Best Ways To Clean The Dirtiest Items In Your Home

On Your Home Your Heart, discover the dirtiest items in your home and the best ways to clean them effectively.

Recent research from premium appliance brand AEG has highlighted the most overlooked cleaning jobs in British homes by analysing average monthly Google search volumes for phrases like “how to clean” followed by various household items. The findings show that many everyday objects accumulate grime, limescale, dust, and bacteria far more than people realise, often leading to hygiene issues, reduced efficiency, or even health concerns like worsened allergies.

Here are the top 10 most neglected items, ranked by search interest, along with practical cleaning advice to help maintain them effectively.

Dirtiest Items In Your Home

1. Showerheads (4,127 average monthly searches)

Showerheads top the list as Britain’s most neglected item, largely due to limescale buildup from hard water, which clogs nozzles and reduces water flow. In hard-water regions like South East England, this issue worsens quickly.

Cleaning advice: Remove the showerhead if possible and soak it in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water (or one part vinegar to three parts water for a milder mix) for 30 minutes to an hour—or overnight for heavy buildup. Use a plastic bag secured with a rubber band if removal is tricky. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush to clear residue, then rinse thoroughly. Clean monthly, or more often in hard-water areas, to maintain strong water pressure and prevent bacterial growth.

2. Kettles (3,627 average monthly searches)

Kettles rank second, with limescale from repeated boiling affecting taste, efficiency, and lifespan.

Cleaning advice: Fill the kettle with equal parts water and white vinegar, boil it, let it stand for a while, then rinse well and boil plain water once or twice to remove any vinegar smell. For stubborn buildup, repeat the process. Alternatively, use lemon slices boiled in water for a natural option. Descale every one to three months, increasing frequency in hard-water areas to keep your kettle performing optimally.

3. Mattresses (2,626 average monthly searches)

Mattresses come third, gathering dust mites, dead skin cells, oils, and allergens over time, which can impact sleep quality and trigger allergies.

Cleaning advice: Vacuum the surface thoroughly using an upholstery attachment, focusing on seams and crevices. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda liberally across the mattress, leave it for at least 30 minutes (or longer for odours), then vacuum it up. Flip or rotate the mattress every three to six months to ensure even wear. For pet owners or allergy sufferers, perform this deep clean more regularly and consider using a mattress protector.

4. Duvets (2,536 average monthly searches)

Duvets accumulate sweat, oils, and dust, making regular washing essential for hygiene.

Cleaning advice: Check the care label first, then machine-wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent—use warm water if suitable (around 60°C for many). Wash separately to avoid overloading. Dry thoroughly, preferably in a tumble dryer on low heat or by airing in sunlight for natural disinfection. Aim to clean duvets twice a year.

5. Pillows (2,127 average monthly searches)

Pillows trap similar buildup to duvets, plus they support the head nightly, increasing exposure to oils and allergens.

Cleaning advice: Verify the care label, then wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and extra rinse if needed. Use minimal detergent and avoid fabric softeners. Dry on low heat in a tumble dryer, adding clean tennis balls to fluff them up. Wash pillows three times a year for freshness.

6. Cooker Hoods (1,218 average monthly searches)

Cooker hoods (extractor fans) collect grease, steam, and odours, reducing their effectiveness if filters are ignored.

Cleaning advice: For metal filters, soak in warm, soapy water (with a degreasing dish soap) every one to three months, or run through the dishwasher if compatible. Scrub tough grease with a paste of three parts bicarbonate of soda to one part water. Replace carbon filters every four to six months. Regular cleaning keeps air quality high and prevents fire risks.

7. Fridges (1,060 average monthly searches)

Fridges harbour spills, crumbs, and bacteria if not cleaned periodically.

Cleaning advice: Empty the fridge completely, remove shelves and drawers, and soak them in hot, soapy water. Wipe interior surfaces (walls, shelves, doors) with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap or a white vinegar solution—avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or excessive hot water. Dry thoroughly before restocking. Clean every three to six months, and spot-clean spills immediately for best results.

8. Toilet Brushes (1,006 average monthly searches)

Toilet brushes are a hygiene hotspot, often overlooked despite frequent use.

Cleaning advice: After scrubbing the toilet, rinse the brush in clean toilet water, then let it soak in the bowl with toilet cleaner for 10 minutes. Flush while scrubbing to rinse. Disinfect by spraying with hydrogen peroxide or leaving it to dry trapped under the seat. Clean the holder similarly with cleaner and water. Do this regularly after each deep toilet clean.

9. Dishwasher Filters (978 average monthly searches)

Blocked filters cause poor cleaning and odours in dishwashers.

Cleaning advice: Locate and remove the filter (usually at the bottom—twist to unlock), rinse under hot running water, and scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush in hot, soapy water. Soak if greasy. Clean monthly or more with heavy use to ensure efficient drainage and spotless dishes.

10. Skirting Boards (817 average monthly searches)

Skirting boards collect dust, scuffs, and grime at floor level.

Cleaning advice: Start by dry-dusting weekly with a microfibre cloth or duster. For deeper cleans monthly, use a damp cloth or mop with warm water and a little dish soap or mild detergent. Wipe gently to avoid damaging paint, then dry with a towel. This prevents buildup and keeps rooms looking fresh.

By addressing these neglected areas with simple, regular routines—often using household staples like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and mild soap—British households can improve hygiene, extend appliance life, and create healthier living spaces. Start with the top offenders for the biggest impact!