10 Everyday Items You’re Forgetting to Clean (and How to Fix It)

At Simply Pristine Cleaning, we’ve seen it all—crumbs behind ovens, gunk under sink drains, and mildew where you least expect it. When it comes to house cleaning in Jacksonville, FL or residential cleaning in St. Augustine, there are a few common areas most people forget to clean. The problem? These items often collect the most germs.

Here are 10 overlooked spots in your home—and how to keep them clean without stress.

1. Kitchen Sink

It may look clean, but bacteria love the sink. Grease, crumbs, and standing water create the perfect environment for buildup.

Solution: Scrub with dish soap daily, and once a week, clean with baking soda and white vinegar to disinfect and deodorize.

2. Toilet Bowl (Under the Rim)

You likely clean the bowl—but what about the underside of the rim?

Solution: Use a dedicated toilet brush for under-the-rim cleaning once a week. Don’t forget the seat hinges and flush handle—especially in high-traffic bathrooms.

3. Towels

Florida’s humidity means towels don’t dry as quickly—creating bacteria and odor.

Solution: Wash bath and hand towels every 3–4 uses in hot water with a little white vinegar. This removes both bacteria and buildup.

4. Remote Controls

Touched constantly, cleaned rarely—these small devices can harbor serious germs.

Solution: Disinfect weekly using a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol, especially after sickness or visitors.

5. Shower Curtain & Liner

Damp fabric = mold magnet.

Solution: Machine wash your shower liner monthly with towels. Replace every few months if stained. Clean curtain hooks, too.

6. Toothbrush Holder

Toothpaste splatter, water buildup, and bacteria love to settle here.

Solution:Soak in vinegar weekly or scrub with dish soap and a bottle brush.

7. Door Handles & Light Switches

Among the most-touched surfaces—and frequently skipped during DIY cleanings.

Solution: Disinfect these areas weekly, or more often during cold and flu season.

8. Pillows

Not just the cases—dust mites and oils build up inside the pillow itself.

Solution: Wash pillows every 2–3 months using hot water and gentle detergent. Dry thoroughly to avoid mildew.

9. Trash Cans

Even with liners, odors and grime can linger.

Solution: Clean your kitchen trash bin with soap and water weekly. Disinfect monthly with a vinegar solution or bleach-based spray.

10. Baseboards

Dust, pet hair, and mop splatter all collect here quietly.

Solution: Vacuum baseboards with a brush attachment, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

We include this in all of our deep cleaning services in Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

Want to Stop Forgetting These?

We offer professional house cleaning across Jacksonville, FL and St. Augustine, including deep cleans that cover every forgotten detail—baseboards, light switches, and beyond.

Need a little help?We’ve got you covered.