Let’s take a look at your home room by room and shed some light on hidden dirt and bacteria and how to get rid of them. The keys areas of concern in the kitchen are:
SinksCountertopsCabinet PullsRefrigeratorsSmall Appliances and Kitchen Tools
How to Clean It: Keep disinfecting wipes handy to wipe sinks and countertops down after each use. Cutting boards should be washed in hot soapy water, rinsed well, and dried with a hand towel every time they have been used. Small appliances and kitchen tools that have been used, such as a blender or measuring cups, should be washed in hot soapy water, rinsed well in hot water, and dried thoroughly. How to Clean It: To ensure that all types of coliform bacteria are controlled, pay particular attention to light switches, door knobs, and faucet handles. Keep some disposable disinfecting wipes handy for easy daily cleaning. Bath towels and mats should be washed in hot water at least weekly and allowed to dry completely. Hand towels should be changed several times per week. Bathroom sinks should be wiped down daily with disinfecting wipes and toothbrush holders and cups should be cleaned weekly. When cleaning the obviously dirty areas of the bathtub, shower doors, and toilet, take time to wipe down flat surfaces like walls near toilets with disinfectant products. How to Clean It: All of those keypads and controllers should be wiped down daily with a disinfectant wipe that is safe for use on electronics. If someone has a cold or virus, they should be cleaned after every use. And, don’t forget switches on lamps, switch plates, and doorknobs. Another breeding ground for bacteria and allergens is upholstery on furniture. The fabric is exposed to sneezes, unwashed hands, pet dander and hair, and soil from feet and shoes. Many types of bacteria can live for several days on these surfaces. At least weekly, upholstered surfaces should be vacuumed with a hand-held vacuum or the upholstery attachment of a larger machine. Be sure to clean underneath and between cushions where food and pet hair can linger. Then freshen and clean with a scented or unscented disinfecting spray. If someone in your home has a virus or skin rashes, cover upholstered surfaces with sheets or washable covers that can be changed and washed frequently to disinfect. Beds are used for sleeping, sex, socializing, eating, working, and everything in between. If the sheets, blankets, quilts, and bedspreads are not washed often, they can harbor dirt that can cause:
Skin irritation, eczema, and acne breakoutsFungal and bacterial infections like athlete’s foot and MRSAAllergies and breathing issues
How to Clean It: To prevent all of this, bed linens should be changed at least weekly and washed properly. Studies have shown that after one week, bed sheets harbor more bacteria than a bathroom door knob. If you’ve ever pulled “clean sheets” from the linen closet and they smell stale, that’s because there is body oil and soil still in the fabric fibers. Pillows, mattresses, and box springs should be encased in removable, washable, allergy-proof covers to prevent an infestation from dust mites that feed on the skin cells that we shed.
Pet Toys and Feeding BowlsYour pet deserves nice clean food and water bowls. They should be washed daily in the dishwasher or by hand with hot soapy water, rinsed well and air dried to prevent harmful bacteria growth.Pet toys can harbor coliform bacteria, yeast, and mold. Hard toys should be cleaned with hot soapy water (at least weekly) and soft toys can be hand or machine washed using hot water and a disinfectant. Keys, Purses, and WalletsThe items you handle every day pick up the germs and bacteria you’re exposed to every day as well. Take time to clean your key fobs, purses, and wallets. Purses are usually the germiest. They land on the floor and then end up on counters and tabletops in your home. Keep fabric and leather handbags off the ground and clean them regularly–including the interior! Backpacks and Gym BagsBackpacks are a necessity for preschoolers to adults. Whether you carry camping equipment, workout clothes, or books, eventually the backpack or your gym bag is going to need to be cleaned and disinfected.
