The 10 things in your home you didn't realise are gross, according to a professional cleaner.

No matter where you fall on the germaphobe scale, there are standard areas in our homes we all regularly clean.

For example, we vacuum the floors, wash the dishes, quickly wipe down surfaces, dust here and there and put on loads of laundry. 

Watch: 4 cleaning hacks to make your life easier. Post continues below.

However, according to professional cleaner Kate Croukamp from Clean Like a Pro, there are certain places even the most meticulous cleaners can overlook. 

After cleaning people's homes for more than a decade, Kate has noticed these neglected places are breeding grounds for the most unwanted creatures and germs — like, we're talking cockroaches, rodents, mould and maggots. Ew.

To help improve the health of your home, yourself, your pets and any household members, Kate has revealed the 10 places you'll want to add to your regular chore list. Stat. 

Don't be ashamed if you can't remember the last time you've cleaned any of these places because we're all in the same boat! 

The 10 dirtiest places in your home you may be forgetting to clean.

Linear drains in showers.

When was the last time you peeked under that sleek linear drain on your shower floor? 

We bet if you took a quick look now, you'll find handfuls of trapped hair and gunk, and may even get a whiff of something seriously funky. 

"Some are really awkward to clean so people tend to leave them far too long," Kate tells Mamamia. "They're out of sight so they're often ignored until water starts backing up or there's a foul smell." 

If this isn't enough to convince you to clean your linear drain TODAY(!), just watch Kate's viral TikTok of one of her client's drains being lifted that hadn't been cleaned in a long time. 

@cleanlikeapro

Replying to @DonnaM the smell and texture of this was gagworthy. I despise these drains. Some can be so difficult to clean. This one required two people to lift it. #designtips #interiordesign #cleanlikeapro #cleaningtips #cleantok #showercleaning

♬ original sound - Clean Like a Pro

Dishwasher filters.

Unless you want your dishes to come out even dirtier, you may want to check your dishwasher's filter. 

"It's wild how many people don't realise the filter needs regular cleaning," Kate explains. In fact, "some people don't even realise there is a filter in their dishwasher". 

This part of the dishwasher is where all your food scraps and grease can get caught, making it a breeding ground for unwanted nasties. 

"We've seen some dishwashers where the smell alone could knock you over," Kate reveals. "It can also become a breeding ground for cockroaches if not cleaned often."

TBH, eating off odour-reeking and cockroach-compromised dishes is not something we wish upon our worst enemies. 

Built-in bin compartments (and wheelie bins).

Sure, a built-in bin might be a stylish addition to a sleek kitchen but unfortunately, they're actually grime and odour traps. 

"If people toss meat scraps in bins and leave them for days, it leads to foul odours and pests," Kate explains. "With summer coming, they can also attract maggots if not cleaned often."

To combat this, simply empty your bin at the end of each day. And if you don't empty your bin but have food scraps to throw away, Kate recommends storing these scraps in the freezer until bin day. 

And even if you line your bin with a trash bag, it's a good idea to wash the actual bin holder regularly with disinfectant and hot water. 

Behind the toilet (floor and wall).

You clean the seat, bowl and lid but the area behind the toilet is "almost always neglected".

"Dust, hair and… other things… gather back there — it's a gross spot if it's been ignored for months." 

While Kate doesn't specify what "other things" refer to, we can only imagine the worst. 

High-touch areas.

We're talking light switches, remotes and door handles, which we all use so regularly but almost forget they exist and very hardly bother cleaning them. 

"People don't realise how much these areas collect germs and grime," Kate says. "If people have been sick in your home, it's best to go around the whole house and disinfect high-touch areas." 

Regardless if household members have been unwell, cleaning these surfaces should be done often. 

The easiest way to clean high-touch areas is with a paper towel or microfibre cloth dampened with a disinfectant cleaner, or an antibacterial wipe. 

Vacuum cleaner brush roll.

Yes, you still have to clean a cleaning appliance. 

"The brush rolls collect hair, dust and gunk as does the filter and unit itself," Kate explains. 

"We've seen ones so clogged, they're basically spreading dirt instead of sucking it up."

Kitchen rangehood filters.

Nobody wants a grimy grease-filled rangehood hovering above their food. But that's not even the main reason why you should regularly clean this neglected area. 

"If your rangehood filter is clogged with grease, that grease will have nowhere to go and it will start to make its way throughout your house sticking to walls, light fittings, blinds, cupboards and more," Kate warns. 

Air vents and ceiling fans.

These places are high and out of reach, which is why the majority of us don't clean them regularly. But, "dust LOVES these spots", Kate reveals. 

If they're not cleaned regularly, this dust can build to a thick layer and when you turn them on… all of that dust will go flying throughout your home, circulating through the air. 

"It's often overlooked until allergy season kicks in," Kate adds. 

Ventilation and fresh air flow.

Sure, you may want to keep your windows and doors closed to prevent pollution or bugs flying into your home, but doing this may actually be doing you a disservice. 

"Homes need to breathe and we notice a lot of musty smells in homes that stay closed up," Kate says. "I always remind people to open their windows often — fresh air helps keep mould away and keeps things smelling clean."

Kitty litter boxes.

This may sound self-explanatory but the kitty litter box is surprisingly an area that isn't cleaned frequently in people's homes. 

If neglected, it doesn't take long for odours to build up, which is harmful for you and your cat. 

"We remind clients to change litter regularly, both to keep smells away and for your cat's comfort."

The same goes for any pet items you may have in your home, be it bowls, beds or toys. 

Feature image: Instagram @cleanlikeapro_, TikTok @cleanlikeapro