In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and flu season, you’ve most likely been told to “wash your hands” more times than you can count. Hand-washing is an important way to prevent the spread of illness and keep yourself healthy. However, your hands are not the only things you should be disinfecting regularly.
The germiest places in your house or work space may surprise you.
In the kitchen
Sponges, dishrags, towels and scrubbers are main sources of germs in your home. Microwaving your sponges, replacing them every two weeks or putting your towels and dishrags in the washing machine are the best ways to keep your kitchen clean.
Counter tops are another hot spot for germs. Grocery bags, mail or household objects that are placed on counters allow for outside germs to contaminate your food.
Watch video: Disinfecting your home of COVID-19
Other common kitchen items that are breeding grounds for germs are:
- Can openers
- Cutting boards
- Garbage disposals
- Sink drains and the J-shaped pipe under the sink
- Refrigerators
- Complex appliances such as food processors, blenders and eggbeaters
- Coffee makers
- Reusable water bottles
In the bathroom
Faucet handles, toothbrush holders, bathtubs, bath towels, toothbrushes, doorknobs, loofahs, razors and toilets are the main things to keep an eye on in terms of disinfecting your bathroom.
For the disposable items, experts recommend replacing these every two to four weeks. Clean handles, bathtubs and toilets with disinfecting wipes or a bleach solution.
Towels should be replaced every other day.
In the living room
The bathroom and kitchen may seem like the main hot spot for germs, but the living room has just as many, if not more.
Some objects you should be sure to disinfect regularly:
- Cell phone
- TV remote
- Light switches
- Game controllers
- Earbuds
- Tablets
- Lamps
- Doorknobs
- Furniture upholstery
Electronics and remotes should be wiped with disinfectant wipes daily, especially because they are used often. Furniture is often exposed to sneezes, pet hair, unwashed hands and outside soil. Furniture upholstery should be vacuumed at least once a week.
In the bedroom
Pillows, sheets, comforters and quilts may not seem like a place where germs would set up camp. However, the fabric fibers allow for dirt and bacteria to stick around. Bed linens should be washed weekly.
Additionally, mattresses and box springs are breeding grounds for dust mites, so it’s important to keep an eye on those.
At work
It’s important to remember that germs live everywhere, including your work spaces. Bring some disinfecting wipes to work and sanitize when you get a free moment. It could prevent you from getting sick and therefore missing work.
- Computer keyboards
- Computer mouse
- Coffee maker
- Writing utensils
- Chair handles
- Door handles/light switches
- Reusable coffee or water containers
Miscellaneous places
There are many other objects that we tend to overlook but contain many germs that could cause illness.
- Pet toys/bowls
- Purses, handbags, briefcases, backpacks
- Wallets
- Keys
- Money, such as credit cards or cash
- Washing machines
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Posted In COVID-19, Flu, Healthy Living, Wellness
