Many of us clean our homes daily by completing simple tasks. For example, you might wipe down the table, take out the trash or put your clothes in the wash. However, what you probably don’t realize, is that the dirtiest places aren’t so obvious. You would be shocked at the number of germs and bacteria that are hidden in plain sight. Want to learn more? We are going to talk about just some of the dirtiest places in your home and how you can keep them clean. Let’s get started!
Spring Cleaning The Dirtiest Places In Your House
This list is great for spring cleaning because it is surprisingly items that are rather easy to overlook or miss! The reason so many of these are often overlooked is that they appear clean but can be full of germs. It is the bacteria and viruses that we don’t see that are really the dirtiest of all when it comes to threatening our health. The NSF International conducted a “Germiest Places in the Home” study and identified several germ hot spots in the home that you should be aware of.
Kitchen Appliances
Your kitchen counters and sink are probably the two areas of your home that you clean the most. However, it’s important to remember that your appliances need just as much attention. Crumbs sit in your toaster; food products can leak in your fridge, and the inside of your microwave might be full of bacteria. Most experts recommend cleaning these areas once a week but remember to be careful! Items with power cords and cables should be unplugged, and harsh chemicals should be avoided.
Carpet and Rugs
Carpets and rugs are notorious for hiding dust and dirt. Even if you vacuum daily, it’s impossible to get everything out, and they constantly get dirty. This is why it’s wise to hire a professional rug cleaning service or carpet cleaning service to get a deep and effective clean. You would be shocked at what comes out!
Technology and Remotes
Most of us use some type of technological device every day, whether it be our phone, laptop, or television. Since we are constantly touching them and might not be washing our hands as often as we should, they do get very dirty. When cleaning these areas, remember to unplug them (or remove batteries) first. A mixture of water and rubbing alcohol is the perfect solution to get rid of stains and kill germs. A cotton swab, toothbrush, or toothpick will also come in handy.
Handles and Switches
The small areas of your home are often the most forgotten about when cleaning, and handles/switches are one of them. Considering how much they are used, it should come as no surprise when we tell you that they are the dirtiest places. To clean them, disinfecting wipes are great, as they are easy to use. But a damp, soapy cloth works just as well too. You can find more cleaning hacks here.
Cleaning Products
Yep, while it might sound strange, your cleaning supplies are another one of the dirtiest places in your home. Just think, your sponges, mops, and brushes are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Remember to throw them out and change them regularly because the germ count is actually higher on places like a used sponges than anywhere else in the house! If you aren’t replacing them regularly, they may be doing more harm than good! The NSF says, “After 3 weeks of use, 70% of sponges start to exhibit bacteria, including e coli and salmonella.” It is a good practice to change your sponges out every two weeks or less.
Pet Beds and Toys
Lastly, since pets use their mouths for everything, cleaning their area should be on the top of your list. Bedding needs to be washed regularly, toys should be soaked, and their bowls should be cleaned with warm, soapy water. If you haven’t paid much attention to this area, these spring cleaning tips for dog owners are an excellent place to start.
Conclusion
The dirtiest places in a home can vary depending on usage and cleaning habits. Besides all the obvious dirty spots, there are several that may surprise you. The kitchen sponge is often one of the dirtiest items in a home. It can harbor bacteria if not regularly replaced or sanitized. Here is another nasty one- your toothbrush holder because moisture and bacteria from toothbrushes can accumulate there. Lastly, don’t forget to sanitize your faucet handles. They are frequently touched with dirty hands and can accumulate bacteria.
I hope you found it helpful to learn some of the dirtiest places in your home and how you can keep them clean. The number of germs and bacteria that are hidden in plain sight is rather surprising! Which place was the a biggest shock to you?
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