In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to neglect basic hygiene practices despite having access to countless cleaning tools and products. Shockingly, many people admit to washing everyday items like towels only once a year! this needs to change. Here’s Kim’s advice on how often you should clean everyday items to maintain a fresh and hygienic living space.
Mobile Phones: Once a Day
Our mobile phones often carry more bacteria than toilet seats. We touch them constantly, take them everywhere, and rarely think about cleaning them. According to Kim, it's essential to make cleaning your phone a daily habit. Use antiseptic wipes to remove bacteria and grime that accumulate throughout the day. This simple task can make a significant difference in your daily hygiene, reducing the risk of transferring germs to your face and hands.
Pillows: Every Six Months
Many people wash their pillowcases regularly but forget about the pillows themselves. Pillows can harbor dust mites, sweat, and dead skin cells, which can affect your health and sleep quality. Kim advises washing your pillows every six months. Check the label to ensure your pillow is washable, and wash them on a sunny day to speed up the drying process. Additionally, using a protective pillowcase can extend the life of your pillows and keep them fresher for longer.
Carpets: Every Three Months
Carpets can trap dirt, dust, and allergens brought in from outside. This emphasizes the importance of taking off your shoes as soon as you enter your home to minimize the debris that gets tracked onto your carpets. Depending on the amount of foot traffic in your home, aim to deep clean your carpets every three months. This can be done using a carpet cleaner or by hiring a professional cleaning service. Regular vacuuming can also help maintain cleanliness between deep cleanings.
Toasters: Once a Week
Toasters often develop a burning smell due to the buildup of year-old breadcrumbs.This solution is simple: remove the tray at the bottom of your toaster and give it a good shake over old newspaper to get rid of the crumbs. This should be done once a week to prevent potential fire hazards and to keep your toaster functioning efficiently.
Bedsheets: Once a Week
Considering all the things that come into contact with our bedsheets, such as sweat, dead skin cells, and body oils, it’s essential to wash them weekly. Kim suggests using a hot wash of at least 60 degrees to ensure a thorough cleaning. This practice helps maintain a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment, which can improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Tea Towels: Every Day
Tea towels can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria, especially when they are used to dry hands, dishes, and spills. To keep your tea towels in tip-top shape, Kim recommends soaking them in a plastic bowl with hot water and detergent after each use. This method allows you to wait until you have enough items to do a full load of laundry, saving energy and water.
Toothbrush Holders: Every Day
Toothbrush holders are often overlooked in daily cleaning routines, but they can accumulate dirt and bacteria quickly. Kim warns against sharing toothbrush holders with a large family, as this can increase the risk of contamination. It takes just a few seconds to check the bottom of the holder, rinse it, and wipe it clean. Additionally, keep the holder away from toilets to avoid contamination during flushing.
Computer Keyboards: Every Day
Computer keyboards can harbor thousands of organisms, making them dirtier than toilet seats. We often eat, sneeze, and touch our faces while using keyboards, which can transfer germs and bacteria. Kim advises a daily wipe-down with an antiseptic wipe, a quick task you can do while enjoying your morning cup of tea. This simple habit can help reduce the spread of germs and keep your workspace cleaner.
Bath Towels: Twice a Week
Bath towels absorb moisture and bacteria every time they are used. Using bath towels for more than three times a week can lead to a buildup of bad bacteria. Kim suggests washing them at higher temperatures (60 or 80 degrees) when they’re heavily soiled. Hanging wet towels to dry after use helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps them fresher between washes.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and hygienic living space doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following expert advice and establishing simple cleaning routines, you can enjoy a healthier and fresher home. Remember to clean your mobile phones daily, wash your pillows every six months, deep clean your carpets every three months, and attend to other everyday items regularly. Say goodbye to the annual towel wash and embrace a cleaner, healthier lifestyle. By integrating these practices into your routine, you can ensure that your living space remains a sanctuary of cleanliness and well-being.
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