Things in Your Home That Should Be Cleaned Regularly

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Studies have identified plenty of easy-to-overlook spots in your home and among your belongings  that are popular havens for bacteria and fungi.

We’re surrounded by a multitude of bacteria and viruses, and it’s important to know not all of them will make you sick. But if you’re looking for germy places that might need a little extra attention because you’ve never thought to clean them, any of these could be a good starting point.

Your Dishwasher

The dishwasher washes the dishes, but who washes the dishwasher?  Cleaning Tip: use a 10 percent bleach solution to clean your dishwasher’s bottom, sides and area around the seal.

Cleaning Tip: Since it’s usually hard to clean the inside of these toys, replacing them might be the way to go. If your kid is attached to the toy, there’s hope: Drying off the toy as soon as possible after bath time is the key to preventing gross buildups.  The toys should remain upright in a dry place away from the bathroom. If you’re past that stage, there are also cleaning agents just for toys.

Your Toothbrush Holder

Good on you if you remember to replace your toothbrush regularly, but don’t forget to clean the holder it sits in all day. 

Cleaning Tip: Whatever cleaner you use, a small bristled brush can help with cleaning out the individual slots. Don’t forget to wipe down the outside too. 

Your Lamp & Light Switches

Hard surfaces that many people touch are ideal for microbes.  So your own light and lamp switches could probably use a wipe-down or two.

Cleaning Tip: Use a microfiber cloth to clean up any gross fingerprints. For the actual switch, use a cotton-tip swab.

That thing you hold up to your face every day likely needs a good cleaning, too.

Researchers have found a high level of contamination with potentially pathogenic bacteria. 

Cleaning Tip: Clean that phone, gently. Disinfecting the device a few times a day and remembering to remove the case every once in a while to clean it can prevent buildups. Wipe down your phone with a soft microfiber cloth to take care of a lot of the germs. Also, wash your hands frequently and keep the device out of the bathroom. Your hands and face will thank you.

Your Wallet

Even if you pretty much only use credit or debit cards to pay for things, your wallet has probably seen paper money a few times. And those bills are pretty filthy. Those bills, of course, can contaminate the other cards and various items in your wallet.

Cleaning Tip: Double-check the material of your wallet. Leather, a popular choice, shouldn’t be cleaned with harsh products.  But there are leather soaps and other products available.

Your Yoga Mat & Gym Equipment

That yoga mat you lug to the gym is probably a haven for bacteria. 

If you’re using your own mat instead of one from the gym, you’re already a step ahead of the game. But that doesn’t get you out of cleaning it regularly.  It’s not a bad idea to disinfect your mat ? and perhaps your other gym equipment ? after a sweaty class. 

Cleaning Tip: Use a Lysol spray or bleach diluted in water to clean their mats, and to be sure to dry it thoroughly.