Grayson West
A clean home isn’t just about appearances; it’s also about creating a healthy environment free from germs and bacteria. But with so many surfaces to consider, where should you start? We’ve got you covered with 15 household items you should clean daily. Grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to banish those germs once and for all!
Kitchen Counters
Your kitchen counters are a hotspot for food prep and can quickly gather bacteria, food particles, and spills. Daily clean-ups keep germs, mold, and unwelcome pests like ants and roaches at bay. Reach for a mild disinfectant or whip up a water and vinegar mix for a thorough wipe-down. Don’t forget to focus on seams and corners where crumbs love to hide. Finish off by drying the surface to prevent moisture buildup.
Bathroom Sinks
Toothpaste splatters, soap scum, and hair can turn your bathroom sink into a breeding ground for bacteria and stains. Grab an antibacterial cleaner or mix up a natural baking soda and water solution. Give the sink a gentle scrub with a brush, especially around the faucet and drain areas. Finish with a rinse and wipe dry to keep your sink looking fresh and fabulous.
Toilets
Bacteria and viruses, including E. coli and norovirus, enjoy breeding in toilets. To maintain a sanitary bathroom environment, clean the bowl with a toilet brush and efficient toilet cleaner that has disinfectant properties. Do not forget to brush the rim and underside of the seat with disinfectant wipes.
Faucets and Handles
High-touch areas like faucets and handles often harbor bacteria due to constant use. Regular cleaning with disinfectant spray keeps germs at bay. An extra touch of cleanliness involves using a water and vinegar solution or disinfectant wipes, banishing bacteria, and keeping surfaces shining.
Kitchen Sink
Food scraps and dirty dishes dropped on kitchen sinks make them a favorite hotspot for bacteria like salmonella. Clean the sink daily with a disinfectant or a mix of baking soda and any vinegar and scrub the basin and faucet to keep it sanitary and odor-free. Thoroughly wipe the drain and garbage disposal area.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are in constant contact with food, making them prime spots for cross-contamination. Wash them with hot, soapy water immediately after use to keep them safe. Regularly disinfect with a water and bleach or vinegar solution to eliminate bacteria. Opt for a water and hydrogen peroxide solution for wooden cutting boards to prevent warping.
Dishcloths and Sponges
These handy tools can harbor bacteria if not properly maintained. To keep them sanitary, rinse thoroughly after each use and let them dry completely. For dishcloths, a hot water wash with detergent will do the trick. As for sponges, a quick minute in the microwave or a soak in a bleach solution will kill any lingering germs.
Coffee Makers
Your coffee maker’s water reservoirs and filter baskets harbor mold, bacteria, and mineral deposits. Clean them daily by rinsing the removable parts and wiping the exterior down. For deeper cleaning, run a cycle with equal parts water and vinegar once a month.
Pet Bowls
As your pets savor their meals, they sometimes drool into the food bowl, contaminating it. The bacteria from the food can lead to infections or digestive issues if not washed often. Wash the container every day with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. You can also run it through the dishwasher at a high temperature once weekly.
Remote Controls
We often overlook the remote controls when cleaning other items. These devices are frequently touched, accumulating bacteria, oils, and dirt from the hands over time. Wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe or a dampened cloth with rubbing alcohol to remove bacteria and viruses.
Cell Phones
As you handle your cell phones and place them on various surfaces, they increase their chance of picking up bacteria. Use a microfiber cloth and a solution of water and rubbing alcohol, being careful not to damage the screen or ports. Focus on the edges and buttons, where dirt can accumulate.
Countertop Appliances
Household appliances like toasters, blenders, and microwaves collect food particles, grease, and dust and, therefore, become breeding grounds for bacteria and pests. With a dampened cloth and mild detergent, you can clean these appliances and keep them free from grime. If you can, try disassembling and washing all removable parts thoroughly.
Bathroom Mirrors
Like your bathroom sinks, bathroom mirrors often become dirty with toothpaste splatters, water spots, and fingerprints. These reduce the mirror’s visibility and aesthetic appeal. Wipe them down daily with a glass cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water, using a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks and keep them sparkling. Reach into the edges and corners where dust can also accumulate.
Stove Tops
Grease, food spills, and burnt-on residues accumulating on stove tops can make them harder to clean if left unattended. Moreover, they can encourage the growth of microbes. As a way to prevent this, wash every corner of your stove tops with a degreasing cleaner or a some baking soda and water solution. Scrub the surface gently to remove any stuck-on residue.
Trash Cans
If you neglect trash cans, they can harbor harmful bacteria and mold and make your home unhygienic. To keep them fresh and hygienic, empty them daily and wash the interior with a disinfectant spray or a water and bleach solution. Better yet, line the cans with trash bags and consider sprinkling baking soda at the bottom to absorb odors.
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