8 things you’re supposed to clean but probably never have

Confession: I thought my place was pretty clean—until the morning my water bottle lid greeted me with a faint, swampy hello. That tiny horror sent me on a scavenger hunt through the house, and wow… there are some sneaky spots I’d been ignoring for years.

I’m chasing fewer weird smells, less “why is this sticky?”, and a home that quietly supports me instead of nagging me. Once I noticed the culprits, I couldn’t un-see them—and fixing them took way less effort than I expected.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably skipped these, too. So here are the eight things you’re supposed to clean but probably never have—and exactly how to do it without turning your weekend into a scrub-a-thon. Let’s dive in.

1. Reusable water bottle lids

If you’ve ever unscrewed a bottle lid and caught a faint funky smell, that’s your cue. The threads, flip spouts, and silicone gaskets trap moisture and the residue from your smoothies, electrolytes, and coffee “just this once.” Out of sight, out of mind… until it isn’t.

What I do now: fully disassemble the lid. Pop out the gasket, separate the straw, and soak everything in warm water with a drop of fragrance-free dish soap. Use a tiny brush (a pipe cleaner works) to get into the channels. Rinse with hot water. Let it air-dry completely before reassembling.

How often: weekly if you use it daily, and after any sticky drink. If you’ve been getting mystery odors, do it today and thank me tomorrow.

2. Dishwasher filter

Yes, the machine that cleans your dishes also needs cleaning. Most modern dishwashers have a mesh filter at the bottom that catches food gunk. When it clogs, your plates come out gritty, and your kitchen starts to smell like “last Tuesday’s pasta night.”

Twist the filter counterclockwise, lift it out, and rinse under hot water. Use a soft brush to remove the slimy film. While you’re there, wipe the spray arms and the door gasket. Avoid harsh abrasives—plastic parts scratch easily.

How often: every month if you run daily loads; every 2–3 months otherwise. If you’ve noticed cloudy glasses or lingering smells, this is probably why.

3. Washing machine gasket

Front-load machines are notorious for that damp, locker-room smell. The rubber door seal (the gasket) traps lint, hair, detergent residue, and the occasional sock fuzz. If you’ve ever found sludge in the gasket, you know.

Quick reset: with the machine off, pull back the gasket and wipe the channel with a microfiber cloth dipped in a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water. Remove coins, hairpins, and the rogue almond from your jeans pocket. Run a “tub clean” or hottest empty cycle with a washing-machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar in the drum (skip vinegar if your manufacturer warns against it).

How often: gasket wipe weekly; deep clean monthly.

4. Toothbrush holder

The toothbrush holder is a splash zone. Water drips down the handle, collects at the bottom, and sits there… for a while. It’s one of those small objects that quietly becomes a science experiment.

NSF International’s home studies have repeatedly flagged bathroom items like the toothbrush holder among the germiest spots in a house.

Fix it fast: empty the holder, rinse with hot water, scrub with a bottle brush and a drop of dish soap, then disinfect and let it fully dry before putting brushes back. If your holder has a crusty metal base that’s seen better days, retire it and switch to a simple, easy-to-wash cup with drainage.

Also, as the American Dental Association advises, “Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.”

Fresh brush, clean holder, healthier mouth.

5. Reusable grocery bags

Fabric totes can pick up more than compliments at the farmers’ market.

Produce, bread crumbs, and condensation from plant-based yogurt cups create a perfect environment for bacteria and odors. I learned this the hard way when a leaky carton of oat milk turned the bottom of my favorite bag into a sticky crime scene.

Simple routine: designate one bag for produce, one for pantry, one for cold items. Shake out crumbs after each trip. Toss cotton bags in the wash on warm; hang to dry. Wipe down insulated bags with soapy water and a disinfecting wipe. Keep a couple of clean spares folded inside the largest one so you’re never stuck.

How often: after any spill; otherwise every few trips. If you pack lunches in a tote during the week, it’s part of the laundry cycle now.

6. Phone case

We take our phones everywhere. Coffee shops, gyms, grocery stores, the bathroom (you know who you are). The case collects pocket lint, face oil, sunscreen, and whatever was on that café table. I’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating: if you don’t clean the case, you’re just re-applying the day to your hands.

Remove the case. Wipe the phone and case separately with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a soft cloth lightly dampened with alcohol. Avoid getting moisture in ports or on leather cases. Don’t forget the edges and the camera bump. Let it dry before snapping the case back on.

This is also a behavior shift moment. As the CDC puts it, “Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.”

Wash, then pick up your freshly cleaned phone. Less grime, fewer breakouts along your jawline, more peace of mind.

How often: weekly, and after travel or workouts.

7. Shower curtain liner

If your shower liner has turned from “clear” to “kind of beige with dots,” it’s time. Soap scum and mineral deposits give mildew a place to cling. You don’t need to replace it every few months; you just need to wash it right.

Pop the liner off the rings and toss it in the washer with two bath towels (they act as scrubbers).

Add regular detergent and half a cup of baking soda; use warm water on a gentle cycle. Skip the dryer—hang it back up to drip-dry. If your liner is beyond saving, choose a washable, PEVA or polyester option next time.

How often: every 1–2 months. If you have hard water, bump it up or install a cheap inline filter—your tile and skin will thank you.

8. Range hood filter

Grease has a way of traveling. If your range hood barely moves air, the mesh filter might be glued shut with months (years?) of cooking residue. I notice it most after a tofu stir-fry when the kitchen smells like sesame for days.

Remove the filter (usually it slides or clicks out). Soak it in very hot water with a tablespoon of degreasing dish soap and a tablespoon of baking soda. After 10–15 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse. For baffle filters, check your manufacturer’s guidance; some are dishwasher-safe on a gentle cycle.

How often: monthly if you cook frequently; otherwise every few months. While you’re at it, wipe the hood exterior so grease doesn’t drip back down onto the stovetop.

Bonus momentum: two tiny habits that keep everything cleaner

First, “full-dry” as a rule. Most gunk starts with trapped moisture. After showers, leave the curtain open to let air circulate. After washing bottles or holders, dry parts on a rack before reassembling. That one extra hour changes everything.

Second, cue-based cleaning. Attach maintenance to something you already do. When you empty the dishwasher on Sundays, twist out the filter. After your midweek workout, wipe the phone case. When you replace a toothbrush, wash the holder. No moral heroics—just a rhythm.

The bottom line

You don’t need a bigger to-do list. You need a smarter one.

Pick two things from this list and make them part of your routine this week. The rest can wait their turn.

Small, boring wins add up. Your future self will open the cabinet, take a deep breath, and smile.