster like the Wool Shop's Lambs Wool Ceiling Fan Duater

Toothbrush Holder

Soak the holder in a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water and rinse. Then air dry upside down. Or simply wash on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Coffee Maker

Over time, hard water minerals can build up in your machine's inner workings, and you may notice that your coffee takes longer to drip. To get things back in tip-top shape, cleanse and "decalcify" the machine. Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and place a paper filter into the machine's empty basket. Position the pot in place, and "brew" the solution halfway. Turn off the machine, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, turn the coffeemaker back on, finish the brewing, and dump the full pot of vinegar and water. Rinse everything out by putting in a new paper filter and brewing a full pot of clean water. Repeat once.