No surface, table, nook, or cranny is truly, completely clean. And keeping the home germ-free all day can seem like a labor-intensive task. But, whenever you do a thorough clean, there are a couple of spots that you can overlook. These spots can become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
Want to know what are germs' favorite hidden places? Then you are in the right place. We compiled a practical guideline on all those sneaky places germs are hiding. Including efficient ways to keep your home clean. Here is all you need to know.
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Where do germs thrive?
Bacteria can live in colder and hotter temperatures than humans. But, they thrive in moist, warm, and protein-rich environments. Of course, there are a ton of different bacteria out there. Some can withstand extreme cold or heat. And others can do better in very salty or acidic conditions.
Some of the most common bacteria found on surfaces in your home are mold and yeast. Mold and fungus can grow anywhere – in clothing, upholstery, furniture, cracks in walls, leaky pipes, and ceilings. So, what place in your house has the most germs?
The kitchen takes the no.1 spot. Kitchen towels and rags are notorious for bacterial contamination. You can also find kitchen bacteria and viruses on dirty countertop sinks and sink drains. As well as fridge and dishwasher seals, coffee filters, and cutting boards.
What are germs favorite hidden places?
Not every dirty area is that obvious. Plenty of hidden spots for germs help them lurk in your living space. Especially if you have furry pets or small children, keeping these places clean can spruce up your house. Here are the spots you’ve been missing.
1. Toys and bowls
Kids can play with toys all day long. They can toss them around, throw them on the ground, or roll them under the bed, where they pile up a ton of dust and dirt. In fact, cribs, books, and toys can harbor bacteria for a long time. Pet toys and bowls are just as dirty.
What to do: Wash the fabric-based toys in the washing machine. Then use a disinfectant to wipe off rubber toys. Or a clean cloth with warm soapy water to scrub them clean.
2. Shower curtain
Shower curtains can have up to 60 times more microbial life than a toilet seat. This makes them some of the dirtiest objects in your bathroom. Different habits can cause bacteria in the shower. Such as urinating, shaving, brushing teeth, and having intercourse.
What to do: Put the shower curtain in the washing machine with a few drops of detergent and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Wash the curtain on a gentle setting and hang it to air dry.
3. Toothbrush holders
When the soggy toothbrush reenters the holder, old germs scrape the toothbrush and smear contamination all over. Due to its damp and dark inside, it is no wonder toothbrush holders can carry yeast and mold.
What to do: Clean all parts of the toothbrush holder, inside and out. Rinse it well and dampen a microfiber cloth with soapy water. Wipe the product and keep rinsing until the holder is clean. Let it air dry completely before use.
4. Remote controls
Remote controls are one of those sneaky places germs are hiding. They can harbor huge amounts of bacteria, especially if you haven’t cleaned them in a while. That’s because the controller comes in contact with different hands, and it easily becomes one of the dirtiest items in your house.
What to do: First, take out the batteries, then drip a cotton cloth into rubbing alcohol. Scrub the surface. Use a cotton swab soaked with alcohol to get under every nook and cranny. Use a lint-free cloth to dry the remote control.
5. Salt and pepper shaker
Salt and pepper shakers are commonly used items in the kitchen. They can accumulate all kinds of bacteria when people touch them.
What to do: Empty the shaker and let it soak in a bowl with a teaspoon of anti-bacterial dish soap and hot water. Rinse with warm water and let it dry. If there is any grime left, take a cotton swab and remove it.
6. Keyboard
The keyboard could harbor roughly 3 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. It is one of the most neglected items in your house that require regular cleaning.
What to do: Flip it and shake the breadcrumbs out. Tap it lightly not to damage the product. Use a brush to wipe away the muck and sweep the hair, crumbs, or other types of cruds. Use a smaller, stiffer brush to get between the keys. Lastly, wipe the surface with wet wipes.
What is the dirtiest object?
The kitchen sponge is often the most bacteria-riddled object in your home, research shows. The reason for that is relatively simple. These products provide a moist and nourishingly warm environment, which is perfect for germs and bacteria.
Now, pair that with the food remnants that stick to its surface and its liquid-absorbing qualities, and it is normal for tiny living organisms to thrive on kitchen sponges. To avoid making the kitchen sponge one of the dirtiest places in your home, replace it every 2 weeks. Replace them sooner if they start falling apart or develop a bad smell.
Where are some other places where germs hide?
To get a clean and healthy environment, make sure to clean and disinfect the following areas where germs can hide. Such as:
- Handles and doorknobs
- Light switches
- Water dispensers
- Mobile phone
These are all places and objects in your home that are easy to miss. But, with a combination of good cleaning practices, you can stay on top of your game and lessen the exposure to germs and bacteria.
How to control those hidden germs?
As described above, there are many different places where germs can hide. The best way to prevent the germs growth is basic cleaning. Start by cleaning up visibly dirty conditions, such as dust buildup and food residue sticking on the surface. After this process is done, you can move on to the process of sanitizing.
There is no doubt that cleaning with disinfectant-soaked wipes and hand sprays is effective. However, we can hear your voice saying, "I don't have time for that!". So here is our advice to you.
There is a chlorine-based disinfectant called HOCl which can control germs at extremely low concentrations that are safe for the human body. By fogging this disinfectant with a specially designed fogger, the HOCl ingredients can be delivered by dry mist to surfaces throughout the space without any labor. Since removing bothersome odors is almost same with controlling germs, this system can also serve to improve daily cleanliness.
Reference: HOCL (HYPOCHLOROUS ACID WATER): ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are several types of specialized foggers available, but the stationary type is the most reasonable to operate. All you have to do is set it and forget it, and before you know it, you will have a clean and hygienic space.
Reference: 4 BENEFITS OF HOCL FOGGING (HYPOCHLOROUS ACID)
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References
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2015/08/germiest-places-in-your-home-might-surprise-you/
https://www.webmd.com/women/features/places-germs-hide
https://www.healthline.com/health/germy-places
https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2013/12/030.html
https://www.safehome.org/resources/germs-in-your-bathroom/
www.forbes.com/sites/reehines/2015/08/11/5-gadgets-with-more-germs-than-your-toilet-seat/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-06055-9
