How many neat freaks do you know who think their house is 100% germ-free? It is so common for some to think that germs do not exist in their kitchen, bathroom, living room, you name it. Believe us, they are out there, they are everywhere – lurking in your shower drain, under the doormat, around your kitchen sink, even in Humbert the Cat’s dinner bowl. There is no escape! Germs may be invisible to the naked eye (if they aren’t then you have a bigger problem than we might be able to help you with), but they’re almost everywhere. This amazing article prepares you for something you may never think about. Do not freak out, but take some notes on what can be done to “stop ’em from lurking.”
Aside from the general nastiness, germs can cause illness and disease and trigger major allergies. Be afraid. Or better still: Be prepared. Show those germs who’s the boss!
So what is your home’s Germ Central? If you think it’s the bathroom, think again. NSF International swabbed 30 surfaces you very likely touch in your home every day – ranging from kitchen surfaces to cellphones – to measure levels on yeast, mold, and coliform bacteria a virulent family of food- and water-based bacteria that includes salmonella and E. coli). We have a list of some surprising spots where germs lurk:
- Dish sponges
- Kitchen sinks
- Toothbrush holders
- Pet bowls
- Coffee makers
- Faucet handles
- Pet toys
- Kitchen counters
- Stove knobs
- Cutting boards
According to NSF, here are some cleaning tips for those 10 spots:
Kitchen sponge
Microwave wet sponges at high heat for two minutes once per day—seriously, every day—and replace every two weeks. These things get filthy. If you’re the type who measures the life span of kitchen sponges in years, stop being that type.
Kitchen sink
Is it any surprise that the kitchen sink is the second germiest place in your home, a virtual Wild West of bacteria? Tame it. Wash and fully disinfect the sides and bottom once or twice a week. Sanitize kitchen drains and disposals monthly by pouring down a solution of 1 teaspoon household bleach in 1 quart of water.
Toothbrush holder
OK, this one caught us a bit off guard. Germ-laden toothbrushes? Going into our mouthsdaily? Gross. Hand wash the holder with hot, soapy water, and clean with a disinfecting wipe once or twice a week.
Pet bowl
Give your furry loved ones—and their owners—a break. Place bowls in a solution of one cap of bleach in 1 gallon of water and soak for about 10 minutes once a week.
Coffee reservoir
A common disinfecting method is to add up to 4 cups of undiluted vinegar to the reservoir, let it stand for 30 minutes and run the vinegar through the unit. Run fresh water through the unit until the vinegar odor is gone. It’s a bit of a pain, but it works. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning every 40-80 brew cycles, or at least monthly.
Faucet handles
Clean daily with disinfecting cleaner or wipes. A paper towel and a splash of water isn’t enough.
Pet toys
Clean monthly: Hand-wash hard toys with hot, soapy water, and use washer to wash soft toys.
Countertops
Yes, we know you clean these every day. Clean them better, please. Wash with hot, soapy water, rinse with clean water, and apply a bleach-water solution daily.
Stove knobs
Remove knobs, wash in hot soapy water, let dry, and reinstall once a week. Do it!
Cutting boards
Place in the dishwasher after each use or hand-wash with hot soapy water.
Now you are a pro of germ killing and can tackle anything that comes your way! Go get them, tiger!
The Top 10 Germiest Spots in Your Home – and How to Clean Them by Yuqing Pan.
