If you have a weekly cleaning routine that generally never changes, you are probably skipping over some under-the-radar areas.
Here are the 10 areas that are most likely to be overlooked when you do your cleaning and that could definitely do with some more frequent tender loving care.
1. Toothbrush holder
Bathrooms are cleaned regularly and to a pretty high standard, because that is one of the rooms where you don’t want to have any germs. While the sinks and toilet (if the latter is located in your bathroom and not in a separate area) are probably cleaned weekly, we bet you never even think about the toothbrush holder. Scientists at the National Sanitation Foundation in the US have found that the toothbrush holder is probably the dirtiest item in the bathroom. In fact, 27 per cent of household toothbrush holders contain bacteria that can make you sick, like staphylococcus and E. coli. Depending on the type of holder you have in your bathroom you can either run it through the dishwasher, or wash it with detergent and warm water to get it clean. You should probably aim to do this weekly.
2. Smartphone
Something you put next to your face and mouth nearly every day, your smartphone is covered in more bacteria than you can probably imagine. The average phone has 18 times more bacteria on it than a toilet seat. All you need is sunglasses cleaner and a microfibre cloth. This is another job you can probably do weekly.
3. Handbag
Here’s a disgusting thought. Think about the places you rest your handbag throughout a day. On the floor of public transport, on the floor of your car, or perhaps even in a shopping trolley where toddler has been sitting with a potentially full nappy. Now think about how many times you have come home and put that very same handbag on top of your kitchen bench! Yuck! Frequently giving the outside of your bag a wipe-down is a very good idea.
4. Fridge
It is one of the jobs we all hate, which is probably why we only do it when it feels absolutely necessary. Considering how important it is to keep this area clean, you should be doing this job monthly. Toss out everything that is out of date or questionable and wash your shelves (be careful to use cold water for washing or wait till the shelves are at room temperature so they don’t crack). Also make sure that you scrub down the side of the fridge while the shelves are out.
5. Doorknobs
Now that you see it in writing, it all makes perfect sense. Dirty hands grabbing at your handles and knobs all day every day, leaving behind bacteria and who knows what else. Easily forgotten about, but easy to clean.
6. Steering wheel
In the same vein as doorknobs, your steering wheel brings back all the filth from the outside world that your hands have been in contact with and then spreads it throughout the house. A quick clean with some anti-bacterial wipes will offer you more protection from germs.
7. Hairbrushes
You think it’s just hair building up in your brush, but it is actually a lot more than that. As well as hair, the hairbrush will have dust, conditioner, oil, germs and dust mites, all of which you are running through your hair every morning.
8. Pillows
It is not enough to just clean your pillowcases regularly, you should be washing your pillow itself at least twice a year. Most pillows are machine washable (check to make sure, though), but use a mild liquid detergent instead of a powder so you don’t end up with residue on your pillows. Then place them in a dryer and they will be ready to sleep on again, free of bacteria and dead skin cells.
9. Keyboard
You guessed it. Here’s another everyday item that is probably dirtier than your toilet seat. You should give your keyboard a good clean every two or three months.
10. Remote controls
Just like your keyboard, except you are even more likely to be eating food while touching the buttons. Try and give it a good wipe down once every two to three months.
What other important items do you think most people overlook when cleaning?
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