Yes, You Should Wash Your Cleaning Equipment—These Are the 7 Most Important Items

We depend on a variety of equipment to streamline our cleaning routines, but how often do we consider the condition of those very tools? It’s easy to overlook, but cleaning experts say that certain devices needs regular cleaning to perform at their best. Plus, proper cleaning and maintenance can extend the lifespan of tools like vacuums and household appliances—which means fewer costly replacements.

Discover which essential items deserve a spot on your cleaning checklist, along with tips to ensure they are cleaned properly and thoroughly.

Meet the Experts

• Mary Gagliardi (aka Dr. Laundry) is an in-house scientist and cleaning expert at Clorox.

• Casey Kennedy is the senior product manager at Rowenta, a small home appliance manufacturer.

Which Cleaning Equipment To Clean

Most cleaning equipment doesn't clean itself, and even for those with a self-cleaning function, manual care is still necessary. Mary Gagliardi (also known as Dr. Laundry), Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert, says that anything that collects dirt or other grime needs to be cleaned often to function properly. Follow this list of items and cleaning tips to maintain your cleaning arsenal.

Editor's Tip

Check the use and care guide from your equipment's manufacturer before performing routine maintenance. If you didn't save the physical copy, you can typically find it online by searching the manufacturer's name and the item's model number.

1. Vacuums

Vacuum cleaners intake dirt and other soils every time they're used, so it's no surprise that these devices need some extra care. Casey Kennedy, the senior product manager at Rowenta, recommends cleaning your vacuum once a month if you use it regularly.

To do so, make sure the vacuum is turned off and release the filter. Empty any debris into the trash and rinse with water. Let the filter dry for 24 hours to ensure it's dry before you put it back in the dust container. Clean the vacuum's brush by releasing the rotating brush from the device. Carefully use scissors to cut lengthwise down the brush to release any hair caught along the brush, then use your hands to gently pull away the hair. Rinse the brush with water and allow it to dry completely before you put it back into the device.

Related: 17 Things You Should Never Vacuum Up

2. Sponges and Scrubbers

Wash your sponges and scrubbers weekly to avoid spreading bacteria around your home. The easiest solution is to place them on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a heat-dry cycle or the longest and hottest cycle to kill any germs. They can also be boiled or soaked in a bleach mixture.

Related: 7 Kitchen Items That Need to Be Cleaned or Replaced ASAP

3. Washing Machines and Dryers

Since a washing machine is in constant contact with soiled clothes and moisture, it's easy for its inner workings to harbor odor-causing bacteria that can transfer to washed clothes. Gagliardi recommends run an empty washing machine once a month on a heavy-duty cycle with hot water and add an extra rinse cycle with disinfecting bleach.

The same goes for dryers—all of the lint that gets collected can spread throughout the machine and clothes and cause a mess. Other than emptying the lint screen before every use, make it a habit to also remove any leftover lint inside the trap. Clean the vent hose and pipe yearly and wipe out the inside of your dryer's drum with a non-flammable cleaning spray and cloth monthly.

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent? Experts Weigh In

4. Steamers

Steamers can collect mineral buildup from water, so routine cleaning is integral for the machine to work well. Kennedy advises regular steamer users to clean them monthly. To do so, fill the tank with distilled white vinegar and power the steamer to its highest temperature. Expel the liquid into a sink or bucket until empty. Let the steamer cool before repeating the process and then dry with a microfiber cloth.

Related: Is Steam Cleaning as Effective as Scrubbing?

5. Dishwashers

Between all of the old food and moisture, dishwashers are an obvious candidate for extra cleaning, despite the internal cleaning process they conduct themselves. Set a cup of white vinegar on the top rock and run a full cycle with hot water. Take the time to scrub the dishwasher accessories like racks and utensil holders and to remove and clean the filter. If you use your dishwasher often, do this routine monthly.

Related: 5 Dishwasher Mistakes That Could Be Preventing a Good Clean

6. Dust Cloths

It's easy to get into the routine of using the same dust cloths again and again without cleaning them in between. Instead, get in the habit of washing them after each use so you don't spread dust and bacteria with each use. First, shake out any dust and debris into a trash can. Then separately wash the cloths in the washing machine with warm water and a mild detergent. Let them air-dry.

Related: The 7 Best Dusting Tools for All The Hard-To-Reach Places In Your Home

7. Brooms

Prevent the spread of dust, dirt, crumbs, and hair by cleaning your broom often. Shake the broom to remove any loose debris before soaking the bristles in a bucket of warm water and dish soap for at least 30 minutes. Scrub the bristles with a brush and rinse. Let it air-dry.

Related: How to Clean Kitchen Floors