We all know that the spaces we live in should be clean, and there are the no-brainers: floors should be swept and vacuumed, sheets and dishes should be washed and toilets and counters should be sanitized. But what about the things we don’t think about cleaning very often? How many germs are we inviting into our lives by not cleaning these items? So, without further ado, here are eight germy everyday items that you should be cleaning more often.
Toothbrush holder
Over one million bacteria on an uncovered toothbrush. Bacteria can live on your toothbrush for days or weeks.
- Rinse the toothbrush with hot water after use
- Run the toothbrush and holder through the dishwasher once a week
- Replace every three months
Door handles
Can be just as bad as not washing hands after using the bathroom. They can spread viruses throughout office buildings and other spaces within a few hours.
- Disinfect with wipes or all-purpose cleaning spray once a week
Cellphone
10 times dirtier than a toilet seat (University of Arizona study).
- Wipe with isopropyl alcohol wipes at least once a day
Dog toys
Can carry yeast, mold and bacteria.
- Handwash rubber and plastic toys with dish soap and hot water
- Run plush and fabric toys through the washing machine
- Clean at least twice a month
Steering wheel
700 types of bacteria (Ashton University study).
- Wipe with sanitizing wipes once a week
Water bottle
High amounts of bacteria and mold, especially on plastic water bottles.
- Wash daily (one study said 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat)
Coffee maker
Can grow yeast and mold.
- Put equal parts white vinegar and water in the reservoir and brew with an empty paper filter
- Clean once a month
TV remote
Can have bacteria, yeast and mold.
- Wipe with a disinfectant wipe or a rubbing alcohol covered cloth once a week
Now that you know which culprits may be causing an unnecessary influx of germs into your life, you can stop them before you or people you regularly interact with get sick. So, grab those disinfectant wipes and start cleaning those everyday items!
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