September’s Clean Sweep: Don’t Forget These Overlooked Spots

As summer winds down and routines settle back in, September is a great month to focus on the “everyday items” we use but rarely clean. These aren’t your big seasonal projects, but the smaller things that—once freshened up—make your daily life feel lighter and healthier.

1. Your Car’s Interior

Think about how many iced coffees, gym bags, and snack wrappers have lived in your car all summer. Wipe down cupholders, vacuum under the seats, and don’t forget the steering wheel—it collects more germs than you’d think.

2. Backpacks, Purses, and Tote Bags

With school back in session and commutes picking up, bags are getting a workout. Empty everything out, toss any crumbs, and wipe down the inside. Bonus: you’ll rediscover those missing pens and lip balms.

3. Remote Controls and Game Controllers

Fall TV season + football season = a lot of hands on remotes. Give them a quick disinfecting wipe to cut down on germs before the next binge-watch or game day.

4. Your Coffee Maker

Cooler mornings mean more hot coffee. Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar and water (then rinse well), and wipe down the exterior. You’ll taste the difference.

5. Reusable Water Bottles & Travel Mugs

Summer hikes and back-to-school means bottles are everywhere. Don’t just rinse—deep clean with a bottle brush, especially around lids and straws where grime hides.

6. Desk & Keyboard

Whether you’re back in the office or working from home, your workspace deserves a reset. Crumbs, fingerprints, and dust love keyboards and mousepads. A quick clean makes your desk feel brand new.

7. Fall Sports Gear

Soccer cleats, yoga mats, or even pickleball paddles—if they’ve been sitting in a bag all summer, now’s the time to wipe them down and deodorize.

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Bottom line: September isn’t about the deep-clean overhaul—it’s about reclaiming the small, everyday spaces you touch constantly. Spend a little time freshening them up now, and you’ll head into fall feeling organized and ready.