Keeping your home clean is essential for your health and well-being. Many surfaces in your daily environment can harbor germs, making regular disinfecting a key practice. By focusing on the right items, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness in your home.
While you may already have a cleaning routine, there are specific areas that often go unnoticed. Understanding which items require daily attention can help you maintain a safer living space. It’s not just about tidiness; it’s about creating a healthier environment for you and your family.
1. Car steering wheel
Your car’s steering wheel is a hotspot for germs. You touch it frequently, transferring bacteria from your hands. To disinfect, use a microfiber cloth and a mixture of warm water with mild soap. For a deeper clean, consider specialized interior cleaners.
You can also spray with a disinfectant like Lysol, which effectively kills bacteria. Just make sure it won’t damage your wheel’s material.
2. Cell phones
Your cell phone is a hotspot for germs. You touch it constantly, and it goes everywhere with you.
To keep it clean, use disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth. Opt for wipes with at least 70 percent alcohol to ensure effective sanitation.
Clean your phone daily to reduce the risk of illness. It’s a quick way to protect yourself from germs you didn’t even know were there.
3. Doorknobs
Doorknobs are high-touch areas in your home. Every time you enter or leave a room, you’re touching them. This makes them a hotspot for germs.
You should aim to disinfect doorknobs daily, especially if multiple people share your space. Spraying them with disinfectant spray or wiping them with disinfecting wipes works well.
Keeping your doorknobs clean helps reduce the spread of illness. It’s a simple step for a healthier home.
4. Light switches
You might not think about it, but light switches can harbor germs. Since you use them every day, regular cleaning is essential.
Wipe down your light switches daily with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap. You can also use a disinfectant wipe for extra safety.
Before cleaning any switch, remember to turn off the power to avoid accidents. Keeping these small areas clean contributes to a healthier home.
5. Kitchen counters
You touch your kitchen counters several times a day, so keeping them clean is super important. Start by wiping them down with dish soap and water to remove food residues.
After that, it’s time to disinfect. You can use a solution of vinegar or bleach for effective results.
For an easy option, try using isopropyl rubbing alcohol with at least 70% concentration. Just remember to let it sit for a minute before wiping. Regular care helps keep germs at bay!
6. Bathroom sink handles
Bathroom sink handles often harbor germs and bacteria from frequent use. You touch them after washing your hands, and they can easily collect a variety of contaminants.
Make it a habit to wipe them down with a disinfectant regularly. This simple step can significantly cut down on the spread of germs in your bathroom.
Just grab a disinfectant wipe or a spray, and give those handles a quick clean every day. Keeping them fresh helps maintain a healthier space for you and your family.
7. Toilet flush handles
Toilet flush handles can be a hotspot for germs. Every time someone uses the restroom, they touch the handle, transferring bacteria and viruses.
It’s a good idea to wipe down the flush handle daily with a disinfectant. This simple step can help reduce the spread of germs in your home.
Consider using antibacterial wipes for quick and easy cleaning. Keeping this small area clean makes your bathroom a healthier space for everyone.
8. Remote controls
Remote controls can gather a surprising amount of germs. You might not think about it, but they get touched frequently and can be a hotspot for bacteria.
To clean them, use a cloth dampened with a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol. This helps ensure you’re killing most viruses and bacteria.
Don’t forget to clean the crevices. A cotton swab or toothpick can help get into those hard-to-reach spots. Make it a habit to disinfect your remote regularly to keep your living space healthier.
9. Fridge handles
Your fridge handles can get pretty grimy without you even realizing it. They see a lot of action, especially when you reach for snacks or drinks.
It’s important to disinfect them daily to keep germs at bay. A quick spray with a cleaner, letting it sit for a minute, and then wiping it down does the trick.
You might even want to use a toothbrush to get into any textures or grooves. Giving these handles just a little extra attention can make a big difference in your kitchen’s cleanliness.
10. Microwave buttons
You might not think about it, but the buttons on your microwave can get pretty grimy. Since you use them daily, they collect oils, food particles, and germs.
Make it a habit to wipe them down each day with a disinfectant wipe. It only takes a minute and helps keep your kitchen a cleaner space.
Don’t forget to get into the nooks and crannies where dirt tends to hide. A clean microwave not only looks better but also encourages a healthier cooking environment.
11. Stovetop knobs
Stovetop knobs are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. These high-touch areas can gather grease and germs quickly. To keep them fresh, grab a disinfectant wipe or spray. Wipe down the knobs daily, especially after cooking.
For a deeper clean, consider removing the knobs to clean underneath them. This extra step can help ensure your kitchen stays hygienic and sparkling!
12. Cabinet handles
Cabinet handles are often overlooked during cleaning, but they catch a lot of germs. You touch them every time you open a door, making them a hotspot for bacteria.
To disinfect, use a disinfectant spray or wipes. Just remember to let the disinfectant sit for about five minutes to effectively kill germs.
Regular cleaning helps keep your kitchen safe and reduces the spread of illness. Give those handles the attention they deserve!
13. Keys
You might not think about it, but your keys can harbor a lot of germs. Every time you handle them, they pick up bacteria from your hands and other surfaces.
Wiping down your keys regularly can help keep those germs at bay. Use a disinfectant wipe or spray to quickly clean them.
Make it part of your routine—maybe after you come home or before you head out. It only takes a minute but can make a difference in keeping your space cleaner.
14. Laptop Keyboard
Your laptop keyboard is one of the germiest spots you touch daily. It’s essential to keep it clean and disinfected. Start by turning off your laptop to avoid any accidental inputs. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove crumbs and debris.
For disinfecting, a damp microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol works well. Avoid using harsh cleaners or too much liquid. Just a quick wipe down can help reduce germs and keep your keyboard in top shape. Make this a daily habit for a healthier workspace.
15. Mouse
Your computer mouse is a hotspot for germs. It’s something you touch many times a day without thinking. Start by wiping it down with disinfectant wipes regularly. Pay extra attention to the buttons and the scroll wheel, as those areas tend to collect grime.
Don’t forget to clean around the sensor, too. A little routine maintenance helps keep your workspace clean and your health in check.
