Even though cleaning our houses might occasionally seem overwhelming, we reluctantly vacuum the carpets and wipe down the counters because we know it’s best for our family. A clean home is, after all, a healthier one. The good news is that although keeping your home clean may seem like an impossible task at times, the advantages it offers you and your family much outweigh the inconvenience of constantly having to haul around a bucket full of cleaning products and disinfectants on a weekly basis. However, there are levels to everything, and even in the most meticulously cared-for homes, there are probably certain areas that are overlooked.
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Things That Need Immediate Disinfecting At Home
Dish Towels and Kitchen Sponges
It’s true that your kitchen is probably the germiest space in your house. It gets worse: research indicates that the most bacterially laden object in your home is your dish sponge. Bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella thrive there. However, replacing your sponge every week is the safest option, as microwave disinfection has not been shown to be effective. Additionally, remember to disinfect the sponge holder if it is left in place for the duration of the day.
Dish towels are superior to sponges when it comes to disinfection because they can be regularly sterilized with bleach or your washing machine’s sanitizing cycle. Replace your used kitchen towels with new ones every other day to help control the spread of germs.
Toothbrush Holder
The bathroom is undoubtedly the second most germ-filled room in your house after the kitchen, and oddly enough, research has shown that toothbrush holders are among the most contaminated objects. This container is home to a wide variety of bacteria, including E. coli, listeria, and strep, that are easily transferred from your toothbrush to the holder.
If your holder is dishwasher safe, use the sanitizing cycle once a week to clean it. Should your toothbrush holder not be made to withstand being placed in the dishwasher, thoroughly hand wash it in hot water with soap.
Using a disinfectant wipe to clean your toothbrush holder once a week is also a good idea. In case you were wondering, you should change your toothbrush every three to four months, or even sooner if you have been ill.
Bowls for Pets
Experts say that washing your pet’s feeding bowl just once a week is six days too late. Due to their numerous unhygienic habits, dogs’ and cats’ water and food bowls serve as a haven for unwanted bacteria. Your pet should consume its meals and drinks from clean dishes and cups, just like you do.
That’s correct, every day food and water bowls need to be completely cleaned and sanitized—not just rinsed with water. These can be cleaned by hand in hot, sudsy water, or sanitized in the dishwasher. These objects should also be air-dried after being immersed in a solution of water and bleach (one gallon of water for every capful of bleach) for ten to fifteen minutes once a week.
Kitchen Sink
Do you recall all the unsavory bacteria and germs that were hiding on your dishrag? It’s likely that they’re also residing in your sink. This forgotten section of your kitchen is the entry point for all the bacteria from raw meat and other items.
Make it a habit to wash and sanitize the sides and bottom of the sink once or twice a week and put this region on your radar.
Additionally, you should clean the disposal and kitchen sink drain at least once a month. To accomplish this, mix one quart of water with one teaspoon of bleach, then pour the mixture down the drain.
Handle for Bathroom Faucet
You know those faucets in bathrooms all around the country that are motion-activated and touch-free? In fact, they’re not a bad idea if you want to keep your hands free of diseases and germs that you don’t want to get on your clothes. Upon reflection, it’s understandable why your bathroom faucet is filthy: after using the restroom, your hands get soiled.
With unclean hands, you turn on the faucet; with clean hands, you turn it off after washing. Can you see the puzzle here?
Purchasing a motion-activated faucet is your best option, but if your faucet is “old school,” you’ll need to clean it frequently. Use a spray or wipes to clean your faucet once a day to keep bacteria at bay. For an added ease, consider storing a pack of wipes in your bathroom cupboard.
Electronics and remote controls
Remote controls and devices are contaminated with bacteria and germs because we contact them so frequently.
Weekly wipe-downs with sanitizers and disinfectants are an excellent idea (just be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid damaging the electronics). Make sure to clean all of your electronic devices, including tablet cases, smartphone covers, computer keyboards, video game controllers, touchscreen surfaces, computer mice, and remote controls. If needed, use specialized wipes designed for electronics.
Doorknobs, light switches, and handles
Although it’s simple to overlook these tiny surfaces during your regular housecleaning, every time someone opens a door or turns on a light, germs are sure to spread throughout your home. Every week, clean and sterilize these areas using disinfectant wipes.
Read also: How To Properly Clean Rugs And Carpets