10 Items in Your Home You're Not Washing Enough

We all know the importance of regular laundry – dirty clothes need cleaning, it's a non-negotiable. But what about the other items in our homes we use daily?

From the bed sheets we sink into each night to the throw rugs we walk on everyday, our homes are full of a surprising number of things that often go neglected in our cleaning routines.

While a weekly wash might work for some things, these forgotten items can become breeding grounds for dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, which can imapct our health and overall well-being.

Let's uncover the hidden laundry you might be overlooking.

In the Bedroom

• Sheets: These are the closest fabrics to our skin for a significant portion of the day. Dead skin cells, sweat, and even dust mites can accumulate on sheets, creating a breeding ground for allergens and bacteria.

  • Washing frequency: Experts recommend washing your sheets in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) once a week, especially if you sweat a lot during sleep, have allergies, or share your bed with pets.

• Pillows: Pillows absorb sweat, drool, and dust mites just like sheets.

  • Washing frequency: Wash your pillows in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) every 2-3 months. If you suffer from allergies, consider washing them more frequently. Some pillows, like memory foam, might require special cleaning instructions, so always check the care label.

• Comforters: While comforters don't have direct contact with your skin all night, they can still trap dust, allergens, and dead skin cells.

  • Washing frequency: Depending on usage, wash your comforter in warm or hot water (check the care label) every 2-3 months. If you have allergies or pets, you might need to wash it more often. Some comforters might be too bulky for home washing machines; consider taking them to a laundromat with a large capacity machine.

In the Living Room

• Rugs: Rugs are magnets for dirt, dust, allergens, and pet dander tracked in from outside.

  • Cleaning frequency: Vacuum your rugs at least twice a week, focusing on high-traffic areas. For deeper cleaning, wash area rugs according to the care label instructions. Woolen or delicate rugs might require professional cleaning.

• Curtains: Curtains trap dust, allergens, and smoke particles.

  • Cleaning frequency: Depending on the fabric and your environment, dust your curtains with a soft brush or vacuum them with an upholstery attachment monthly. Wash curtains every 3-6 months according to the care label. Heavy curtains might benefit from professional cleaning.

In the Bathroom

• Shower Liners: Shower liners are constantly exposed to moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

  • Cleaning frequency: Wipe down your shower liner with a disinfectant solution after each shower to prevent mold growth. Wash your shower liner with hot water and bleach or a mold remover every few months, depending on how often you shower and the overall ventilation in your bathroom. Consider replacing your shower liner every year.

• Bathroom Mats: Bathroom mats absorb moisture and trap dirt and bacteria from your feet.

  • Cleaning frequency: Wash bath mats in hot water with laundry detergent at least once a week. For heavily used mats, you might need to wash them more frequently. Allow them to dry completely before placing them back on the floor.

In the Kitchen

• Dish Towels: Dish towels are constantly in contact with food and moisture, making them prime breeding grounds for bacteria.

  • Washing frequency: Wash your dish towels in hot water with laundry detergent after every use, especially if you've used them for cleaning raw meat or fish. Change them daily if you frequently cook or have a large family.

• Oven Mitts: Oven mitts can become greasy and stained over time.

  • Cleaning frequency: Depending on usage, wash your oven mitts in hot water with laundry detergent every few months. Some oven mitts might be machine-washable, while others might require hand-washing. Always check the care label.

For Your Pet

• Pet Bedding: Our furry friends can shed, drool, and track in dirt, all of which collects on their beds.

  • Washing frequency: Wash your pet's bedding weekly in hot water with laundry detergent. If your pet has allergies or skin problems, you might need to wash their bedding more often.

Keep Your Home Clean

By following these tips and incorporating a consistent cleaning routine for these forgotten laundry items, you can create a haven of comfort and well-being in your home.

Remember, a little extra effort goes a long way in ensuring your living space is not just tidy but also healthy and inviting.

So, the next time you reach for your favorite throw rug or snuggle into your sheets, take a moment to appreciate the fresh, clean feeling that comes with a well-maintained home.