The home can often be a breeding ground for bacteria, dirt, and germs. And when you have overnight guests, this only exacerbates the problem. Adding more people to the mix means more people are touching surfaces, and as a result, tracking in even more bacteria and germs. That being said, it’s a pretty easy fix. Cleaning certain areas right after your guests leave not only helps maintain your home but also makes it a welcoming space for the next round of visitors, too. Even better news, you don’t have to do a ton of scrubbing and mopping because just a little cleanup goes a long way.

To stop the spread of germs and other nasty microorganisms, here are eight places you should clean immediately after your overnight guests leave.

1. Under the Toilet Seat

Bodily fluids tend to splatter from the toilet bowl onto the area underneath the toilet seat. This waste can build up very quickly, and can even cause the area to stink over time.

When your loved ones leave, pop that seat up and give it a good scrub. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but it goes a long way in keeping things sanitary.

2. Bedside Tables

When your loved ones leave, make it a point to dust and wipe down the bedside tables in your guest room. These surfaces can accumulate a surprising amount of dust and fingerprints, especially after only a few days of use.

3. Toothpaste Splatter

Who knew brushing your teeth could be so messy? When you brush, toothpaste tends to splatter onto your mirror, countertop, medicine cabinet, and anywhere else it lands. This is especially the case if you have children coming over to visit.

After your guests leave, be sure to check out the mirror, sink, and surrounding areas. If you notice any toothpaste splashes, quickly clean it with a mild cleaner to keep your bathroom clean and spot-free.

4. Faucet Handles

Due to how often they’re touched, faucet handles are germ hotspots in the bathroom and kitchen. If you have a guest bathroom, be sure to do a quick wipe-down with a disinfectant to sanitize the area. That way, everything is clean and ready for your next visit.

5. Light Switches and Door Handles

Light switches and door handles are magnets for collecting dirt and germs because they’re touched multiple times every day. Because everyone touches them, it’s a good idea to clean them really well after your visitors leave. Disinfecting these areas will help stop the spread of germs throughout your home, which is always a plus.

Pro Tip: These areas have teeny, tiny crevices where dirt and debris can get stuck. When cleaning, be sure to fully flush out these crevices so that you’re not picking up germs when you touch them later on.

6. Refrigerator Handles

Refrigerator handles are yet another high-contact spot that can get sticky and grimy without you even noticing. If you had kids or multiple people staying over, a quick disinfectant wipe should do the trick.

7. Remote Controls

The remote control is one of the most common places to spot germs and bacteria. Not to mention, a lot of people like to have a snack while they watch TV, and when they do, food particles can easily get stuck in the remote’s nooks and crannies.

Once your overnight guests have officially left the building, go over your remote control with a disinfectant wipe (or two). And don’t forget that this applies to remote controls for other devices, too, like A/C units, ceiling fans, or lighting.

8. Game Consoles

Game consoles are one of those things that are used a lot, but rarely cleaned. But even though they’re easy to forget to clean doesn’t make doing it any less important. Practice healthy hygiene by wiping them down with some disinfectant to keep the germs at bay.