Cleaning your house may seem like simple commonsense. If you are like most people, you spend a little extra time scrubbing and disinfecting those really germy places like garbage cans, bathroom sinks and toilet seats. However, the truth is that while you may be cleaning carefully, you can still miss some of the dirtiest spots in your home. In fact, the truth about where the germs are most likely to flourish may be shocking to you.
Warm, moist places are prime real estate for bacteria, which means that in reality, your kitchen may be even grosser than your bathroom with your kitchen sponge the worst offender of them all. A recent study found that 75 percent of kitchen sponges were contaminated with coliform bacteria, which is found in the digestive tract of people and animals. Sponges and dishcloths are often used to wipe down counters, scrub sinks and wash dishes, but they are not necessarily cleaned regularly. Put your sponge in the microwave for two minutes a day, or wash your cloth daily. Replace sponges every two weeks.
Kitchen sinks crawling with bacteria also need regular attention. Disinfect yours every few days, and pour diluted bleach down the drain once a week. When you are done with your sink, look around your kitchen. Those stove dials probably do not get wiped down often. Use a disposable disinfectant wipe to clean the dials, and then swipe another one across the refrigerator door handle, door knobs and the faucet handle. Coffee makers are particularly attractive to bacteria. They offer a dark damp environment that can allow mold to proliferate. Soak the water reservoir with white vinegar for 30 minutes and then run it through the coffeemaker once a month. Rinse with several cycles of water.
It may be alarming to think about, but sometimes the very things that are supposed to make life easier or healthier are full of germs. The average holder has two million bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every three months, and wash your toothbrush holders at least once a week. Your desktop may be just as filthy, particularly if you eat there regularly. Desks harbors hundreds of bacteria and should be regularly wiped down with disinfectant wipes or cleaners. Carpets should be regularly cleaned and thoroughly dried or removed entirely for easier cleaning and disinfecting.
One of the best ways to keep germs at bay is to clean often and wipe down all regularly touched or used surfaces. Bleach is one of the best-known disinfectants, but you can also try natural alternatives such as vinegar if you are worried about the effects of chemicals.