When it comes to keeping a clean house, knowing what to clean and how often is a key factor. What may surprise you though is that some spots of your home are germier than others. In some areas, this may not be surprising. After all, bacteria tend to thrive in warm and damp environments. However, if you’re not sure which spots tend to be the germiest, these are seven of the dirtiest spots in the house.
1. The Kitchen
Any area where food is handled, stored, and prepared also leads to bacteria growth. Although bacteria can be present on a number of surfaces, the dish sponges and rags are the worst offenders. They may be hiding Salmonella, E. coli, and other materials. You can also find germs on cutting boards, the refrigerator, and the kitchen sink as well as countertops. Most home cleaning tips recommend changing towels and using disinfectant wipes on commonly used surfaces. Following good hand hygiene practices will also cut down on bacteria.
2. Knobs, Switches, and Handles
Although most people think that the bathroom doorknob is going to be the dirtiest, that’s not always the case. Light switches and handles tend to be high in bacteria. They’re also places that are not frequently cleaned. If you’re not sure how often you clean these areas, try to wipe them off at least once a week with a disinfecting wipe. You may want to do this daily during cold and flu season though.
3. Bathroom
This is probably the area where you won’t be surprised. The moisture in the bathroom creates the perfect environment for germ growth. The faucets and show tub are the worst offenders so try to clean at least once a week. You can also use disinfectant wipes daily to wipe down surfaces and handles and keep things clean. This is especially important when you share a bathroom with multiple people.
4. Home Office
It’s not necessarily the office that’s the problem but devices that are used by multiple people and infrequently cleaned may be harboring multiple types of bacteria. Yeast and mold are frequently found on keyboards, remotes, and video game controllers. Surfaces also contribute to the longevity of bacteria as they may be able to live on them for multiple days. It’s a good idea to wipe them down at least once a week with a disinfectant wipe.
5. Pets
We all love our animals but they’re not always the cleanest. If you don’t have a pet then you shouldn’t worry about this but pets frequently bring in germs and bacteria when they go outside. Their water bowls and toys are frequently home to a variety of bacteria as well. Make sure that you wash their toys and bowls on a regular basis to prevent germ buildup. If your pet goes outside, wipe down their paws before them come back into the house.
6. Cell Phones and Phones
When it comes to landlines, many people don’t have one anymore but their cell phone is commonly used. Unfortunately, this is a surface that can be home to a significant amount of bacteria. Since your phone is also going to be in contact with your face, you should be especially careful about cleaning it on a daily basis. Having a waterproof phone cover will allow you to wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe on a daily basis. You should also clean it after letting anyone use your phone to be on the safe side.
7. Makeup Bag
Makeup applications are some of the best spots for germs, especially if you carry your makeup bag outside of the house. The nooks and bristles of your common makeup items and brushes are also not the easiest to clean. You should always store them in a clean space at room temperature without any moisture present. It’s a good idea as well to wash makeup applicators and brushes to keep them clean. You probably should replace older tools as well to avoid a problem.
Now that you know where bacteria are hiding in your home, what are you waiting for? These common areas may be home to bacteria you’ve never even heard of. However, with a few simple changes to your cleaning routine, you can ensure that you these spots stay clean. If you need help with your cleaning project, you can reach out to Cleanzen Cleaning services for help.
