List of the dirtiest places in the house
The toilet, floor and doormat are traditionally considered the dirtiest places in the house. In fact, there are many more bacteria accumulators, and they are literally at hand. It is from these places that you should start cleaning the apartment.
Remote controls, telephones, keyboards
Game joysticks, TV remotes, laptop, computer and phone keyboards are things that are constantly covered with sweat and grease stains. The surfaces come into contact with fingers and are a favorable environment for the development of a lot of bacteria. According to research, there are more pathogens on them than in a toilet.
To disinfect the device, you must first remove the batteries. Then carefully clean the buttons with an unnecessary soft toothbrush. After removing dirty marks, wipe with a rag with an alcohol solution. Pre-squeeze it well so that liquid does not get inside the device.
Door handles and switches
Switches and door handles in the house, like remote controls, are constantly in contact with fingers and accumulate sweat and grease particles. Scientists have found that copper products accumulate the least amount of microbes. Research has shown that this material is capable of suppressing the growth of pathogens.
Handles and switches in the house should be wiped with an alcohol solution 1-2 times a week. During seasonal epidemics, it is advisable to carry out the treatments daily.
Kitchen sink
Food residues and moisture promote the rapid development of bacterial flora. Experts recommend wiping the kitchen sink after each dishwashing. Such a measure will not only help prevent the proliferation of pathogens, but also maintain the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the surface. Drying water leaves a limescale deposit.
The kitchen sink should be disinfected 1-2 times a week. To do this, choose a product that does not damage its surface.
Refrigerator
Pathogens feed on condensation, food remains, and mold spores from spoiled products. During the research, about 7.85 thousand pathogens were found on 1 inch of the inner surface of the refrigerator. Among them are listeria and salmonella, which are extremely dangerous for humans.
To prevent a dirty refrigerator from becoming a source of infection in the apartment, it should be washed regularly and spoiled products should be removed. The walls can be disinfected with a vinegar solution. Particular attention should be paid to the seals along the edge of the door. Crumbs and food scraps constantly accumulate in this place.
Sponges for washing dishes
It would be no exaggeration to call a dish sponge a Petri dish – its environment is so favorable for the reproduction of microbes. Food remains, even with thorough washing, get clogged in the pores and gradually decompose in them. As a result of research, extensive colonies of staphylococcus, E. coli, mold, and yeast were discovered. It is advisable to change the sponge once a week.
Armrests
The bolsters of sofas and armchairs are in constant contact with human skin. The epithelial flakes peel off, inevitably accumulating in the thickness of the fabric. They are a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites.
An effective method for cleaning dirty armrests is a steam generator. If you don’t have one, vacuum them more often. Use crevice nozzles to increase suction. Use them to remove dust between the backrests and seats. Periodically treat the armrests with carpet and furniture cleaning products.
Cutting board
Regardless of the material, all kitchen cutting boards accumulate food residues and bacteria. Rubbing with a sponge only drives them deeper into the micropores. This is why sanitary standards require using separate boards for meat, fish, and vegetables. Change them often. Between replacements, pour boiling water over them and wash in the dishwasher at a temperature of at least 60⁰. After washing, wipe dry.
Shower curtain
The lower part of the curtain accumulates a huge amount of bacteria. Without regular washing, it becomes dirty, slimy, and emits an unpleasant smell throughout the apartment.
The curtain should be removed and treated at least twice a month. Place it in the bathtub with the inside facing up, sprinkle with powder, remove the main dirt with a sponge. Then, if the material allows, wash it in the machine.
Try to straighten the curtain after each wash to let it dry. Mucus forms much faster in the folds. Ventilate the bathroom more often.
Toothbrushes
The bristles not only retain food residues, but also bacterial flora of the oral cavity. In addition, they actively collect microbes from the air. Rinsing your toothbrush after brushing your teeth is not enough. It is advisable to soak it in a chlorhexidine solution for 10 minutes 2-3 times a week.
It is not advisable to use a case to store the brush. The bristles will remain wet for a long time, and pathogenic flora will begin to multiply faster.
Mattress on the bed
A mass of epithelial particles, hair, and sweat secretions get into it every day through the sheet. This whole mixture provokes asthma attacks, allergic reactions, sneezing, and watery eyes in some people.
Experts recommend changing the mattress every 7 years. It is better to protect the new product with a special waterproof cover that can be washed or dry cleaned. Without it, the mattress should be vacuumed 1-2 times a week during cleaning of the apartment.
Bowls for animals
Many owners limit themselves to adding food, pouring water and do not wash the bowls. As a result, plaque accumulates on their surfaces, in which pathogens multiply. The animal’s saliva and food remains serve as food for them. The pet picks up pathogens from the surface with its tongue, as a result of which it develops problems with the gastrointestinal tract and allergic reactions.
Bowls should be washed daily, rinsed with hot water and wiped dry. Once a week, it is useful to soak pets’ dishes in a disinfectant solution for 10 minutes.
Help from the cleaners
Most people do not have time to clean their homes due to their busy schedules. To ensure that your home is free of germs, you can call a cleaning company. The specialists will clean and tidy up, disinfect all potentially dangerous dirty places, and make your home cozy and safe.