Bacteria collects in the most unlikely of places. Here's how to clean it!
Kitchen sponges
They keep your dishes clean, but sponges themselves are one of the germiest places in your entire house. Ironic, right? Keep them clean by rinsing them under hot water after every use, running them through the dishwasher at least once a week and replacing them often.
Cutting boards
We've all heard at least one cutting board horror story. To maintain a sanitary kitchen (and to keep from worrying about cross contamination), use different cutting boards when preparing vegetables, raw meats, and poultry.
Doorknobs
Sometimes the items we use the most are cleaned the least. Doorknobs are breeding grounds for germs, especially during cold and flu season. (Yep, pretty gross when you think about it.) Disinfect them with a strong cleaner or, for a quick all-natural solution, spritz them with vinegar.
Remote Controls
"Who has the remote?" Well, that's actually the problem. Everyone loves to hold it and pass it around, which means serious bacteria build-up. Wipe it down with disinfecting wipes on a daily basis.
Toothbrush Holders
Toothbrushes keep your pearly whites clean, but they can wreak bacteria havoc wherever they are stored. Keep your container (and toothbrushes) clean by running your container through a cycle in the dishwasher at least once a week, if it's safe. Otherwise, a rinse with hot water and soap will do the trick.
Bath Towels
Bath towels collect germs with each and every use. Damp towels, in particular, collect bacteria that may cause sickness. For cleaner towels, make sure to set them in a location where they will dry completely after every use. We also suggest swapping them out often.
Faucet Handles
Easy-to-overlook. Frequently touched. Constantly exposed to germs. Make sure to wipe down those faucets, especially the bathroom ones, with a strong multi-use cleaner. If you'd prefer an all-natural solution, combine a quart of water with several tablespoons of baking soda.
Pet Beds
You've seen what that adorable pup of yours gets himself into, right? Well, the place he goes to rest holds a surprising amount of germs. If you can run the cover of the bed through the washer, make sure to do so on a weekly basis. Otherwise, vacuum them well and disinfect them with a sanitizing and odor-eliminating spray.
Illustration by Phuong Nguyen
Text by Daise Bedolla