I feel like I am always doing housework, laundry, dishes.. you name it. But there are some things that don’t get as much attention as things like my kitchen counter or dirty laundry.

Here are some things you may want to consider washing more often if you don’t already.  These are also good things to wash when you are spring cleaning or find that there are a lot of germs going around.

Jackets, Hats, Gloves, Scarves

These all get a lot of exposure to germs, from sitting at a variety of public places such as the grocery store or mall, to touching door handles and so on. I am sure my kid’s jackets get lots of exposure to germs, from school to the bus and everywhere else. Plus their jackets and gloves start to look dirty after a few weeks anyway, so it’s a good chance to do some stain treating too. I notice the ends of the jacket sleeves and the winter gloves get so dirty!

​​​​​​​This also goes for any sweaters, hoodies, or sweatshirts that don’t get washed regularly.

Water Bottles

Water Bottles & Travel Mugs

Rinsing out water bottles isn’t necessarily enough. Get in there with a brush and thoroughly clean it, and remember to clean the tops thoroughly too. I have heard some horror stories about kids water bottles because of the pieces that make up the tops, and also the lids on travel mugs.  Every Saturday or Sunday I grab all the water bottles from the kids backpacks and sports bags and get them scrubbed or in the dishwasher.

Backpacks and Lunch Boxes

These can get pretty dirty, and I read an article once about how lunch boxes can be a major source of bacteria. Every so often I take the lunch boxes and wash them down in hot, soapy water, giving them a good scrub.

Purses and Bags

Think of all the places you have set your purse or bags. On the floor, shopping carts, etc. Even on a chair, movie theater, counter, etc.

Keyboards, Remotes & Phones

We all know that these collect a lot of germs, but it is less often that we remember to give them a wipe-down.

Cat Food Bowl

Pet Food Bowls & Feeding Areas

Pet food can have a lot of bacteria in it, plus there is the bacteria of their mouths and saliva. It can be easy to refill dry food out of habit and not change out the bowl as often as we should. I try to remember to regularly swap out the bowls and pop the dirty ones in the dishwasher.


Dish Towels, Hand Towels, and Sponges


These collect germs pretty fast.  Either disinfect your sponges or replace them altogether.

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Some​times while I am busy cleaning, I grab a bunch of things to wash.


For example, doing a load of dishes?  Pop in those plastic cutting boards, pet bowls, cups from the bathrooms, water bottles, etc.

Doing some laundry?  Grab all the hand towels and get them in the wash.

​​​​​Of course there are lots of other things that can use regular washing if you don’t already (like comforters).  What are some things you find don’t get washed often enough?