Saturday, July 28, 2018

3 Often Forgotten Household Cleaning Jobs You Shouldn't Overlook



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

3 Often Forgotten Household Cleaning Jobs You Shouldn't Overlook, home, home and living, household cleaning jobs, cleaning, home cleaning, home tips,
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.
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