It’s not fun at all thinking about the things in our home that are the germiest, but it’s important to know. There are most likely some things in your home that are breeding grounds for germs that could be making you and your family members sick. When was the last time you cleaned these 7 things?
1. Your Phone
You use your cell phone for everything from talking to friends to running Google searches to taking pictures. And when you’re not using your phone, it’s laid down on just about any surface or shoved in a pocket. So chances are, your phone is crawling with bacteria, and you don’t want that bacteria anywhere near your face or mouth.
In addition to wiping down your phone with a microfiber cloth daily, also be sure to wipe your phone with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (diluted with water) on a normal basis.
2. The Kitchen Sponge
Ready for a gross fact? Studies have shown that the typical sponge used to clean plates in the kitchen is 200,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat. It’s easy for bacteria to cling to the damp kitchen sponge, and these germs can easily make us sick.
In order to clean your sponge, just make sure you’re disinfecting it before using it. Luckily, all you need is your microwave for the job. And then make sure you’re replacing your sponge whenever you notice that it’s starting to smell.
3. Your Pillow
All of the germs that cling to your skin and hair all day go into your pillow every single night. So after a while, your pillow is likely to be teeming with yucky stuff. It’s recommended by experts that we replace our pillows every 18 months to 2 years.
4. Keyboards
For the same reason phones are filthy, keyboards are also a breeding ground for germs. Here’s what Wise Bread says you can do to prevent germs on the keyboard from getting you sick:
Experts recommend hand-washing before and after computer use, especially when using a shared computer. On occasion it’s recommended that you clean the keyboard itself by following these steps: Shutdown the computer, turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake out any debris stuck between the keys, moisten a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol and swipe it between the keys; moisten a cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the rest of the keyboard.
5. Your Toothbrush
Not only are there a lot of germs in your mouth; there are a lot of germs floating around your bathroom. And your toothbrush is most likely just sitting out in your bathroom every day. It’s recommended that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months and/or after being sick.
6. The Toilet Flusher
Think about it. It’s the one thing that gets touched after you do your business and before you wash your hands. Make sure you’re taking the time to clean that as often as you can.
7. Doorknobs
Doorknobs are touched by everyone, so they can easily collect germs.
The flu virus can live on your door knob for up to two days. Once transferred to your skin, the virus can live a couple more hours. And experts say that’s enough to cause infection. Most of us will touch our eyes, nose, or mouth 16 times over the course of the next hour.
Cut down on this risk by washing your hands thoroughly and giving your doorknobs a wipe with cleaner on a normal basis.
No time to do all these house cleaning? We can help!
Learn more about our regular cleaning or spring cleaning services. Call us for a no-obligation quote at 6440 3342 ( Mon-Fri) or book for an appointment here.
