Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used spaces in your home—and also one of the germiest. While you might scrub the toilet, wipe down the sink, and mop the floor regularly, there are plenty of hidden spots that often get overlooked. These neglected areas can harbor bacteria, mold, and grime, making your bathroom less hygienic than you think.
Here are 10 things in your bathroom you probably aren’t cleaning enough—and how to tackle them effectively.
1. The Toothbrush Holder
You clean your toothbrush (or at least rinse it), but what about the holder? A study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) found that toothbrush holders are one of the germiest items in the home, often contaminated with mold, yeast, and even coliform bacteria (like E. coli).
How to clean it:
- Remove any debris and rinse with hot water.
- Soak in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar or antibacterial soap.
- Scrub with a small brush (an old toothbrush works well).
- Rinse and dry thoroughly before placing toothbrushes back.
Pro Tip: Clean your toothbrush holder at least once a week.
2. Showerhead
Mineral deposits and biofilm (a slimy layer of bacteria) can build up inside your showerhead, reducing water pressure and potentially spreading bacteria into the water stream.
How to clean it:
- Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
- Let it soak for at least an hour (or overnight for heavy buildup).
- Remove the bag, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Do this every 1-2 months to keep your showerhead clean and functioning well.
3. Bath Mat
Bath mats trap moisture, dead skin cells, and bacteria, making them a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
How to clean it:
- Machine wash with hot water and detergent (check the label first).
- Add a cup of vinegar or baking soda to kill odors and bacteria.
- Hang dry in the sun if possible (UV rays help kill germs).
Pro Tip: Wash your bath mat at least once every two weeks—more often if it smells musty.
4. Behind the Toilet
The area behind and around the base of the toilet is a hotspot for dust, hair, and even urine splatter (yes, really).
How to clean it:
- Move the toilet brush and other items out of the way.
- Use a disinfecting wipe or a microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaner.
- Don’t forget the base and the bolts—grime loves to hide there!
Pro Tip: Wipe this area weekly during your regular bathroom cleaning routine.
5. Hair Tools (Brushes, Combs, & Hairdryers)
Hairbrushes collect oils, dead skin, and product buildup, while hairdryers can gather dust inside their vents.
How to clean them:
- Brushes & Combs: Remove hair, then soak in warm water with shampoo or baking soda. Scrub with a toothbrush and air dry.
- Hairdryers: Wipe the exterior with a disinfecting cloth and use a toothpick or small brush to clean the vent.
Pro Tip: Clean hair tools every 2-4 weeks to keep them hygienic.
6. Faucet Handles & Knobs
These high-touch surfaces are constantly exposed to dirty hands, yet they’re often forgotten during cleaning.
How to clean them:
- Spray with disinfectant or wipe with a bleach-based cleaner.
- Pay attention to crevices where grime builds up.
Pro Tip: Disinfect daily during flu season or if someone in the house is sick.
7. Exhaust Fan & Light Fixtures
Dust and mold can accumulate on bathroom exhaust fans and light fixtures, reducing efficiency and spreading allergens.
How to clean them:
- Turn off the power before cleaning.
- Wipe the fan cover with a damp cloth and use a vacuum attachment to remove dust inside.
- For light fixtures, remove the cover and wash with soapy water.
Pro Tip: Clean these every 3-6 months to maintain air quality.
8. Shower Curtain & Liner
Mold and soap scum cling to shower curtains and liners, creating an unsightly (and unhygienic) mess.
How to clean them:
- Machine wash fabric curtains (with towels for extra scrubbing).
- For plastic liners, soak in a tub with bleach or vinegar, then scrub.
Pro Tip: Replace plastic liners every 6 months if they’re heavily mildewed.
9. Under the Sink
Leaks, spills, and humidity can turn the space under your sink into a moldy, cluttered disaster.
How to clean it:
- Remove all items and wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant.
- Check for leaks and use a dehumidifier pack if needed.
Pro Tip: Reorganize and wipe this area every 2-3 months.
10. The Toilet Brush (& Its Holder)
Ironically, the tool you use to clean the toilet is often one of the dirtiest things in your bathroom.
How to clean it:
- Rinse the brush with hot water after each use.
- Soak in bleach or disinfectant weekly.
- Clean the holder with a disinfecting wipe.
Pro Tip: Replace your toilet brush every 6 months.
Final Thoughts
A truly clean bathroom goes beyond the obvious spots. By paying attention to these often-neglected areas, you’ll create a healthier, fresher space for you and your family. Set a reminder to tackle one of these items each week, and your bathroom will stay sparkling clean with minimal effort.
