6 Things You Should Probably Clean More Often

Germs and bacteria just love our homes. In one study, 340 different bacteria were found on 30 items in a reasonably clean home! These bacteria included Staphylococcus, yeast, mold, salmonella, and E. Coli. Left unchecked, the bacteria can cause a range of health issues, including skin infections, common cold, and candidiasis.

The only way to rid your home of these stubborn microorganisms is to clean the house more often. The following six items, in particular, need cleaning more frequently than you think.

1. Your Cellphone

Studies show that the average mobile phone contains 25,000 germs per square inch and is seven times filthier than the toilet seat. Up to 16% of phones, for instance, contain the E. Coli bacteria, which is found in feces.

To avoid infectious illnesses, it’s recommended that you clean your phone at least once every day. You can use fiber cloth, water, household soap, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, or cleaning gloves. Just make sure to refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines first.

2. The Remote

Remote devices in the home are also a germ hub. One of the reasons is that the remote comes in contact with many different hands daily. The remote also falls on the floor, bounces around the couch, and regularly collects dust behind the TV.

To keep germs and bacteria at bay, clean your remote once weekly. Don’t use disinfecting wipes, however. They can cause the buttons to deteriorate. Instead, use dish liquid and white vinegar mixed with water.

3. The Kitchen Sink

In one study whose findings were aired on CNBC News, 45% of kitchen sinks tested positive for coliform bacteria while 27% had mold.

To prevent such a situation, clean your sink every single day. But, if that’s not possible, clean the sides and bottom at least twice a week. Use an all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of baking soda, hand soap, and vinegar. Also, once a month, pour a solution of one teaspoonful bleach per quart of water down the drain.

4. Trash Cans

When emptying the trash can, dirt can spill over the side or splash onto the lid. It’s also possible for a few dirt particles to remain at the bottom. If these particles aren’t cleaned, they can not only result in foul odors but also put your family at risk of bacterial infections.

The best time to clean trashcans is every time you take out the trash. Alternatively, wash your can once every week.

5. Handles, Knobs & Light Switches

Door knobs, cabinet knobs and handles, handles to your fridge, oven, faucet, and microwave, and light switches around the home are all touched multiple times per day by different people.

It’s recommended that you clean these surfaces at least once every week. Use an all-purpose cleaner or water and a vinegar solution. Every few days, you can also wipe the areas with a disinfectant cloth to remove dirt and grime.

6. Your Couches

Finally, couches are also rarely cleaned as frequently as needed. Some people can go years without performing a deep-clean of their sofas. Dirty furniture in the home trap dirt, allergens, and bacteria in the soft fibers – all of which pose health risks. The risks are even higher if you have pets.

For a spotless home, vacuum your couches daily, perform spot cleaning once every week, and deep-clean twice every year or every 3-4 months if you have pets.

Need Help?

A licensed, professional, residential and commercial cleaning services provider, EuroMaids can take most home cleaning tasks off your hands so that you can focus on your family and career. Contact us today for a consultation.