savvy talks: you should clean these items more often
Germs live everywhere but we don't always thing about these things to clean...in fact, there might be things in your home you have never cleaned before.
Tune in to this savvy talk to hear some savvy cleaning tips.
Wondering more? Here are more things you never realized you need to clean:
Loofah – If you’ve been using the same loofah in your shower for years, you could be doing more harm than good to your skin. Experts say you should be cleaning that sponge weekly. The way to do it is let it soak in a diluted bleach solution, or just pop in the dishwasher. And replace it every few months.
Water Bottle – Chances are you’re not cleaning it enough. Experts say you should clean it once a day, especially if it’s made of plastic! Stainless steel water bottles are the best because they’re antiseptic. And if you click the link I’m going to send you can see the one I use, a very cute Savvy Planet water tumbler!
Light Switches & Doorknobs – These surfaces, which we’re touching all the time, collect germs daily, yet often go ignored. Use a spray bottle to make a rubbing alcohol solution and wipe them down.
Remote Controls – Think about how often you touch this (and maybe snack while doing so!). Use a disinfecting wipe or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the buttons and crevices.
Ceiling Fans – They silently collect layers of dust, only to send it flying when turned on. Slide an old pillowcase over each blade to trap dust, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
Reusable Grocery Bags – They carry more than just food—think bacteria, dirt, and spills. Toss fabric bags in the washing machine and wipe plastic-lined bags with soapy water.
Shower Curtain & Liner – Soap scum and mildew build up over time, yet these rarely get cleaned. Machine wash with baking soda and vinegar or replace the shower curtain and liner when mold appears.
Dishwasher Filter – You assume the dishwasher cleans itself, but food particles get trapped in the filter. Remove it and scrub with warm, soapy water and a small brush every few weeks.
Toothbrush Holder – The place that holds your toothbrush shouldn’t be a breeding ground for germs. Soak it in hot, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher if it’s safe to do so.
Ice Maker & Ice Trays – Ever notice ice cubes taste weird? That’s buildup! Wash trays with warm, soapy water and sanitize the ice maker with a vinegar-water mix.
Hair Brushes & Combs – These hold onto hair, oils, and product buildup but rarely get cleaned. Remove trapped hair, soak in warm soapy water, and scrub with an old toothbrush.
Salt & Pepper Shakers – You grab them every day but probably never wipe them down. Clean the outside with a disinfecting wipe and wash the inside every now and then.
Inside Your Purse or Wallet – Crumbs, receipts, and who-knows-what else lurk inside. Shake it out, wipe surfaces with a disinfecting wipe.
Coffee Maker – If you’ve never cleaned it before it’s probably pretty gross. You’re supposed to clean this once a month! Clean it with distilled white vinegar.
Throw Pillows and Blankets – You know how gross your bed pillows can get, so you wash the pillowcases and replace your pillows. But what about the decorative throw pillows and blankets? These things fall on the floor, everyone touches them or lays on them. Wash them regularly and the foam ones that can’t be washed should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or dustbuster.
Tune in to learn more!
Listen to the talk:
Originally aired on 04/04/25 for WGN Radio 720.