You probably consider yourself a neat freak, everyone compliments your home and the fact that your cleaning game is strong. You dust, rinse, scrub, wipe everything to look spotless, especially the bathroom. But if you think your bathroom houses most of the bad germs, think again. Our homes are prime real estate for several species of bugs, bacteria, and fungi that are hidden in nooks and crannies we never thought of. From door knobs to remote controls, the things you use every day are actually bacteria breeding grounds. So, here’s a list of some of the dirtiest areas in the house, with tips on how to keep them clean.
#1 Chopping Boards
You cut everything and more on them, and as a result, germs can aggravate.
Clean It:
• Use cutting boards made from nonporous materials.
• Always wash them between use.
• After each use, hand wash with hot soapy water.
• For wood cutting boards use salt, white vinegar, or lemon juice, which are all good at getting into the cracks and cleaning below the surface, then rinsing with hot, soapy water.
#2 Kitchen Sponge
I can lay a bet that more than 70 per cent households don’t clean their kitchen sponges. Next time it’s your turn to do the dishes, pause and take a good look at your trusty sponge. You will always find something gross stuck to it, this harbours bacteria that can be harmful.
Clean It:
• A sponge needs cleaning or replacing when it starts smelling.
• Replace your sponges once every month.
• Microwave the damp sponge for a minute (not the metallic ones).
• Soak it in a solution of one-quarter teaspoon of concentrated bleach per quarter of warm water.
#3 Reusable Grocery Bags
This item goes with your everywhere, you use them to carry poultry, vegetables, fruits, cartons, food packets and much more. Think of all the bacteria lurking in there, waiting to cross-contaminate.
Clean it:
• Wash your bags in hot water with a detergent.
• If it is a cloth bag, toss it in the washing machine.
• Dry it thoroughly. Taking a damp cloth bag to the store leads to the growth of mould and mildew.
#4 Toothbrush Holder
How often do you find gunk at the bottom of your holder even after you rinse your toothbrush well?
Clean It:
• You can wash your toothbrush holder in warm water with some detergent once or twice a week
• Wipe it with a disinfecting wipe once or twice a week.
#5 Knobs, Switches & Handles – Doors, Stove, Oven, Refrigerator And Everywhere Else
It is nearly impossible to avoid touching any of these at home, and these items are the most overlooked when it comes to cleaning.
Clean it:
• Remove stove knobs, wash them in hot, soapy water and rinse well.
• Clean handles, switches and oven knobs with disinfecting cleaner or disinfecting wipes.
#6 Faucets
Faucet handles in both the kitchen and bath always have leftover residue that gives birth to bacteria as well as yeast and/or mould.
Clean it:
• When you clean the sink, clean the faucet handles too.
• Clean with disinfecting cleaner or disinfecting wipes.
#7 Showerhead
The holes in showerheads often get clogged with mould, mineral deposits, dirt and soap particles.
Clean it:
• If you can unscrew the head, soak it in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and hot water.
• If you can’t remove it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the showerhead. Leave it on for a few hours and open the water.
#8 Electronic Items
Remote controls, computer keyboards, phones, and tablets are often shared by multiple family members and house guests. You will often find yeast and mould on the computer keyboard, remote control, and video game controller as well as staph on the last two items.
• Use disinfectant wipes to clean your items.
• Invest in a keyboard cleaning kit.
• Wash your hands before touching any household objects if you’ve been out in public or come into contact with someone who has.
#9 Kitchen Sink
Our kitchen sink is where we wash our vegetables, meat and even our utensils, it’s the perfect area for cross-contamination.
Clean it:
• Scrub and wash your sink once a day and/or preferably after every time you use it to wash meat.
• Sanitize the drain and disposal once a week by pouring a solution of one teaspoon of bleach mixed with one quart of water, down the drain.
#10 AC Vents
Wake up every morning sneezing? Did you know that AC vents cause asthma or allergy-like symptoms? They are a perfect cosy home for dirt, hair, and bug fragments, which you breathe day in and day out.
Clean it:
• A standard household vacuum can suck up the dust and dirt from the vents
• You can also use a toilet brush, or a stiff-bristle paintbrush will do the trick. Remember to wear gloves and a mask while cleaning.