Savvy Talks: The Things You’re Not Cleaning (But Really Should)
Originally aired on 4/10/2026 for WGN Radio 720.
We all do this.
We look around our homes and think—clean enough.
Counters wiped. Floors decent. Nothing visibly alarming.
But here’s the problem:
The things you touch the most?
That’s where things get… questionable.
And there’s a reason for it.
Your brain tunes them out.
You stop seeing what’s always there.
So here it is—
the edit your home didn’t know it needed.
1️⃣ Your Toothbrush (Yes, Really)
Let’s not ease into this.
If your toothbrush is anywhere near your toilet,
you’re getting more than minty freshness.
When you flush, particles go airborne.
And they don’t just stay politely contained.
Do this instead:
-
Close the lid before flushing
-
Store your toothbrush in a drawer or cabinet
-
Let it dry completely (moisture = bacteria)
2️⃣ Your Water Bottle
This one is… humbling.
Reusable water bottles can carry more bacteria than a dog bowl.
Why?
Because water sits. And bacteria grows.
A quick rinse isn’t doing what you think it is.
Do this instead:
-
Wash it daily with soap and water
-
Use a bottle brush
-
Actually clean it—not a drive-by rinse
3️⃣ Your Couch Armrests (and Remote)
This is where everything ends up.
You cook. You touch things. You move through your day.
Then you land on the couch and grab the remote.
That armrest?
It’s seen things.
Do this instead:
-
Wipe down armrests regularly
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Sanitize your remote
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Wash your hands before you sit (a novel idea)
4️⃣ Your Phone (The Dirtiest Thing You Own)
Be honest—your phone goes everywhere.
Kitchen. Bathroom. Gym. Car.
Then straight to your face.
No judgment. Just facts.
Do this instead:
-
Wipe it daily with an alcohol wipe
-
Especially after being out or cooking
5️⃣ Light Switches & Door Handles
You touch them constantly.
And somehow… never clean them.
It’s one of those things you don’t notice—until you do.
Do this instead:
-
Quick wipe-down a couple times a week
-
Takes 30 seconds. Actually matters.
6️⃣ Your Reusable Grocery Bags
This one flies under the radar.
Raw meat. Produce. Packaging.
Then back into your trunk they go.
And stay there.
Do this instead:
-
Toss them in the wash regularly
-
Especially if they carry food
🎯 The Savvy Take
This isn’t about becoming obsessive.
It’s about not being… accidentally gross.
Because cozy and familiar doesn’t mean clean.
And once you start noticing these?
You won’t unsee them.
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