Keeping a clean home is important for most people, but there are
certain areas we are likely to overlook. For example, the toothbrush holder is
actually the germiest spot in the bathroom, but many people rarely clean it.
Here is a list of three common places that we often forget to clean, and some
handy tips for tackling these areas.
Toothbrush Holders
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| Image via Flickr by tinafranklindg |
As mentioned above, the toothbrush holder is the place in your
bathroom that harbors the most germs. A 2011 NSF International study found that the toothbrush holder is also one of the most
bacteria-filled places in your entire house. Toothbrush holders often collect
residue that contains bacteria, viruses, and coliforms like salmonella that can
cause serious illness.
To clean your toothbrush holder, soak it in hot soapy water to
loosen the residue. After ten minutes, scrub it thoroughly, using a fine brush
to fit into any tight spaces. Once it is fully clean, sterilize it by running
it through the dishwasher, or let it soak in a 1:10 bleach and water solution
for 30 minutes.
The toothbrush holder should be cleaned and sanitized every week
or so. This might seem excessive but it is really very simple to incorporate
this task into your usual bathroom cleaning schedule.
Heating and Air Conditioning Ducts
Other parts of the home that collect a lot of dirt and grime are
the heating and air conditioning ducts. It is important to schedule a regular professional duct cleaning to remove debris and contaminants.
If you neglect the air ducts for too long, debris will build up
and force your HVAC system to work harder, decreasing its expected
lifespan. The HVAC system may work less efficiently, which increases your
energy bills. In addition, the buildup of contaminants can exacerbate
allergies and asthma.
With an HVAC duct cleaning, you hire a professional to service
your heating and air conditioning system, which includes cleaning the supply
and return air ducts, the heat exchangers, the cooling coils, the drip pans,
and the fans. The National Duct Cleaning Association recommends scheduling a
professional duct cleaning every 2 years.
Kitchen and Bathroom Doors
We open and close doors frequently, but many of us don't clean
them as much as we should. As you know, doors and doorknobs pick up a lot
of dirt, grease, and fingerprints. In addition, doorknobs collect bacteria and
viruses, which can spread illnesses.
To clean the door itself, wipe it down with a wet, soapy cloth, a
sponge, or a magic eraser to remove stains and dirt. With doorknobs, use a
disinfectant spray. To avoid harsh chemicals, you can buy an eco-friendly brand
or make your own disinfectant spray with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and water.
Once you have your spray handy, spritz the entire doorknob and
wipe it dry with a cloth or towel. Clean your doorknobs regularly, especially
on kitchen and bathroom doors.
These are just a few areas of your home that are easy to overlook
but really should be cleaned regularly. Keeping these areas clean will help
make your house a cleaner and healthier environment for you and your family.
