I was perfectly happy before I learned I was supposed to clean that.

There are certain things in my house I clean automatically. The kitchen counters get wiped down. The bathroom gets scrubbed. Floors eventually reach a level of visible debris that inspires action.

Then there are the things existing in the background. I use them constantly, but I rarely think about cleaning them.

Unfortunately, some of them are getting a little gross.

Your Reusable Water Bottle

I love my emotional-support water bottle. I do not love thinking about what happens when I repeatedly drink from it all day and then give it a casual rinse before refilling it.

Reusable bottles need a proper wash, including the lid and any little crevices where moisture hangs around. If your bottle has a straw, take that apart too.

A tiny bottle brush makes this considerably easier. And if you can't remember the last time you thoroughly washed yours, today is the day.

Your Washing Machine

Yep, the machine that cleans things also needs to be cleaned.

Residue can build up inside your washer over time, and front-loading machines collect moisture around the rubber gasket.

Give the drum and detergent compartments some attention, then wipe around the door and gasket. If your washing machine has a drain filter at the bottom, you’ll need to clean that, too.

It's also a good idea to leave the washer door open after a load when possible so the interior can dry.

Your Vacuum

Another betrayal. Your vacuum spends its entire existence sucking up dirt, hair, and whatever mysterious crumbs have appeared beneath the sofa.

Eventually, you have to return the favor.

Empty the bin or replace the bag regularly. Check the brush roll for hair wrapped around it, and pay attention to the filters according to your vacuum's instructions.

If your vacuum suddenly seems terrible at vacuuming, it might not be dying. It might just need you to clean the thing that cleans. Very circle-of-life.

Throw Pillow Covers

Throw pillows live a suspiciously charmed existence. We lean against them. The dog sleeps on them. Someone inevitably puts their feet on them.

Then we fluff them and put them back like nothing happened.

If your pillow covers are removable, check the care label and wash them periodically. If they're not, follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and spot-clean as needed.

This is also your reminder to investigate the decorative pillows on your bed.

Your Dishwasher Filter

If you've never cleaned your dishwasher filter, I regret to inform you that you may have homework.

Many dishwashers have a removable filter near the bottom that catches food particles and other debris. Over time, it can get pretty unpleasant.

Check your dishwasher manual before yanking anything out, then clean the filter according to the manufacturer's directions.

Your Remote Controls

Think about how often you touch the TV remote. Now think about how often you clean it.

Exactly.

Remote controls, game controllers, and similar frequently handled devices can collect plenty of grime while somehow escaping the cleaning routine.

Use a cleaning method that's safe for electronics rather than spraying cleaner directly onto the device. This job takes almost no time and will immediately make you wonder why you weren't doing it before.

Your Reusable Grocery Bags

I am excellent at remembering my reusable grocery bags approximately four minutes after entering the grocery store.

When I do remember them, they carry produce, packaged food, and occasionally something that leaks just enough to make the bottom a different color.

Check whether yours are machine washable. If they're not, wipe them down according to the care instructions and let them dry completely before putting them away.

You Don't Need to Clean Everything Today

Please don’t immediately dismantle every appliance in your home. Pick one thing and clean it.

Then casually add another overlooked item to your normal routine when you have time. A clean house doesn't require spending every waking moment hunting for microscopic dirt.

But I will be washing my water bottle immediately. Some knowledge cannot be undone.