From the home to the office, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms are everywhere. Trash cans, countertops and toilets are all common places we think to clean, but did you know there are other areas that may be hiding dangerous, virus-causing germs and bacteria?
Check out this list of 5 Places Bacteria Hide in the Home to learn more about the sneaky places bacteria grow and cleaning tips to keep your home safe.
1. Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be clean, right? After all, their sole purpose is to clean your mouth! The truth is, toothbrushes can be home to many nasty germs, including staph, yeast and E. coli. In addition to the germs we scrub from our mouths each day, bacteria from the toilet can contaminate your toothbrush as water droplets spray into the air with each flush.
To help banish bacteria from your toothbrush, place your toothbrush in a location that is not close to the toilet where it can air out between uses, and close your toilet lid before flushing. In addition, you should replace your toothbrush every three months, after being sick or if the bristles look worn.
2. Salt and Pepper Shakers
Could one of the biggest germ hotspots in your home be sitting right on your dining room table? A recent study from the University of Virginia found just that. The results from the study showed salt and pepper shakers had the highest concentration of cold and flu viruses in all the homes they tested.
Battle bacteria growth on salt and pepper shakers by wiping them down each night as you clean off the table. In addition, we recommend giving them a deep clean every couple months. To do this, simply empty the shakers and soak in hot water with a teaspoon of antibacterial soap. After 10 minutes, remove them and towel dry. To dry the inside, use a hairdryer until no moisture remains, and then refill.
3. Your Shower Loofah
Used to clean your body, a loofah has a plethora of nooks and crannies where dead skin and bacteria can hide. As your loofah sits in its warm, wet environment, a breeding ground for bacteria forms. Fungal organisms begin to multiply, which can lead to skin infections.
To prevent the porous scrubber from contaminating your skin, rinse it well after each use and hang it to dry on a hook located outside the shower, if possible. You should also avoid using a loofah on your face or genital areas, and replace it often. If you are using a natural loofah, you should get a new one every three weeks. Plastic loofahs are okay to keep for around two months, but should be replaced sooner if you notice a musty or mildew-like odor.
4. Electronics – The TV remote, keyboard and cell phone
When you think about it, the fact that electronics, including the TV remotes, keyboards and cell phones, hide hazardous bacteria should not come as a surprise. These items are dropped on the ground, touched often and shared between family members, yet they are not frequently cleaned.
To keep electronics safe, be mindful of regular cleaning and handwashing. A simple disinfecting wipe can help kill dangerous bacteria, and component-specific cleaning supplies are also available if you are concerned about damaging the item.
5. Makeup bag
As brushes and makeup touch your face, eyes and lips each day, makeup and skin cells begin to build up. Even if you clean your brushes regularly and throw out makeup as it expires, your makeup bag may still be hiding germs your brushes came into contact with, which can lead to eye and skin infections, acne and redness.
Each week, your brushes should be cleaned with soap and water, or specific brush cleaner, and your bag should be washed at least once each month. Mascara should not be used longer than three months and should never be shared.
Above all, good hygiene is key to preventing diseases and bacteria from spreading. This doesn’t require obsessive cleaning, or being completely dirt free, but frequent hand washing (especially before preparing food, after using the restroom and after sneezing or coughing) can help decrease the spread of germs.
The post 5 Places Bacteria Can Hide appeared first on Healthy Home Maid Service Inc..
