It is pretty much impossible to clean every single item and area of your home on a weekly basis unless of course, you have a resident cleaner. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore some of the everyday items you come into contact with, as they harbour a vast amount of bacteria and germs. Here is a quick list that you will hopefully pay attention to and sanitise more frequently from now on:
Dishcloths and sponges – these are two items you likely find yourself using all the time. Whether it is to clean the dishes or wipe up a spill on the table, they are the first thing you will reach for. As a result, they accumulate a wide range of germs and bacteria, which you need to address. You can either replace the items on a regular basis or soak them in disinfectant solution. You can also wet them and put them in the microwave for a few minutes. This should blast much of the bacteria accumulated on them.
Toothbrushes – the notion that your toothbrush is in fact quite germy may not appeal to you, but it is true. These items deposit bacteria straight from your mouth, not to mention the airborne germs that float around the bathroom. To keep toothbrushes safe, wash them with warm water after each use and allow them to air dry. Don’t enclose the toothbrush head in capsules or anything like that, unless when you need to protect them on your travels.
Bathroom towels – the humid air in the bathroom is an ideal environment for the development of mould and mildew spores on your towels. It is best to ensure that your towels are quickly dried after each use. Consider wall-mounted racks, instead of hooks. You can also bring them in a heated room to help them dry quickly.
Carpets – crumbs, mud from your feet, pet dander and a whole host of other spoils make their way on the carpet fibres. Apart from the weekly vacuum cleaning, you should spot clean and wash carpets when necessary. It is a good idea to hire professional carpet cleaners twice a year to deep clean the carpeting. It is the only way to ensure it is well-sanitised.
Electronic devices and accessories – keyboards, tablets, remote controls and phone panels: they are all covered in tons of germs. According to experts, these devices harbour more bacteria per square inch than the toilet seat. You should use finely woven microfibre cloths along with antibacterial surface cleaner to sanitise them.
Handbags – your handbag likely gets introduced to some places: restaurants, public transport, loo cubicle floors, etc. How often have you wiped the item? It is a good idea to do so once a week with warm water and mild liquid soap with a soft cloth to remove the grime and bacteria.
Now that you know which items collect a ton of germs, you should be more careful and invest some effort in cleaning them. After all, it is your health on the line.
