If you think a clean house equals a sanitary one, think again! A home may appear clean but still harbor germs if you’re only cleaning without disinfecting or missing crucial germ-infested areas. Worse, you might be doing both. So, how can you make your home more sanitary? You’re in the right place to find out
Join us as we explore the average household and uncover the often-overlooked things, places, and habits that make your home less sanitary than you think
Bedrooms
Let's start with the room where you spend a significant amount of time each night. While your bedroom may appear clean, hidden germs can still pose a threat. Knowing where these germs might be hiding is key to maintaining a hygienic space.
How to Make Your Bedroom More Sanitary
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Linen: Replace bed linens every two weeks and wash them in hot water to kill bacteria.
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Clothes: Avoid leaving used clothes around, especially on your bed. Use a coat rack for clothes worn outside if you plan to wear them again before washing.
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Mattress: Sun your mattress for a few hours every three months and deep clean it at least once a year.
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Shoes: Avoid wearing outside shoes in the bedroom.
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Under the Bed: Clean underneath and behind your bed regularly to prevent dust buildup.
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No Eating: Avoid eating in your bedroom to prevent crumbs that attract pests and bacteria.
Kitchen
The kitchen can be a hotspot for bacteria, from raw ingredients and dirty dishes to expired food and moldy cabinets. Keeping it sanitary is essential.
How to Make Your Kitchen More Sanitary
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Scrubbers/Sponges: Sterilize daily or every other day by soaking in disinfectant and microwaving for two minutes. Wring thoroughly before microwaving.
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Sink: Clean daily and disinfect.
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Counters: Clean and disinfect after each meal preparation.
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Chopping Boards: Disinfect after each use, especially for poultry.
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Refrigerator: Deep clean every six months. Regularly check for expired products and spoiled items.
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Mold: Inspect and clean under the sink and surrounding areas for mold.
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Cabinets: Clean and organize annually to prevent mold.
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Floors: Sterilize daily with a disinfectant.
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Stovetop: Clean spills promptly once cool.
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Dish Towels: Replace weekly.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Effective cleaning requires detailed attention to ensure all areas and components are thoroughly sanitized.
How to Make Your Bathroom More Sanitary
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Sink and Surrounding Areas: Clean and disinfect the sink and nearby surfaces where germs can accumulate.
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Toilet: Clean the bowl 1-2 times a week and disinfect the seat and lid daily.
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Shower: Rinse with hot water and squeegee after each use to keep it clean.
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Window Ledges: Regularly clean dirt, grime, and shampoo spills.
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Medicine Cabinet: Clean as needed and disinfect the mirror weekly.
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Towels: Replace bath towels and hand towels every other week.
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Towel Racks/Holders: Wipe down with disinfectant wipes regularly.
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Mold Checks: Perform routine checks for mold and address immediately.
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Shower Curtain/Door: Deep clean with hot water and soap, then disinfect.
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Fittings/Fixtures: Disinfect all fittings and fixtures 1-2 times a week.
Living Room
The living room is a hub for family activities, relaxation, and entertaining guests, making it prone to messes. While it's often cleaned superficially, some germ-prone areas are frequently overlooked.
How to Make Your Living Room More Sanitary
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Upholstered Furniture: Deep clean sofas and chairs regularly to remove sweat, body oils, and bacteria.
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Carpets: Clean thoroughly to remove dirt and allergens. Deep clean carpets and rugs every three months or as needed, especially if you have pets.
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Mold: Check behind furniture and wall ornaments for hidden mold.
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Spills and Crumbs: Clean up sticky spills and crumbs immediately to prevent bacteria buildup.
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Window Tracks: Vacuum and clean window tracks with soap and water to remove hidden germs.
General Areas/Objects
Some surfaces and items are found in every room and tend to harbor germs, yet they are often overlooked. To keep your home truly sanitary, regularly disinfect the following areas:
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Doorknobs and Handles: This includes cabinet pulls, drawer handles, and appliance handles.
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Switchboards and Switches
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Remote Controls
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Keyboards/Keypads
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Staircase Railings
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Chair Backs
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Toilet Flush Handles/Buttons
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Handheld Gadgets
While these are the most common germ-prone areas, each household is unique and may have additional frequently touched surfaces that require disinfection. For instance, if you work out at home, be sure to sanitize your gym equipment regularly.
Conclusion
Maintaining a truly sanitary home requires more than just superficial cleaning. It's essential to identify and disinfect areas that often harbor hidden germs. By following the outlined tips for each room, you can create a healthier living environment.
