People generally do not think of the most unlikely places when it comes to germs in one’s house. In fact, some of the filthiest areas of any home are usually overlooked in the cleaning chore. The places turn into Petri dishes for bacteria, mold, and viruses since we rarely think that they need good scrubbing. So, where are these germs hiding, and how do you keep them at bay?
Refrigerator and Drawer Handles
In one day, we touch refrigerator door handles and drawer handles in the kitchen so many times – often with our filthy hands or right after touching filthy food items. The germs from raw foods and other surfaces are easily transferred onto such handles, which seldom get disinfected.
How to Clean It: Wipe down or use an antibacterial wipe or spray on these surfaces once daily – most especially after handling raw meat or eggs. Deep clean your fridge’s interior monthly to help prevent the growth of germs and mold.
Shower Curtain
The bathroom is a damp space-meaning it’s prime real estate for both bacteria and mold. More often than not, shower curtains hold in moisture that eventually fosters mildew and mold.
How to Clean It: Machine-wash your shower curtain every month with a bit of bleach, or replace it if mold is visible.
Remote Controllers and Game Controllers
Television remotes and game controllers are passed through many people’s hands, making them natural germ carriers. Add to that the fact that they are often overlooked during cleaning, and you have a recipe for a bacterial hotspot.
How to Clean It: Wipe down remotes and controllers with an alcohol-based cleaner weekly, paying special attention to buttons and crevices. If they’re shared frequently, consider disinfecting them more often.
Hot Tub Filters and Jets
Many luxury homes have a hot tub in them, and while they indeed are great for relaxation, without maintenance, they easily become unsanitary. It goes without saying that after some time, oils, skin cells, and organic matter build up in the tub’s filters and jets, which basically becomes a delightful playground for bacteria. Regular hot tub maintenance not only extends the life of your tub but also keeps it sanitary.
How to Clean It: Clean filters on a regular basis by soaking them in a hot tub filter cleaner. The jets should be flushed once a month for buildup. Also, balance the chemicals of the water to avoid any bacterial growth. For more deep cleaning, hire a professional hot tub maintenance service every six months.
Carpets and Upholstered Furniture
Carpets and couches act pretty much as a magnet for germs, from dust mites and pet dander to food crumbs. The sad thing is that even regular vacuuming doesn’t get rid of bacteria because many germs get way deep into the fiber.
How to Clean It: It should be section-vacuum cleaned every week. For a deeper clean, use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaning every few months. Pet owners can lessen bacterial load by using disinfectant sprays that can be used around pets.
A clean house is not about mere aesthetics; it’s an important component in trying to keep a healthy and germ-free environment. By focusing your cleaning efforts on these commonly overlooked areas, you’ll be preventing bacteria buildups that can seriously impair your health and that of family members. So, the next time you’re cleaning up, remember these hotspots – so your home will become a haven, neat, tidy, and clean.
