We all like to think our homes are clean and hygienic, but did you know that some of the most overlooked areas are breeding grounds for bacteria? Even the tidiest among us can miss hidden spots where germs love to gather. Here’s a look at the seven most commonly overlooked places where germs thrive and some practical tips for keeping them clean.
1. Light Switches and Door Handles
Why They’re Germy
Light switches and door handles are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in your home. With hands constantly transferring dirt, oil, and bacteria, these high-traffic areas become hotspots for germs, including bacteria like E. coli and viruses like the common cold and flu.
How to Clean Them
Wipe down all handles and switches with an antibacterial wipe or a cloth dampened with disinfectant. Aim to clean them at least once a week, and more frequently if someone in the household is unwell.
2. Remote Controls
Why They’re Germy
Remote controls may look innocent, but they’re often handled with greasy or dirty hands, especially while eating. Plus, they’re rarely wiped down, allowing germs to accumulate. Studies have found remotes to be dirtier than even toilet seats!
How to Clean Them
Use a disinfectant wipe or lightly damp cloth (avoiding excess moisture) to clean your remotes. Be sure to pay attention to buttons and edges. Aim for a good wipe-down weekly or after someone has been sick.
3. Kitchen Sponge and Sink
Why They’re Germy
The kitchen sink and sponge see a lot of action, from washing dishes to cleaning up spills, making them prime spots for germs like Salmonella and E. coli. Sponges are particularly notorious for harbouring bacteria since they’re often damp and full of food particles.
How to Clean Them
Microwave your sponge for one minute (ensuring it’s wet first) every few days, or run it through the dishwasher on a hot cycle. Also, rinse the sink thoroughly after use, and disinfect it weekly.
4. Bathroom Faucet Handles
Why They’re Germy
Faucet handles in the bathroom can harbour germs, especially since we touch them before washing our hands. They’re exposed to bacteria, which can transfer from your hands and spread across the surface.
How to Clean Them
Wipe down faucet handles daily with a disinfectant wipe, especially if multiple people use the bathroom. This quick daily step can help keep germs in check and make your bathroom a safer space.
5. Toothbrush Holder
Why It’s Germy
It’s easy to forget the toothbrush holder, but it’s actually one of the dirtiest items in the bathroom. Toothbrushes drip, allowing water to pool at the bottom, which can lead to a buildup of germs, including mould and mildew.
How to Clean It
Remove all toothbrushes and soak the holder in hot, soapy water once a week. For a deeper clean, consider scrubbing with an old toothbrush and a little bleach or disinfectant, then rinse thoroughly.
6. Refrigerator Handles and Shelves
Why They’re Germy
The refrigerator door is constantly touched by hands that may have come into contact with raw food or other contaminants. Inside the fridge, spilled food and forgotten leftovers create a germy environment on shelves and drawers.
How to Clean It
Wipe down the fridge handles every few days with a disinfectant. For shelves, remove and wash them monthly with hot, soapy water. Keep an eye on spills and clean them up immediately to prevent the spread of germs.
7. Electronic Devices and Keyboards
Why They’re Germy
Laptops, mobile phones, and tablets go everywhere with us – including the bathroom, in some cases! With hands and faces constantly coming into contact with these items, germs accumulate quickly, making them one of the dirtiest spots in our daily environment.
How to Clean Them
Wipe down your electronic devices regularly with alcohol wipes (or use a soft cloth lightly dampened with an isopropyl alcohol solution). Keyboards benefit from a weekly clean, paying attention to the spaces between the keys, which can trap dust and germs.
Final Thoughts
A clean home is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but even the most diligent cleaners can overlook these hidden germ hotspots. By incorporating these areas into your regular cleaning routine, you can create a more hygienic environment for you and your family. Remember, keeping germs at bay doesn’t have to be time-consuming—a few extra minutes can go a long way towards a healthier home.