Your nest may not be the cleanest place. Germs grow -- and grow quickly -- and forgetting to clean under and over hard to reach places can actually make you sick.

More shocking, though: some studies have found the things we use the most -- doorknobs, light switches and even our favourite handbags -- are probably the reason we get sick, according to ABC News.

Now, we don't recommend you take that mop and duster and clean/tackle every single spot on this list. But cleaning these "forgotten" places should be done in moderation at least every other week.

Scared of mould and mildew taking over your home? Here are 20 things you shouldn't forget to clean.

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  • Cleaning Products

    If you've invested money in a high-end vacuum cleaner, chances are it also needs some TLC. Often, we get so busy picking up dirt, hairs and dust with our cleaning tools -- <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Vacuum-Cleaner" target="_hplink">we forget to actually clean them.</a>

  • Under The Rug

    Sure, we love tucking dust and dirt under the rug, but do you actually clean under there? Rugs pick up everything from pet urine to toenails so you may want to consider <a href="http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/health-fitness/health/rodale-gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=23953280&page=6" target="_hplink">hiring a carpet cleaner once a year</a>.

  • Your Handbag

    In 2006, researchers found our most-used purses are <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=2283311&page=1" target="_hplink">probably the reason we're getting sick</a>. Our bags were more likely to collect germs on the outside and on the bottom.

  • House Plants

    Sure, you water your plants, but how often do you actually clean them? Plant leaves can often build a <a href="http://www.plant-care.com/cleaning-indoor-plants.html" target="_hplink">layer of dust if kept indoors</a>.

  • Trash Cans

    Yes, the trash can is meant for trash, but it's the excess germs on the sides you should be taking care of. For garbage cans you leave outside, washing them down once in a while with a hose is probably for the best -- especially when <a href="http://trashcanclean.com/about-us/why-trash-can-clean/" target="_hplink">insects can breed and these germs can spread into your home.</a>

  • Toothbrush Holder

    Take a look at your current toothbrush holder, do you see any black mould? Mould can grow on your<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5696102_mold-off-electric-toothbrush.html" target="_hplink"> toothbrush and holder if you leave your brush in warm and wet places. </a>

  • Light Switches

    We touch our light switches everyday -- when we get home, when we use the toilet. For easy clean up tips, use a <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/heloise/heloise-spring-cleaning-light-switches" target="_hplink">microfibre cloth with a household cleaning product and scrub away any dirt or grime</a>.

  • The Plastic

    Picture this: you're carrying groceries, waiting in line and have your credit card in your mouth. Probably not the best idea -- <a href="http://www.cmmonline.com/infection-control/article/credit-cards-rack-up-the-germs" target="_hplink">credit cards are breeding grounds for bacteria</a>. To clean, just use some rubbing alcohol and a cloth.

  • Favourite Pens

    Most of us probably know a pen biter. Pens that are left on tables, inside purses and desks are often covered with germs.

  • Sink Drains

    Smelling anything funky in your kitchen lately? It could be your drain. For a quick DIY recipe, <a href="http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/the-10-dirtiest-things-in-your-home/##2.TheKitchenDrain" target="_hplink">try pouring about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain </a> and turn on your hot water.

  • Doorknob

    Most people fear doorknobs in public bathrooms or at restaurants, but knobs at home are just as bad. One easy way to ensure germ-free knobs is to use <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2302741_clean-doorknobs.html" target="_hplink">anti-bacterial disposable wipes</a>.

  • Under Major Appliances

    We clean around them, wipe down the front, but do you ever check under?<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4869207_clean-under-stove-tops.html" target="_hplink"> Food spills, dust and crumbs can all collect under your stove and fridge</a>.

  • Behind Wall Art

    The next time you clean your glass picture frames, remember to clean under them as well.

  • Under The Bed (Not Just The Sides)

    We're all of age to know that monsters don't live under the bed. To avoid dirt build-up, use an extending mop or vacuum cleaner to get hard to reach spots.

  • Ceilings

    Ceiling fans, chandeliers and crown mouldings can all collect dust. To clean, use a duster with a extendible handle.

  • Blinds

    Just because you close them at night, doesn't mean the dust is gone. Using a window cleaner with a cloth, wipe your blinds every other weekend.

  • Phone Receivers

    <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1298057/Mobile-phones-18-times-bacteria-toilet-handle.html" target="_hplink">Mobile phones have 18 times more bacteria than a toilet handle</a>... yes, we will stop at this stat. Just don't forget to clean your phones.

  • Top Of Your Fridge

    One of the most forgotten spots to clean is on top of the fridge. To<a href="http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/the-10-dirtiest-things-in-your-home/##9.TheTopoftheRefrigerator" target="_hplink"> avoid dirt build-up, use a paper towel and spray cleaner on it once a week. </a>

  • Shower Curtains

    Shower curtains can also be home to mildew. Again, to avoid build-up <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-clean-bathroom4.htm" target="_hplink">spray down your curtains with a disinfectant after each shower</a>.

  • Porch Lights

    Just imagine how much your outdoor lights are subjected to being outdoors: rain, mould, insects. To keep your lights in best their shape, <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_7252616_remove-porch-light-covers.html" target="_hplink">remove the actual fixture and use a cloth and window cleaner to clear out debris</a>.

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