Top 10+ Cleaning Habits You Should Never Ignore for a Healthier Home (Yet Most People Still Do)

Washing Your Hands After Unpacking Groceries

Most people don’t think twice about unpacking groceries, but research has shown that grocery packaging can carry bacteria and even viruses for hours. According to a 2024 CDC update, traces of norovirus and E.

coli have been found on cardboard and plastic surfaces in supermarkets. After handling food packaging, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

This small habit can lower the risk of foodborne illnesses in your home. The CDC found that outbreaks linked to improper handwashing are still surprisingly common, despite years of public health campaigns.

If you skip this step, you may unknowingly spread germs to kitchen counters and other surfaces.

Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces Daily

Door handles, light switches, and remote controls are magnets for germs. A 2023 study from the National Institutes of Health found that high-touch surfaces in homes contained up to 30 times more bacteria than toilet seats.

While many people remember to clean bathrooms and kitchens, they often overlook these everyday items. Germs can linger on plastic and metal for up to 72 hours, increasing the risk of illness, especially during cold and flu season.

Making a habit of wiping these spots with disinfectant wipes or sprays every day can make a huge difference in your home’s overall cleanliness.

Changing Bedding Weekly

Most people only change their sheets when they remember, but the American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing bedding at least once a week. Dust mites, sweat, skin cells, and even fungi build up rapidly on bedding.

A 2024 University of Manchester study revealed that pillowcases can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat after just one week. Regularly washing your sheets and pillowcases in hot water can significantly reduce allergens and help prevent skin issues like acne.

If you wait too long, you might be sleeping in a bed of germs without even knowing it.

Cleaning Your Toothbrush Holder

Toothbrush holders are one of the dirtiest items in the bathroom, yet they’re rarely cleaned. In a 2023 NSF International household germ study, 27% of toothbrush holders tested positive for coliform bacteria, which includes E.

coli. Moisture and leftover toothpaste create a perfect breeding ground for germs.

It’s recommended to wash and disinfect your holder at least once a week. Neglecting this can lead to bacteria spreading onto your toothbrush and, ultimately, into your mouth.

Vacuuming Under Furniture and Appliances

Most people run the vacuum over visible floors, but forget about the hidden spots under couches and appliances. According to a 2025 Environmental Protection Agency report, dust under furniture can contain high levels of allergens, pet dander, and even microplastics.

These hidden pockets of dust contribute to respiratory problems and worsen allergies, especially in children. Regularly moving furniture and cleaning underneath isn’t just for spring cleaning—it’s essential for a truly healthy home.

Dust mites thrive in these neglected areas, making them hotspots for indoor air pollution.

Wiping Down Cell Phones and Tablets

Your phone goes everywhere with you—bathrooms, kitchens, public transport—collecting a cocktail of bacteria along the way. A 2024 study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that 92% of phones carried bacteria, and 16% had E.

coli. Despite this, most people rarely clean their devices.

Using alcohol-based wipes daily can cut down on the spread of germs between your hands, face, and home surfaces. Ignoring this habit is like inviting germs to follow you everywhere you go.

Regularly Cleaning Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths

Kitchen sponges are notorious for harboring bacteria. In 2023, German researchers discovered that sponges can contain as many as 45 billion bacteria per square centimeter, making them one of the dirtiest items in any home.

The USDA recommends microwaving damp sponges for 1-2 minutes or replacing them weekly to reduce bacteria. If you let sponges go unchanged, you risk spreading bacteria back onto dishes and kitchen surfaces.

Dishcloths should also be laundered every few days in hot water.

Sanitizing Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable grocery bags are great for the environment but can become germ carriers if not cleaned often. A 2024 survey by the Food Standards Agency reported that 61% of reusable bags tested contained high levels of bacteria, including salmonella and listeria.

These germs can transfer onto fresh produce and other foods. Washing bags in hot water after each use, especially if they’ve held raw meat or unwashed produce, is strongly recommended.

Most people forget this step, but it’s vital to avoid cross-contamination.

Deep Cleaning Shower Curtains and Liners

Mold and mildew love to grow on damp shower curtains and liners. The American Cleaning Institute (2025) warns that these surfaces can harbor fungi and bacteria that trigger allergies and asthma.

Yet, many households only replace or wash shower curtains once a year, if at all. Washing fabric curtains in hot water every month and wiping down plastic liners with a bleach solution can prevent mold build-up.

Ignoring this habit can result in respiratory issues and stubborn bathroom odors.

Ventilating Rooms Daily

Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to a 2024 World Health Organization report. Opening windows and letting fresh air in for even just 10-15 minutes a day helps remove indoor pollutants, moisture, and allergens.

Most people keep windows shut year-round, especially in winter, allowing dust, pet dander, and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products to build up. Regular ventilation reduces the risk of asthma, allergies, and headaches.

This simple habit is often ignored, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your home healthy.