Your Home May Look Clean, But These 8 Spots Are Dirtier Than You Think

You may be cleaning your house well, however, there may still be spots, corners, and places that you could be missing. But, what makes germs stick in these corners longer than other spots? Well, there could be certain reasons, that determine the duration of a germ, including:Surface Types: solid surfaces like counters or textured surfacesLiving Habits: How often do you clean or disinfect surfacesLifestyle Practices: Washing hands and bathing regularlyCleaning Procedures: What you use to clean, whether it is using bleach or alcohol based cleaning suppliesWhat Are The Top 8 Dirtiest Spots In Your House?Kitchen As per the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), areas where food is kept, stored or prepared have the most bacteria as well as fecal contamination than any other place in your home.In fact, more than 75% of dish sponges and rags have Salmonella, E. coli, and fecal matter compared with 9% of bathroom faucet handles.The elements in kitchen that needs to be cleaned frequently include:Cutting boardsCoffee makerRefrigerator, especially where uncooked food is keptKitchen sinks and counter topsWhat can you do? Use disinfectant wipes on faucets, refrigerator surfaces and counter tops. You can also damp sponges in microwave for a minute to kill bacteria.The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after you touch raw meat or unprepared food.ALSO READ: Dirtiest Things That You Touch In A Restaurant That Could Cause Food Poisoning Knobs, Door Handles, SwitchesThese surfaces are touched continuously. While, it may miss out from daily cleaning, however, if you come to think about it, these places may be touched more than you would ever keep a count of.NSF also found that bathroom light switches, refrigerator handles, stove knobs, and microwave handles were the dirtiest places in the house. You can use disinfecting wipes once a week to ensure they are clean and safe to use. Your Makeup CornerThe place where you keep your makeup, and even your make up bag is one of the dirtiest places and this can infect your eyes, or cause skin infections. A 2020 Lancet study shows that viruses can also get on makeup applicator from your hands and could make way to your eyes, nose, and mouth. The best way to deal with it? Change the way you store your makeup. Make sure all the products are stored clean and dry. Clean your makeup brushes, wash them once a week with regular soap and water, or use an alcohol spray. Some doctors also recommend replacing cosmetics every 6 months. BathroomOf course it is one of the dirtiest places in your home. This is where you scrub off dirt from your body and thus, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. There is also a lot of moisture in the bathroom, an environment that helps germ grow. Where should you pay special attention? Shower tub, drains, faucets, floor around the toilet seat, bath towels, and toothbrushes.ALSO READ: Your Towels Are Making You Sick— How Often Should You Wash Them? Make sure you flush the toilet with its lid on.LaundryLeaving damp laundry in the washing machine, even if for just 30 minutes, can create the perfect environment for germs to grow. Always move clothes to the dryer right after the wash cycle ends.If you’ve forgotten a load for a while, it’s best to rewash it. When using a laundromat or shared laundry room, wipe the washer drum with a disinfectant wipe before use.Also, avoid folding clean clothes on public surfaces without wiping them down first. Washing clothes in warm or hot water, notes UNICEF, especially items worn in public, is more effective at killing viruses and bacteria than cold water.Home Office & Living RoomNSF found that remote controls, keyboards, phones, and tablets are often shared among family and guests, and they’re germ hotspots. It also found mold, yeast, and even Staphylococcus on remotes and game controllers in multiple households.A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that carpets can trap up to eight times their weight in dirt, sometimes making them dirtier than a city sidewalk. Viruses can survive for up to 3 days on plastic surfaces like remotes and keyboards.Wipe down these items regularly with disinfectant wipes or a soapy cloth, and always wash your hands after returning home before touching any surfaces or electronics.PetsYour furry friends can bring germs indoors, especially if they spend time outside. Pet bowls, as per NSF, rank as the 4th germiest item in the home, with toys close behind. Studies have found staph, yeast, and mold on pet items.Some helpful hygiene tips:Wash bowls daily with warm, soapy waterSoak toys and bowls in diluted bleach weeklyClean hard toys with hot water regularlyWash soft toys once a monthWipe your pet’s paws before they come inside.While your pet may not get sick, the germs they carry can easily transfer to your hands or face.Personal ItemsEvery time you return home, you might be unknowingly bringing in bacteria and viruses, on your shoes, phone, wallet, or even headphones.In a study by NSF of 22 homes, fecal bacteria, yeast, and mold were found on:PhonesKeysWallets and cashLunchboxesThe bottoms of pursesREAD: This Everyday Personal Item Can Become As Breeding Ground For BacteriaSince many of these items are made of plastic or metal, some viruses can live on them for up to 72 hours.Disinfecting wipes work well on most of these surfaces. For electronics, consider using wipes specifically made for tech gear to avoid damage.

Your Home May Look Clean, But These 8 Spots Are Dirtier Than You Think

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