Mr. Monk's: Ten Things You Likely Forgot to Clean

I can't breathe the dust in your house!

If you're familiar with Mr. Monk, you know he's an OCD detective that is obsessed with cleaning and he's the biggest
germophobe ever! :)  In honor of Mr. Monk, we're republishing an article from the Huffington Post that's right up his alley, to help you clean things you may have forgotten!

10 Things You're Definitely Forgetting To Clean

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/things-you-forget-to-clean_us_569d11d6e4b0ce49642534f9?

01/18/2016 02:31 pm ET

• Lexi Tollefsen Lifestyle Editorial Fellow, The Huffington Post

We feel accomplished when we've successfully changed our sheets, vacuumed the living room and wiped down the bathroom mirror. And we should. Keeping our home clean is no small feat.
But while cleaning the big stuff is important, germs often hide in the little things we forget to disinfect. Scroll through the tips below to see what you should be adding to your list next time you spend an afternoon sanitizing your home sweet home.

1. Shelves 

It's easy to dismiss shelves as a dust-free zone, especially if you don't interact with them much. But cubbies are often full of dust mites lurking on the surface and around the shelves' contents. To keep them clean, wipe down the surface with a damp rag and make sure to dust the objects you have sitting on top. 

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2. Your coffee maker

Your favorite small appliance is a hotbed of bacteria and mold. To give it a thorough clean, you'll need more than just hot water. Aside from washing the pot, you'll also need to properly clean the nooks and crannies on the inside that you don't see. Use this guide to get the job done so you can drink fresh, clean coffee. 

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3. Picture frames

Whether they're hanging or standing, picture frames are sneaky dust collectors. Every 1-2 weeks, use a feather duster to clear excess dirt from the surfaces. Be especially careful with gilded or textured frames. Using anything other than a gentle duster might damage the delicate finish. Metal frames, on the other hand, can be wiped down with harsher soaps.

4. Your shower curtain liner

While you can't completely prevent mold from building up on your shower curtain, there are a few things you can do to keep the liner as clean as possible. For starters, it's a good idea to spritz the bottom of the curtain with bathtub cleaner after you shower to prevent bacteria from festering.

5. The ceiling fan

Nobody wants dirt flying around the room every time the ceiling fan is switched on, so it's essential you clean it regularly. Luckily, dusting the blades is easier than you think. Learn how to get the job done with a pillowcase or a dryer sheet and never dread this chore again.

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6. Your TV remote

Like your cell phone, germs on your TV remote sneakily pile up. The next time you sit down to watch a show, use a disinfecting cloth to wipe down the outer surface. Then, dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and clean in between the buttons.

7. The space between appliances

Hard-to-reach places like the space between your fridge and countertops are easy to forget when you're on a cleaning spree. Check the cracks in your kitchen every other week to prevent grimy build up. 

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8. Your mattress

Most of us remember to wash our sheets regularly, but rarely do we give any thought to the state of our mattresses. To rid the fabric of any dust mites and prevent sagging, flip your mattress every six months. Before turning it over, sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and essential oils to get rid of odor. Let the mixture soak in for a few minute and vacuum the surface to pick up residue afterwards.

9. Light switches

Although tiny, light switches can harbor big-time germs. To properly disinfect them, spray a cloth with household cleaner and wipe down the surface. Use a Q-tip or cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to get the dirt hiding in the cracks. Repeat this five minute routine whenever you wipe down your countertops. 

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10. Your toothbrush holder. 

We know to change our toothbrushes often, especially after we've been sick, but most of us neglect the very container that holds the bathroom staple. Your toothbrush holder is filled with germs, bacteria and even mold that can potentially infect your toothbrush when left unclean. Next time you clean your bathroom, empty the holder, fill it with very hot water, rinse and wipe down with a paper towel. Then, fill the container with mouthwash and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, pour the liquid out and let it air dry.