Do you know the top 5 dirtiest items in a house? We do! Today we’re sharing that information with you because knowledge is power. The dirtiest items in a house are those things that everyone touches multiple times per day. However, not everyone takes the time to clean them. Once you’re aware of the things that tend to be the dirtiest items in the house, include them in your regular cleaning schedule. It’s worth it to keep everyone in your house healthier!

Top 5 Dirtiest Items In A House

Remote controls

It’s no shocker that remote controls are one of the top 5 dirtiest items in a house. It doesn’t matter what it controls–the television, the cable box, or the gas fireplace–if everyone {especially the kids!}  touches it multiple times a day it’s a mess. It’s a good idea to clean the remote control at least once a week, and more often if sickness strikes the house. So how should you clean it?

First, remove the batteries from the back. Use some rubbing alcohol, a cotton ball or two, and a Q-tip. Just dampen the cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and use it to wipe down all the surfaces of the remote, especially the buttons. Dip the Q-tip in the rubbing alcohol and use it to remove grime around and in between the buttons. If there is any yuck or stickiness in the crevices around the buttons, a toothpick is perfect for loosening it. Once the remote is cleaned and thoroughly dry, replace the batteries.

Furnace filters

Believe it or not, furnace filters are one of the top 5 dirtiest items in a house. Too many people forget to replace them as often as they should. Are you one of them? If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, better do it right away. Then set yourself some kind of alarm or reminder system to help you remember. Your furnace will thank you for the extra attention by heating your home much more efficiently!

Computer Mouse

Think about it: the computer mouse might just be the most-touched item in a house. When is the last time it was cleaned? No telling what sort of dirt and bacteria are living on that thing! To clean your computer mouse, follow the same instructions for the remote controls. If your mouse is wired, disconnect it before cleaning. Doesn’t that feel so much better?

Sponges

Kitchen sponges are one of the worst offenders on our top 5 dirtiest items in a house. You wash the dishes with it, so you might not think that’s the case. After all, it gets continually doused with soap and hot water, right? However, the damp conditions that sponges live in provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. To thoroughly disinfect a sponge, get it wet and wring out most of the water. Set the wet sponge in the microwave and heat on high for two minutes. To remove stains, just toss the sponge in with your laundry.

Whenever your sponges start to look a little worn, replace them.

Doorknobs

Are you seeing a theme here? Doorknobs are another surface that everyone in the house touches, and not always with clean hands. So it stands to reason they are among the top 5 dirtiest items in a house. Just make a habit of cleaning them routinely, especially during cold and flu season. It’s easy to do–just grab a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe and that’ll take care of it in a jiffy!

Are the top 5 dirtiest items in a house going to become the top 5 cleanest items in your house? See our post for some handy cleaning shortcuts!