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Pillows -

You should wash your pillows about every four months to remove dead skin cells and sweat. Throw them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with hot water. When drying, add a couple of clean tennis balls to help speed up drying and keep the pillow guts from clumping. 

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Hairbrushes -

Make sure to rinse off your hairbrush every so often to get rid of any lingering debris and residue left behind from hair products. Also, give it an overnight soak in warm water and baking soda. 

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Phones -

Considering how much time we spend on our phones, it's no wonder they're covered in bacteria. Clean it daily using a disinfectant. 

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Light switches -

Although you think your hands are clean, each time you touch the light switch, you're spreading germs. Dampen a cloth with a cleaner or use a disinfectant wipe, and wipe them down regularly.

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Door knobs -

Just like with the light switch, we all have door knobs, and we all touch them. Use an alcohol-based cleaner to kill any lingering germs regularly. 

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Toothbrush holder -

Positioned next to the toilet, toothbrush holders are highly susceptible to the fecal bacteria that are spread when the toilet is flushed. Wash it weekly or toss it in the dishwasher. 

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Walls -

Don't forget to clean your interior walls, too. Use a dry cloth, and add one to a floor mop for those hard-to-reach spots. You'll pick up dust, cobwebs, and dirt. 

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Inside closets -

Once a year, or once a season, declutter your closet. Then, wipe down and dust the walls, trim, and shelves in your closet. Don't forget to give it a good vacuum.

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Mattress -

Despite being covered with sheets and maybe a mattress cover, your mattress still gets dirty. Make sure to periodically vacuum it and spot-clean any stains. Airing it in the sunshine can also do wonders for removing any lingering musty smells.

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Refrigerator -

Sticky takeout containers and long-forgotten leftovers mingle in a space multiple hands touch daily. Regular cleaning will help keep the food you eat fresh and bacteria-free. 

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Air conditioner -

Air conditioners need annual cleaning and maintenance. Neglecting it will only result in more hassle and money spent on repairs.

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Dryer -

Clean out the lint trap before and after every use, and clean the dryer vent at least once a year. The interior should be wiped down with a damp cloth about once a week.

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Oven -

Built-up spills and remnants of old food and liquids inside ovens can cause smoke and smell issues. You should generally deep clean your oven every three montha, but it's important to clean up big spills as they happen. 

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Shower curtains -

Being in a moist environment, your shower curtain attracts all kinds of yucky mildew. Give it a good wipe down with baking soda or throw it in the washer every once in a while.

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Coffee maker -

As you brew your daily coffee, mold, yeast, other bacteria, oily residue, and hard water deposits can build up inside the reservoir and pot. Leaving the reservoir open when you're done making coffee will help clear out moisture. Clean the reservoir now and then by filling it with equal parts water and vinegar. Turn on the machine and once the pot is done, "brew" a pot of plain water to eliminate any traces of vinegar.

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Trash can -

Although you line it with a trash bag, germs linger at the bottom of your trash can due to leaks. So, each time you take out the trash, spray the inside with a disinfectant. Once a month, wash it out thoroughly with bleach and hot water.

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Toilet brush and holder -

Most of us are more than aware of how disgusting the toilet brush and holder can be. To clean it, add some hot, soapy water to the holder with the brush in place. Swill it around, then empty down the toilet. Rinse the brush and holder with fresh water, then empty that and fill it with cold water and a few drops of bleach. Let it soak for 10 minutes, then empty that down the toilet again, rinse both brush and holder, and spray with disinfectant.

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Remote -

The truth is, your remote is covered in germs and dead skin cells if you don't clean it on a regular basis. Clean it weekly with a disinfectant wipe. Dry and buff with a clean cloth.

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Dishwasher -

You'd think your dishwasher is pretty much self-cleaning, but unfortunately, it's not. Over time, unwanted residues like minerals, grease, grime, and limescale will build up, leading to bad smells and eventually, your dishes won't be so clean.

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Refrigerator coils -

When was the last time you cleaned behind the refrigerator, including the coils? Get in the habit of cleaning the coils every six months.

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Washer -

Once a month, run an empty load with just hot water and bleach. Front-load washers are especially prone to unpleasant smells and mold if not cleaned on a regular basis.

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Kitchen range hood filter -

The best way to clean the filter from a kitchen exhaust fan is to stick it in the dishwasher. Alternatively, wash it by hand with hot water and a degreaser. 

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Computer keyboard -

In addition to the germs on your hands, your keyboard collects food crumbs, hair, and dead skin cells. Use a cotton swab, dabbed in a little rubbing alcohol, to wipe between the keys.

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Faucet aerators -

Found in many kitchen and bath faucets, if the water flow slows or becomes uneven, clogs inside the aerator are usually the cause. Fortunately, the aerator can be cleaned by soaking it in white vinegar for five minutes. Brush the aerator gently and rinse underwater.

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Deck -

Exposed to the elements year-round, your deck does take a beating. Consider power washing or calling a pro. 

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Shower caddies -

Often, shower caddies become covered with soap residue and shampoo drips. While you can wash it in the shower, clean it with bleach and hot water for more stubborn soap scum or mold.

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Dryer vent -

A plugged dryer vent will cause your dryer to run inefficiently, and it could also cause a house fire. Remove the vent from the back of the dryer to clean it.

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Around the toilet -

Don't forget to clean all around the toilet, including the sides and the ground. Residual urine can easily collect there, particularly if you've got young children in the house.

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Bagless vacuum filter -

Vacuum owners empty the dirt canister, but often don't clean the filters. Plugged filters lead to an overworked motor, so take the vacuum outside and clean the pleated filter with a shop vacuum. 

Sources: (Family Handyman) (Better Homes & Gardens) (Good Housekeeping) 

See also: All-natural cleaning solutions that really work

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