How Frequently You Should Be Cleaning These Common Household Items

From toothbrushes covered in hidden bacteria to washing machines quietly collecting mold, some of the dirtiest items in your home are probably the ones you use every day. Here's how often experts say you should really be cleaning them.

Keeping a home clean is not just about wiping down visible messes. Everyday essentials like towels, coffee machines, mattresses, and even reusable water bottles can quietly collect bacteria and grime over time, especially when moisture and residue are left behind.

Understanding how often these common items should be cleaned can prevent odors, improve hygiene, and even extend their lifespan.

Sheets and Pillowcases

Washing sheets and pillowcases once a week is considered a good routine for most households. Having an extra set of bedding can make regular washing easier to maintain.

Those who sleep with pets may want to wash bedding more frequently or consider giving pets their own sleeping space to reduce hair, dirt, and allergens accumulating on the bed.

Towels

Bath towels should generally be washed once a week, provided they are allowed to dry fully between uses.

Damp towels create an ideal environment for bacteria growth, particularly when left crumpled in a pile after use. Towels that stay wet or poorly ventilated should be washed every two or three uses instead.

Showers and Tubs

Bathtubs should ideally be cleaned after every use to prevent soap scum buildup. Showers can typically go longer between cleanings, though mold should always be monitored closely.

Using the bathroom fan during showers and wiping excess water from walls and shelves can reduce moisture and discourage mold growth.

Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes can carry significant amounts of bacteria due to their damp environment and proximity to toilets. Research has found that toothbrushes may harbor bacteria such as E. coli and staph, partly because of microscopic particles released into the air during flushing.

To help reduce contamination, experts recommend closing the toilet lid before flushing and storing toothbrushes as far from the toilet as possible.

Rinsing the brush head with hot water daily, wiping the handle, and soaking the brush head in antibacterial mouthwash once a week can keep it cleaner. Toothbrushes or brush heads should also be replaced every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn.

Reusable Water Bottles

Reusable water bottles should be washed daily with warm, soapy water. Moisture trapped inside lids, rims, and straws can encourage mold and bacteria growth, even when the bottle itself appears clean. Weekly disinfecting with vinegar can eliminate buildup in harder-to-clean areas.

Washing Machines

Washing machines can collect mold, mildew, detergent residue, and bacteria over time because of constant moisture exposure. To help prevent odors and buildup, experts recommend running an empty hot cycle with vinegar and baking soda once a month.

The rubber seal and detergent drawer should also be wiped down regularly. Leaving the washing machine door slightly open between loads can improve airflow and reduce trapped moisture.

Coffee Machines

Coffee machines create a warm and damp environment where bacteria, mold, yeast, and mineral deposits can develop. Residue left behind from coffee and water can affect both flavor and cleanliness.

Running a cleaning cycle with equal parts vinegar and water once a month, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water, can help keep the machine functioning properly and reduce bacterial growth.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers may clean dishes daily, but food particles, grease, and mold can still build up inside the appliance itself. Over time, this can lead to unpleasant smells and reduced cleaning performance.

To keep dishwashers fresh, experts recommend running a cycle with white vinegar followed by another cycle with baking soda once a month.

Mattresses

Mattresses can collect dust mites, bacteria, sweat, dead skin cells, fungi, and body oils over time. Research has suggested that older mattresses may even increase in weight because of the buildup trapped inside them.

Vacuuming mattresses monthly and deodorizing them with baking soda can reduce buildup. Mattress protectors and regular bedding washes can also improve cleanliness, while most mattresses should ideally be replaced every seven to ten years.

Dustbins

Dustbins naturally collect bacteria, odors, mold, and germs from decomposing waste. Without regular cleaning, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli may thrive inside bins and on frequently touched surfaces like lids and handles.

A deep clean using hot, soapy water and disinfectant once a month can keep bins sanitary. Sprinkling baking soda at the bottom may also help absorb lingering odors.

Many household items collect bacteria and grime far more quickly than people expect, even when they appear clean on the surface. Creating a consistent cleaning routine can improve hygiene, reduce odors, and keep everyday essentials in better condition for longer.

And if you think laundry habits stop at bedding and towels, experts also say many people are making mistakes when it comes to washing sleepwear — including how often it should actually be cleaned.