Germs are invisible to the naked eye so they tend to grow in places we never consider cleaning. Below is a list of household items and places everyone forgets to clean and how to make them spotless.
The top of large appliances and ceiling fans
Since they are high up and out of reach, most of us don’t know how grimy and dusty the top of our ceiling fans, refrigerators and other large appliances are. Wipe the top surface of the appliance with white vinegar and then rinse with a lemon and water mixture. Remember to move the appliance and mop the area beneath it.
For the ceiling fan, the best way is by mixing two tablespoons of white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto a clean, but old, pillowcase and then drag it along the blades. This will collect the dust. Any dirt that’s left between the blades can be removed with a clean cloth.
Toilet roll holders
Every time you flush the toilet, the water from the bowl sprays around the room including the toilet roll holder. You can clean it with a bleach and water solution or swab it down with disinfectant wipes.
Bed base springs
Have you ever looked under your bed? Well, you should. Your bed base’s springs are probably covered in dust. Make cleaning them with a vacuum hose a part of your weekly or monthly cleaning routine.
Toothbrush holders
If you look into your toothbrush holder guess what you’ll find- mould, discolouration and grime. And what worse is that it could end up in your mouth! You can clean your tooth brush holder (and prevent ingesting germs and bacteria), by soaking it in solution that consists one part bleach, three parts water for an hour. Then rinse it through with water and let it dry upside down on a dish rack.
Showerheads
According to a recent study conducted by the University of Colorado, 30% of showerheads tested positive for Mycobacterium avium, a germ that can cause lung infections, and for other various bacteria and fungi. To avoid getting sick clean your showerhead by soaking it in a diluted vinegar solution and then scrub the deposits away with an old toothbrush.
Remote control and other electronics
You, your friends and family are constantly fighting over who should handle the remote. We hold it with dirty hands, leave it on different household surfaces as well as cough and sneeze on it. The best way to clean is by wiping it with a lint free cloth and disinfectant solution. Also use a soft bristle bush to clear the dust off the internal corners and crevices in between the buttons. Other electronics, like cellphones, telephone receivers and keyboards, are also coated in germs. Swab them down with disinfectant wipes.
Vacuum filters
Vacuum cleaners are often used to clean dust but can you imagine how much of it accumulates in the filter. To avoid the built up dust and bacteria from being released back into the air when use your vacuum cleaner, thoroughly wash the filter under running water and let it dry before using it again.
Doorknobs and light switches
Everyone touches the doorknob and light switches when entering and leaving a room making them one of the dirtiest places in the home. Germs are also easily transferred from person-to-person just by holding doorknobs and touching light switches. Prevent these germs from spreading by wiping them with a cloth dapped in alcohol or an all-purpose disinfectant cleaner.
Indoor dustbins
Even if you put a refuse bag in your dustbin, bits of food and liquid often seeps out into the bin itself. That’s why the inside of most dustbins are full of germs and bacteria. To prevent yours from getting contaminated, use disinfecting wipes on the lid and inside from the day you buy it. Then always remember to let it dry before you line it with another refuse bag.
Combs and hairbrushes
Brushing your hair with a dirty hairbrush could cause dandruff, scalp infections and even result in hair loss. Since hairbrushes are used regularly, they need to be cleaned at least once a week. Soak yours in detergent for about 15minutes then wear gloves and use your hands to remove the grime from the brush. If you use combs, you can clean them by using and old toothbrush to remove hair strands and grime.
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