Cleaning Tips

8 Things You Think Clean Themselves (But Actually Don’t)

It’s easy to assume that appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher get cleaned every time you use them. After all, they’re constantly exposed to water and detergent. The same goes for your kitchen sink, which gets rinsed with soap and water throughout the day.

But regular use doesn’t necessarily mean these items are getting clean. Detergent residue, food particles and mineral deposits can accumulate in places you might not think to check.

Here are eight household items you might assume are getting cleaned through normal use, along with how to clean them and how often.

Do things that clean actually clean themselves?

Not completely. Soap, water and regular use don’t always remove residue that collects in filters, seals, dispensers and other hard-to-reach areas.

1. Your Washing Machine

It seems reasonable to assume that a machine constantly washing clothes with water and detergent would stay clean in the process. Unfortunately, detergent residue, fabric softener and dirt can accumulate inside your washer over time.

Front-loading machines are especially prone to buildup around the rubber door gasket, where moisture and debris can collect. The detergent dispenser is another spot that’s easy to overlook.

How to clean your washing machine:

Run your machine’s designated cleaning cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove and wash the detergent dispenser if your model allows it.
Wipe around the rubber door gasket, paying attention to the folds where moisture collects.
Check and clean the drain pump filter if your machine has a user-accessible one.
Leave the door or lid open between loads when practical to help the interior dry.

How often: About once a month is a good starting point for a washing machine cleaning cycle, although you should follow your manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you’ve noticed a musty smell when you open your washer, it’s probably overdue for a cleaning.

2. Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher uses hot water and detergent every time it runs, but that doesn’t mean everything inside gets washed away.

Food particles can collect in the filter, grease and residue can accumulate around the door and hard water can leave mineral deposits on interior surfaces.

A dirty dishwasher can also affect how well your dishes come out. If you’re noticing food particles left behind or an unpleasant smell when you open the door, start by checking the filter.

How to clean your dishwasher:

Remove and rinse the filter if your dishwasher has a removable one.
Wipe down the door edges and rubber seals.
Check the spray arms for blocked openings.
Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle using a product approved for your machine.
Wipe down the exterior and handle.

How often: Check the filter regularly and clean it as needed. Follow your dishwasher’s maintenance instructions for cleaning cycles and other components.

3. Your Garbage Disposal

This one might surprise you.

Every time you use your garbage disposal, food scraps and water pass through the drain. Most of that waste gets flushed away, but small bits of food and residue can accumulate in places you can’t easily see.

One of the biggest offenders is the rubber splash guard, particularly its underside.

If you’ve ever noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your kitchen sink even though the drain seems clear, the splash guard is worth checking.

How to clean your garbage disposal:

Disconnect the disposal from its power source before cleaning.
If your model has a removable splash guard, take it out and scrub both sides with warm, soapy water.
Use an appropriate cleaning brush to remove residue from accessible surfaces around the drain opening.
Rinse thoroughly and reinstall the splash guard.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for flushing and maintaining the disposal.

Never reach into the grinding chamber with your hand.

How often: Check the splash guard regularly, especially if you use your garbage disposal frequently. Clean it whenever you notice buildup or odors.

4. Your Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner collects a lot more than the dirt you can see. Dust, hair, crumbs and other debris can accumulate throughout the machine, including in its filters, brush roll and attachments.

While emptying the canister or replacing the bag is important, that’s only part of keeping your vacuum clean.

Hair wrapped around the brush roll can interfere with its movement. Clogged filters and hoses can reduce suction, making it harder for the vacuum to do its job.

How to clean your vacuum cleaner:

Empty the dust canister or replace the bag before it becomes overly full.
Remove tangled hair and debris from the brush roll.
Clean or replace filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Not all vacuum filters are washable.
Check hoses and attachments for blockages.
Wipe down the exterior and other compatible surfaces.

If your vacuum has washable filters, make sure they’re completely dry before reinstalling them.

How often: Empty the canister as needed and check the brush roll regularly. Filter maintenance varies by model.

5. Your Coffee Maker

Hot water passes through your coffee maker every morning, but it doesn’t remove everything that gets left behind.

Minerals from your water can accumulate inside the machine, particularly if you live in an area with hard water. Coffee oils and residue can also build up in the filter basket, carafe and other removable components.

Regular cleaning helps prevent that buildup from affecting your coffee maker’s performance.

How to clean your coffee maker:

Wash removable parts, including the carafe and filter basket, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Empty and clean the water reservoir regularly.
Wipe down the exterior and accessible surfaces.
Descale the machine using the method recommended by the manufacturer.

How often: Clean removable components after use or as directed by the manufacturer. Many coffee makers need descaling every three to six months, depending on water hardness and usage.

Keep in mind that drip coffee makers, single-serve brewers and espresso machines have different maintenance requirements. Check your owner’s manual before using vinegar or other descaling solutions.

6. Your Showerhead

Your showerhead gets rinsed every time you take a shower, but the water itself can leave buildup behind.

Minerals naturally present in water can collect around the spray nozzles, especially in homes with hard water. Over time, you might notice white deposits, uneven water pressure or individual spray openings that seem clogged.

Fortunately, regular cleaning can help prevent mineral deposits from becoming difficult to remove.

How to clean your showerhead:

Wipe the exterior with a soft cloth and a cleaner appropriate for its finish.
If your showerhead has flexible rubber nozzles, gently rub them to loosen mineral deposits.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing stubborn buildup.
Rinse and dry the exterior.

How often: Check your showerhead during regular bathroom cleaning and remove mineral deposits as they develop. You may need to clean it more frequently if you have hard water.

One thing to watch: Although soaking showerheads in vinegar is a popular cleaning tip, vinegar can damage certain finishes. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.

7. Your Toilet Brush

You might use toilet bowl cleaner every time you scrub the toilet, but that doesn’t mean your toilet brush is getting thoroughly cleaned.

The brush comes into contact with residue inside the bowl, and moisture can remain trapped in the bristles and holder after use.

The holder is particularly easy to forget. Depending on its design, water and residue can collect at the bottom, especially if you put the brush away while it’s still dripping.

How to clean your toilet brush:

Rinse the brush thoroughly after each use.
Clean and disinfect it periodically using products appropriate for the brush material. Follow the product label directions and never mix cleaning chemicals.
Allow the brush to drain and dry before returning it to the holder.
Wash and dry the holder regularly.
Replace the brush when the bristles become worn or it develops an odor that cleaning doesn’t resolve.

How often: Rinse the brush after every use and clean the brush and holder regularly.

8. Your Kitchen Sink

Of all the things on this list, your kitchen sink probably comes into contact with soap and water the most.

But rinsing dishes, washing your hands and running water down the drain aren’t the same as cleaning the sink.

Food particles, grease and other residue can collect around the drain, faucet base and edges. Even if the sink looks clean after you finish washing dishes, some of that residue may still be there.

How to clean your kitchen sink:

Remove dishes and food debris.
Wash the sink with warm, soapy water or a cleaner appropriate for its surface.
Pay particular attention to the drain opening, corners and faucet base.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
After preparing raw meat or poultry, clean and sanitize the sink using products appropriate for the surface.

How often: Give your kitchen sink a quick cleaning daily and clean and sanitize it after food preparation that could introduce harmful bacteria.

How to Keep Up With These Often-Overlooked Cleaning Tasks

You don’t need to add all eight items to your weekly cleaning routine.

Some, like your kitchen sink and toilet brush, need frequent attention. Others, including your washing machine and coffee maker, can be cleaned on a monthly or less frequent schedule.

Try connecting these tasks to the cleaning you’re already doing.

When you’re cleaning the bathroom, check the showerhead and toilet brush holder. After vacuuming, take a moment to empty the canister and inspect the brush roll. When you’re cleaning the kitchen, check the dishwasher filter and garbage disposal splash guard.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Things That Clean

The next time you’re working through your usual cleaning routine, check a few of these often-forgotten spots. A quick cleaning now can help prevent stubborn buildup, unpleasant odors and extra work later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do washing machines and dishwashers clean themselves?

Not completely. Even though both appliances use water and detergent, residue can accumulate inside filters, dispensers and other components. Some models have self-cleaning cycles, but regular maintenance is still necessary.

Why do appliances smell bad even though they use soap and water?

Food particles, detergent residue and moisture can accumulate in areas that don’t get thoroughly rinsed or dried during normal use. Cleaning filters, seals and other components can help address the source of unpleasant odors.

Can you use vinegar to clean household appliances?

It depends on the appliance and its materials. Although vinegar can help dissolve certain mineral deposits, some manufacturers advise against using it because it can damage components or finishes. Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using vinegar.

How often should you clean household appliances?

Cleaning frequency depends on the appliance, how often you use it and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Washing machines often benefit from monthly cleaning, while dishwasher filters may need more frequent attention. Coffee makers typically require periodic descaling in addition to regular cleaning of removable parts.