These common items in your home need to be cleaned regularly. Now, more than ever, it's important to clean and sanitize these easy-to-forget items.

By Lindsay Listanski, Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

Did you know there are 10 MILLION bacteria per square inch of a kitchen sponge? (dailymail.co.uk) What about the fact that your pillow is as germy as a TOILET SEAT! (NY Post) Those are just two of the mind-blowing (and scary) facts about common household items that are probably not getting cleaned as regularly as they should be. Here are 20 items that you should give a little extra TLC:

Remote Control

Many of us have heard that remotes are often the dirtiest item in a hotel room, but did you know the same holds true for the remotes in our homes? You should clean this, and game controllers, once a month with some rubbing alcohol and a q-tip for those hard to reach spots.

Stove Knobs

Cleaning stove knobs can be a pain but it is an important part of keeping your kitchen free of icky germs we spread from handling food. For a quick clean simply pull off the knobs and soak them in a bowl of white vinegar.

Dishwasher

Sometimes we forget to clean the things that clean. Add cleaning this appliance at least once a month to your to-do list. Depending on the model you have, you may need to manually clean the filter. To do this, pull out the bottom rack, locate the filter, and clear it of any debris. Check the appliance's owner's manual for complete instructions. After that, you can place a clean bowl with a cup or two of white vinegar in the center of the bottom rack, and run through a cycle without detergent.

Light Switches

The basic rule of thumb is this: if a hand touches it, it needs to be cleaned. This is especially true during cold and flu season. Think about how often light switches are touched – and by whom – over the course of a single week! To clean naturally, use a quality microfiber cloth and hot water, wringing as much water out as possible.

Door Knobs

Again, think about how often doorknobs are touched. A once-a-week cleaning, then, is a must.

Garbage Cans

Sure, you take the trash out when the bag is full but when was the last time you actually scrubbed the inside of the can? And how about the can(s) outside?

Comforter

You may change your sheets every week (or every other week) but when was the last time you cleaned your comforter? Cleaning experts suggest cleaning it once a season.

Pillows

Dust mites, pet hair, and dead skin. Sadly, all of these things might be living in and on the place where you lay your head to sleep each night. Wash the pillow cover (not the pillowcase that matches your sheets – you'll wash those when you wash the sheets) a minimum of every three weeks. Did you know you can wash most pillows (even down/feather ones) in the washing machine? Do this about every three months. Make sure you dry them thoroughly!

Keurig/Coffee Maker

Is your morning cup of Joe contaminated? To be sure you get coffee and not germs, experts recommend that a Keurig be cleaned (and descaled) every 3-6 months. Wondering how to clean it? Here you go.

Dish Sponge

Did you know that a kitchen sponge is actually 200,000 times DIRTIER than a toilet seat? First things first, if your sponge is over a month old then toss it. For regular cleaning, wet the sponge and, without wringing out the water, place it in your microwave on high for a couple of minutes. Don't walk away! You need to make sure the sponge doesn't dry out and catch fire. As an alternative, make a solution of 10% bleach and soak the sponge for up to five minutes. Rinse and wring out excess water. Let dry.

Drying Rack

Anything that has standing water in it tends to be…well…stinky. Be sure you scrub down that drying rack every few days to avoid a slimy mess.

Top of the Fan

Cleaning a ceiling fan can be a dirty and dusty job if you let it go too long. Carefully climb a stepladder, and use a mixture of water and white vinegar (a couple of tablespoons mixed in a spray bottle of water) to loosen grime. Wipe clean and dry.

Pet Toys

If you have pets, then they probably have toys. Rubber ones can be washed in the dishwasher (alone and without detergent), whereas lots of cloth toys can be washed in the washing machine. Be sure to check the tags or online to see the manufacturer's recommended cleaning methods, and never use bleach. It could poison your dog.

Lint Trap

This is an important one not only to keep your home clean but also safe! "The U.S. Fire Administration (part of FEMA) cites that there are 2900 home clothes dryer fires every year resulting in an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. And the leading cause: failure to clean them." (cushmaninsure.com)

Washing Machine

Washing machines are pretty clean since you use often use hot water to clean your clothes but they still need attention about once a month. To clean your washer just run an empty load with hot water and bleach or check the manufacturer's website.

Toothbrush Holder

According to NSF International, this is one of the germiest items in a home. Pretty gross considering it holds the item you clean your mouth with.

Sofa

Clean your sofa with a vacuum every couple of weeks, and deep clean it once a year.

Toilet Bowl Handle

Use a disinfectant wipe and make sure to close the lid before flushing to avoid airborne germs!

Ice Trays

If you don't have an ice maker in your fridge/freezer, and your ice tastes funny, there is a chance that may be from the ice tray being dirty and not actually your water. Use warm water to remove any remaining ice, and then mix two teaspoons of baking soda with a half cup of warm water. Pour into trays, let sit a few minutes, scrub each section, and run the tray under warm water to rinse thoroughly.

Makeup Brushes

Brushing bacteria onto your face may not be your first thought you have as you apply powder, blush, or eye shadow to your face but if you aren't cleaning them regularly it is exactly what you are doing. Make sure to clean all of your brushes once a month. Here's how.