The 10 Dirtiest Places in Your House

Dirt lurks in some unexpected places. OJO Images RF

Most of us would probably point to a bathroom or frequently used outside entrance if asked to name the dirtiest area of the house—but dirt lurks in some unexpected places. Here’s what to tackle during your next cleaning session.

Faucets

If you’ve never removed the filter on the end of your faucet, you might find black, mildewy grunge that’s been filtering through the water you drink and use to brush your teeth with.

Clean it: Every couple of months, remove the faucet aerator by twisting it counterclockwise, then soak it in vinegar for at least 15 minutes. (Take note of how it goes back together.) Gently brush all parts with a toothbrush to remove any remaining residue, rinse well, then screw it back on.

Handles and Switches

Think refrigerator door handles, light switches, and, of course, the toilet flush handle. Handles are easily overlooked in cleaning because they’re small, and most people focus on the big things, like floors and countertops. Yet everyone touches them, so they have the most opportunity to pick up germs.