Your home is your sanctuary, a place where you should feel safe and comfortable. But, do you really know the average household hides more bacteria and viruses than a public restroom? So, you see, this is a startling fact to know, but still, there are bright sides to this revelationᅳjust proper cleaning is highly likely to bring those detrimental levels of microorganisms down in your home. In this blog post, I will tell you about the many ways consistent practices of cleaning can help keep your home both healthy and hygienic.
Disinfect High Touch Areas
The best way to fight germs at home is to pay special attention to areas of high touch, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and countertops, among others. Wiping these areas each day with disinfectant can get rid of 80 percent of bacteria from the surfaces. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom, for they are severely threatened by moisture that enhances bacteria. In the kitchen, cutting boards, sink knobs, and appliance handles need special care when it comes to their cleaning and disinfection. Pay attention to the flush handle of the toilet, the handles of the water faucets, and any items of personal hygiene.
The floors and carpets must be thoroughly cleaned
Floors and carpets are the largest collector of trash, dust, and germs brought in from the street. These surfaces should be cleaned by vacuuming carpets and washing hard floors at least weekly. Every few months, or as needed, add a steam cleaning of the carpets to your routine. The heat from the steam can reach high enough temperatures to terminate bacteria and even kill dust mites, which may be a causative factor for allergies. Disinfect the hard floor you are mopping while cleaning with a disinfecting solution.
Washing Bedding and Towels Often
As your linens and towels come in contact with your body very often, maybe daily, they become the hub of thriving bacteria. Proper and regular washing of your linens and towels should be kept in view for proper hygiene. Be sure to launder your sheets and pillowcases once weekly in hot water and dried with high temperatures to help in sanitization. Remember to also clean your mattress and pillows every few months since dust mites and dead skin cells are harbored on them. According to Michelle Smith, CFO of Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy, we should launder our bath towels every 3-4 uses, or more often in case someone from our family falls ill. We can wash them in hot water with disinfecting laundry detergent if we want to get rid of germs.
Sanitize Sponges and Rags
Among the most serious dirt holders are the kitchen sponges and rags. According to a study, it was found that kitchen sponges have more bacteria than toilet seats. For basic hygiene, these items need to be sanitized every day. You can put your sponge in the microwave for 1-2 minutes with a little wetting of it to get most of the bacteria killed. Alternatively, you can even soak the sponge in some water with a little bleach. Dishcloths and cleaning rags should be laundered in the washing machine between uses in hot water to rid them of germs. You should also change your kitchen sponge every couple of weeksᅳit gets gross and loses scrubbing power super fast.
Ventilate and Control Humidity
Good ventilation and humidity control are crucial because they help prevent the growth of molds and mildews. Ensure your home is well-ventilated by using fans throughout, including exhaust fans in the kitchen when cooking and in the bathroom during showers or baths. Additionally, keep the air fresh in living areas by opening windows when the weather permits. It is also important to maintain proper indoor humidity levels, ideally between 30-50%. High humidity creates an ideal environment for mold and dust mites to thrive. Using a dehumidifier can help manage these levels effectively. Additionally, any leaks or moisture accumulation should be promptly repaired or addressed to prevent these issues.
Conclusion
These measures will significantly reduce the harmfulness and spread of bacteria and viruses, ensuring a
healthy and hygienic home environment. Focus on cleaning high-touch surfaces, floors, and carpets, as well as washing bedding and towels regularly. It’s also important to regularly replace sponges and rags, and to maintain proper ventilation and humidity control.
Remember, a little daily cleaning can go a long way toward preventing the spread of illness, and it can do a lot for the promotion of overall wellness for you and your family. So, prioritize cleaning, and in such a way, you ensure your home is a safe and healthful place to live.