A clean environment equals a safe environment. So it might come as a shock to you to know that there are spots in your house worth a second look.
Keep microorganisms and pathogens away from your family’s health. In this article, learn about areas at home with the most bacteria.
House Cleaning
Bacteria can divide every 20 minutes. That is, if you give it the right temperature and nutrients.
A 2016 study of the most contaminated household objects discovered over 340 different bacteria on 30 different objects.
Not all bacteria are harmful, though. Your body contains a variety of bacteria that do not cause illness. However, some can be found in your home and make you sick, such as:
- staphylococcus aureus
- yeast
- mold
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- fecal matter
Even the SARS-CoV-2 can also be found on many of the same surfaces. This is the same virus that causes the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dust and other allergens will accumulate if cleaning is not done regularly. This is why it’s essential to clean your home or apartment. Cleaning once a week will help you avoid allergies and other breathing issues. Keeping your home clean will also help to prevent the spread of germs and keep you healthy.
There are instances when you are in dire need of expert house cleaning. If this happens, don’t hesitate to call the specialists.
Areas at Home with the Most Bacteria
Germs can be killed by cleaning up spills, vacuuming your carpets, and keeping your kitchen and bathroom clean. Cleaning your house is a surefire way to avoid getting sick.
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZD3qu7kguMA
Here are the top 9 areas at home with the most bacteria:
1. Kitchen
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) discovered feces in kitchens. Isn’t it disgusting?
Fecal contamination was found in areas where food is stored or prepared—much more than any other room in the house.
More than 75% of dish sponges and rags tested positive for Salmonella, E. coli, and fecal matter. This compares to the 9% found on bathroom faucet handles.
Make it a habit to clean the following kitchen items as frequently as possible:
- cutting boards
- coffee maker
- refrigerator
- kitchen sink
- countertops
These are mainly the parts that come into contact with raw and unwashed food. Use disinfectant wipes on the faucet, refrigerator surfaces, and countertops to keep these areas clean.
Microwave damp sponges for a minute to kill bacteria. Soak sponges in a quart of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of concentrated bleach for 10 minutes. It’s a good idea to change your dish towels a few times a week.
Remember to wash your hands before and after you touch or handle food. Remember to clean your hands for at least 20 seconds thoroughly.
Bleach and rubbing alcohol, as well as disinfectant wipes, can be used. Check to see if they contain more than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.
2. Knobs, Handles, And Switches
Some places can be less obvious breeding grounds for germs. This includes handles as well as light switches.
You may believe that the bathroom doorknob is the dirtiest. You are incorrect. Other locations ranked higher in terms of bacteria, according to the NSF. This includes light switches in the bathroom, refrigerator handles, stove knobs, and even microwave handles.
You can use disinfectant wipes to clean these dirty spots once a week. This will also kill any germs or viruses that may be present on plastic or steel surfaces like these. Don’t be stingy; instead of reusing the same wipe, use a new one for each spot.
3. Makeup Bag
Makeup applicators are the ideal breeding ground for germs. Germs can get into the bristles and crannies of your makeup bag, especially if you carry it outside the house.
Germs found on makeup brushes have the potential to cause skin and eye infections.
The new coronavirus can also enter your nose, mouth, and eyes via makeup applicators in your hands. This allows the virus to enter your respiratory tract and may result in COVID-19 respiratory disease.
You may need to alter how you store your makeup. Ideally, products should be stored at room temperature in a clean, dry environment.
Wash makeup brushes once a week with regular soap and water, or spray them with an alcohol spray to keep them clean.
It is recommended that makeup applicators be washed at least once a day or before and after each use to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Many doctors recommend replacing cosmetics every six months and throwing away eye makeup if you’ve had an eye infection or viruses like COVID-19.
4. Bathroom
It’s not surprising that the bathroom where you wash off and relieve yourself could hold bacteria.
The moisture from a hot shower makes the bathroom the best place for germs to grow. You should pay special attention to these spots:
- floor area around the toilet
- shower area
- bathtub
- drains
- faucets
- bath towels
- toothbrush
You can disinfect surfaces and handles daily and do a thorough cleaning once a week.
An old toothbrush can help clean small spaces such as around drains and faucets. Bathroom towels should be replaced once a week, and toothbrushes every 3-4 months.
Soap and water can wash away the new coronavirus. This is the reason it is less likely to live in your shower, sink, or drains.
However, you should still disinfect all bathroom surfaces, especially if someone in your household has been sick.
5. Laundry
Even if wet laundry is left in a washing machine for a short period, germs can thrive.
After each wash, immediately place clean clothes in the dryer. If your clothes have been in the washer for more than 30 minutes, you may want to run another cycle.
Using a laundry mat or a shared laundry facility, use a disinfecting wipe to clean the washer drum.
Before folding clean clothes, make sure to wipe down any surfaces, especially public ones.
Warm or hot water is also more effective than cold water in killing bacteria and viruses such as the new coronavirus. When washing clothes that have been worn in public, use hot water whenever possible.
6. Home Office & Living Room
Many family members and house guests often share gadgets like remote controls, keyboards, phones, and tablets.
The NSF found yeast, mold, and even staph on all or some of these surfaces:
- computer keyboard
- remote control
- video game controller
- Work surfaces
They even found that a carpet can hold up to eight times its weight in dirt and dust. Itdirtier than a city street.
The new coronavirus can live on plastic for as long as three days. This means plastic remotes and keyboards aren’t safe. You might want to wipe the remote at a public place before using it.
Use disinfectant wipes or plain water and soap to clean your stuff. This is especially if they come in contact with dirty surfaces like tables or counters.
Again, wash your hands before touching any household objects. If you have been out in public or come into contact with someone from outside, wash your hands too.
7. Pets
Pets can bring germs and bacteria into your home. This is especially if you let them go outside.
Pet bowls are listed in the #4 spots with the most germs in a home. Pet toys also carried yeast, mold, and even staph.
Pets may not be susceptible to COVID-19, but their bowls, toys, and beds may all be infected with the new coronavirus. They can carry and spread the virus to you via your hands or face.
Before allowing your pets inside, wash or wipe their paws. This can keep your pets from bringing dirt and germs into the house.
You should also wash pet bowls with warm, soapy water daily. Take note of your dog’s toys as well. Once a week, soak toys and bowls in bleach. Hard toys should be cleaned regularly with hot, soapy water, whereas soft toys should be washed once a month.
8. Personal items
Every day, bacteria and viruses can enter your home from the outside. This can be carried by your shoes, gym bag, or even headphones.
Consider this: the NSF discovered fecal contamination, yeast, and mold on common household objects. Cell phones, keys, wallets and money, lunch boxes, and the bottoms of bags are examples of such items.
The majority of disinfectant wipes are effective against bacteria and viruses on electronic devices. However, if you want to be extra cautious, you can buy electronic-specific cleaning supplies at stores.
House Cleaning: Nashville Area
You are aware that you must clean your home or apartment regularly. However, many people put it off or do not clean at all. When you’re not motivated to clean your house, remind yourself of all the reasons why it’s essential to do so regularly.
If you need expert house cleaning in Nashville, try out HouseGlitz House Cleaning. HouseGlitz knows cleanliness promotes health. They make sure that their service does not just restore the shiny order in your house. They make sure to remove dirt and make sure your home is free from microorganisms and pathogens.
Are you in need of expert house cleaning in Nashville? Contact HouseGlitz to keep your home safe and germ-free.
Meta Description: Clean your home or apartment regularly, mainly, these nine germ-prone areas. If you need expert house cleaning in Nashville, try out HouseGlitz House Cleaning.
