9 Most Contaminated Items In Your Home
Despite our best cleaning efforts, some household items still harbour more bacteria than we realize. These everyday objects can be breeding grounds for harmful microbes if not properly cleaned. Here, we’ll explore the most contaminated items in your home and offer tips on how to keep them germ-free:
1. Kitchen Sponges: A Breeding Ground For Bacteria
Kitchen sponges often top the list of the germiest items in your home. Because they're used for washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, and wiping spills, they frequently come into contact with food particles, moisture, and bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. This makes them a perfect breeding ground for germs.
How To Clean Them: To kill bacteria, disinfect your sponges by soaking them in a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) for five minutes, or microwave each sponge for one minute when damp. Replace your sponge every week to ensure it doesn’t become a major source of contamination. Alternatively, consider using lint-free cloths that can be machine-washed after each use.
2. Cutting Boards: Hidden Contamination
Cutting boards, especially those used for preparing raw meat, can harbour bacteria even after washing. Wooden boards, in particular, have tiny grooves where bacteria can hide, while plastic boards can also develop cuts that trap germs.
How To Clean Them: Wash your cutting boards thoroughly with hot water and dish soap after each use, especially when prepping meat. For extra disinfecting, use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to wipe down the surface. To remove stains and smells, sprinkle baking soda on the board and scrub it with a brush. Allow the board to air dry completely to prevent bacteria build-up.
3. Toothbrush Holders: Overlooked But Important
While it’s common to rinse your toothbrush, the holder is often neglected. This damp environment can promote the growth of fecal bacteria, particularly if the holder is kept near the toilet. Bacteria spread from your toothbrush can contaminate the holder and surrounding areas, making it one of the germiest items in your bathroom.
How To Clean Them: Wash toothbrush holders weekly with warm water and soap, or use disinfectant wipes to sanitize them. Consider using a dishwasher to deep clean them every so often. For an eco-friendly option, rinse them with a mix of vinegar and water, allowing them to air dry.
4. Coffee Makers: Germs In Your Morning Brew
The coffee pot and water reservoir in your coffee maker can harbour bacteria due to leftover moisture and the warm environment inside. Over time, mould and yeast may develop, potentially affecting the taste and safety of your morning brew.
How To Clean Them: To ensure fewer germs, run a brewing cycle with a mixture of one cup of vinegar and two cups of water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse with two cycles of hot water to remove the vinegar taste. Clean the removable parts with dish soap and allow them to air dry completely. Regular monthly cleaning is recommended to keep your coffee makers in top shape.
5. Kitchen Sinks: A Surprisingly Dirty Spot
You might be surprised to learn that the kitchen sink can have more bacteria than a toilet seat. The constant flow of dirty dishwater and food particles can lead to contamination. The damp conditions also encourage the growth of mould, yeast, and harmful bacteria.
How To Clean It: Clean your kitchen sink daily with a diluted bleach solution or an environmentally friendly cleaner. Scrub the faucet, drain, and sides of the sink using a brush to dislodge any trapped debris. For a deeper clean, pour baking soda down the drain, followed by hot water, to help clear out any grime and odours.
6. Computer Keyboards: Germiest Place In The Office
With frequent use, computer keyboards can accumulate dirt, food particles, and bacteria from your hands. Studies show that keyboards can be even dirtier than toilet seats due to the warm environment and constant contact with germs.
How To Clean It: Turn the keyboard upside down and shake out any loose debris. Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean the keys. For stubborn grime, utilize a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide to reach tight spots. Avoid using too much moisture to prevent damage to the electronics.
7. Towels & Dishcloths: Frequent Washing Is Key
Towels and dishcloths can become contaminated quickly, especially if they remain damp for extended periods. This can encourage the growth of fecal matter, mould, and bacteria, leading to unpleasant odours and potential health risks.
How To Clean Them: Wash towels and dishcloths frequently in the washing machine using hot water. Avoid using the same towel for more than two days, and ensure it dries completely between uses. For extra disinfection, add a small amount of bleach or vinegar to the wash cycle.
8. The Bathroom: More Than Just A Toilet Seat
While many believe the toilet is the germiest place in the house, other items such as the shower curtain, door handles, and light switches can harbour significant levels of bacteria and microbes. Even the bathroom sink can be a contamination point, especially if not cleaned regularly.
How To Clean It: Regularly wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes, focusing on high-touch areas like the faucet and doorknob. Clean the shower curtain with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and warm water, and ensure it dries completely to avoid mould growth.
9. Microwaves: The Forgotten Appliance
Often overlooked, the microwave can accumulate food splatters and spills that foster bacteria growth. This can lead to unpleasant odours and potential health risks, especially if leftover food is reheated without proper cleaning.
How To Clean It: To clean your microwave, heat a bowl of warm water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar for five minutes. This will loosen any food residue, making it easier to wipe down. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the interior and exterior surfaces thoroughly.
Keep Your Home Clean & Safe With Professional Help
For a deeper clean that goes beyond everyday maintenance, consider expert residential house cleaning in Winnipeg. The team at Clarity Cleaning is dedicated to thoroughly sanitizing your home, creating a healthier and safer environment for you and your family.