Germs and bacteria can flourish in your home, completely out of sight. Knowing about germy hotspots allows you to thoroughly clean those yucky areas so you and your family can live healthier. Check out these five areas that you’ll want to clean right away:
1. Light switches and door knobs: Every day, you flick on the lights and open doors, leaving behind whatever germs were carried on your hands. Wipe these areas down with a disinfectant at least once a week (or every day while a family member is sick) to rid them of bacteria buildup.
2. Kitchen surfaces: The kitchen faucet, the microwave buttons and the fridge handle are touched every day, sometimes after handling raw meat and poultry, which can cause E. coli and salmonella. While wiping down the countertops, make sure you also clean other areas that are frequently touched or that have come in contact with uncooked meat to minimize the chance of your food preparation being contaminated.
3. Kitchen sponges and towels: Bacteria love to hide in dark, wet places, like the pores in a sponge or the fibers of an oversaturated kitchen towel or wash rag. Since these items are used for cleaning, or drying clean hands and dishes, it’s best to keep them free of germs. Wash towels and rags each week and replace your sponges every two to four weeks to keep your kitchen squeaky clean.
4. Toothbrushes: You may have been told to keep your toothbrush in a drawer, but why exactly? Because, when you flush the toilet, the contents are partially sprayed into the air in a ten-foot diameter. That means, you may be brushing your teeth with waste particles. Yuck! Close the toilet lid before you flush to curb contamination.
5. Electronics and remote controls: Our hands come in contact with hundreds of objects throughout the day, picking up germs and bacteria, some of which can cause illness. And then we handle our electronics, many of which, such as phones and headsets, are held to our faces. To protect yourself, wipe down your electronics and remote controls with an electronic-safe disinfect each week.
Learn more about protecting your home and loved ones. Call Allen Harmon Insurance at (269) 441-5156 for more information on Battle Creek home insurance.