Germs and bacteria are everywhere and our houses are no exception. You may scrub and shine every corner of your house but bacteria bounces right back.
Though 99 per cent of them are harmless, it’s that one per cent which is more dangerous. They can cause anything from a common cold to seriously life-threatening infections.
1. Kitchen faucets
The metal aeration screen at the end of the faucet (kitchen tap) is like a magnet for germs. As the water keeps running or dripping, the screen remains moist and is the perfect spot for bacteria. And in case you touch the screen with dirty hands or food, it gets stuck and leads to spawning of bacteria, which in turn forms a wall of pathogens called biofilm. Eventually, this bio film can break off and get into your food or dishes. So, make sure you clean the screen at least once a week.
2. Bed Sheets
You might not even have imagined this, but as you get into your bed at the end of the day, all the germs that you came in contact with are also climbing in with you. Also, the sweat, skin and bacteria that get accumulated every night can make your bed a perfect spot for harmful germ-breeding. Do change your bed sheets once a week and wash them with warm or hot water.
3. Toothbrushes
Mostly all of us keep our toothbrushes on the bathroom counter. However, you may not be aware of the fact that flushing the toilet causes the germs to fly six to ten feet. Try and keep your toothbrushes as far away from the toilet as possible. If that is not possible, protect it with a plastic holder.
4. Doormat
No doubt your doormat welcomes people home but most times it might play host to unwelcome germs too. The germs on your shoes might plant themselves on the mat. So you end up giving them a free ride every time you walk into the house. Spray a disinfectant on the mats once a week and leave your shoes at the door.
5. Shower curtains
Do you think the soap scum on the vinyl shower curtain is unsightly? Well, it might be more than just that. It could be crawling with bacteria. Add to this the shower sprays which makes the germs fly all over the place making your bathtub also a potential breeding place. So, try using a fabric shower curtain. Not that this will not harbour bacteria, but this one is surely a lot easier to scrub than the vinyl ones. Toss the curtain in the washing machine and use hottest water the fabric can handle.
6. Refrigerator
The doors and seals of your refrigerator is another breeding place for germs. The molds that form around the seals spread every time the door is opened, contaminating the food. Therefore wipe the fridge doors and seals every week with a disinfectant.
7. The kitchen sponge
They help you clean the countertop, sink, your stove and every other spills and messes with ease. However, they are also the breeding ground for bacteria. As the kitchen sponge continues to be wet long after they’ve been used, bacteria flourish here. Here’s what you can do: To kill the germs on your sponge, wet and place it in the microwave for two minutes. This will kill 99 percent of the bacteria.
8. Kitchen sink
Well, this is one place you might not be surprised about. We rinse just about everything here – fruits, fish, poultry, vegetables, pots, pans, pet bowls and sometimes even our kids! All this makes the kitchen sink more germ-filled than a toilet seat. Clean the sink every day with a bleach-based cleaner or steel sinks can be scrubbed with just soap and water.
9. Vacuum cleaner
Environmentalists say that vacuum cleaners are like a ‘meal-on-the-wheel’ for bacteria. As the vacuum cleaner sucks in all the food, dust and bacteria, it creates an atmosphere for growth. So, change your vacuum bags as often as possible and do it outside to avoid germs filtering into the air.
10. Make-up applicators
Your make-up applicators absorb germs like sponge which might lead to skin and eye infection. Though you cannot dispose your make-up completely, make sure you replace your mascara every three months, foundation every year and eye shadows at least every two years.
In addition, wash your applicators with soap and water regularly. Try wiping your brushes with alcohol.
Source: www.mdhil.com
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