So, you have just cleaned up the house and are resting assured that you have taken care of everything properly. Hate to break in the bad news, but I am sure you haven’t eliminated the hidden germ spots that make your home a germ haven, haven’t you? Here is a list of all the sneaky places you might not have imagined that filth loves hibernating on!
1. The Underside of your Rugs
Yes, we usually vacuum the rugs and feel we have done a pretty good job cleaning them or maintaining their great looks. However, how many of you have thought about flipping them over and vacuuming the underside? This is where dust and dirt accumulate when we step on the rugs or even clean them. Now that you have flipped them over, do you see a powdery dust shed on the floor? This is dirt filtered through the rug and is very common where people walk with their shoes on!
2. Purses
It is unimaginable how much dirt and germs get transferred to the inside of your purse (and not only). How many of you have placed your purse on the floor? Not to mention the ladies’ room. Both germ paradises. So, before you place your favorite bag on the kitchen countertop, use a gentle detergent solution (i.e. Woolite) and wipe down the inner lining to spot clean fabric bags. If you have leather purses (or finished leather), you can use a leather cleaner that also conditions, such as Leather Cleaner Wipes by Guardsman.
3. Reusable Grocery Bags
The same applies to reusable grocery bags that get dirt and grime if you don’t clean them often and become a major negative for your health. Cleaning them is a piece of cake and here is how:
Canvas Bags
They are the easiest to clean. You just toss them in the washing machine and wash them with detergent in hot water. Then, run through the dryer and you are done.
Plastic Bags (Recycled)
Anything with plastic containers, such as polypropylene bags, should be hand-washed in soapy water (warm) and then line dried. Don’t forget to clean the outer and inner seams (where crud gathers).
Insulated Shopping Bags
Wipe them with a disinfecting wipe every time you use them, given that you probably transport raw meat in them.
Nylon Bags
Hand-wash them in soapy water (warm) after you flip them inside out. Of course, you can throw them in the washing machine; just run the gentlest cycle to prevent the bag from coming apart. Follow by air drying them.
Tip: Make sure all bags are completely dry before you re-use them. Also, never store them in the trunk or the back of your car, especially unclean ones, because excessive heat will help bacteria to grow with the speed of light.
4. Blinds
Blinds are among the stuff in the home that get neglected when running the chores. Depending on the material they are made of, blinds can be cleaned with the use of a slightly dampened sock with multi-purpose and water (for metal blinds), a dry microfiber cloth (for fabric blinds), or plain tap water (for wood blinds).
Tip: Be careful not to overwet the wooden blinds and dry them immediately after you clean them.
4. The Kitchen Sponge
After a full day full of cleaning tasks in the kitchen sink, your kitchen sponge ends up soaking up bacteria. Disinfect it in a mixture of ¾ cups of bleach per gallon of water or zap it in the microwave or run it through the dishwasher to kill germs.
5. The Trash Can
Clean the trash can (if it has a plastic liner, then clean the liner instead) in the shower, outside or any other place convenient (always disinfect the place you used to clean the trash can afterwards). Spray the can with a detergent that contains bleach very thoroughly and let the trash can stand for about a quarter. Then rinse and wipe clean. Make sure it is completely dry before adding the garbage bag in it.
6. The Houseplants
First and foremost, inspect the dirt because overwatering plants can cause mold to develop. If you see any, just change the soil. That aside, since houseplants cannot be cleaned off by the rain, unlike outdoors plants, spiff them up with water and use an old rug or t-shirt (or any other soft cloth) to remove dust.
7. The Toothbrush Holder
Prepare a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part bleach and soak the holder in it. Rinse and air dry upside down. Alternatively, you could simply place it on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a full circle.
8. The Top of the Fridge
This is the case where the saying “Out of sight, out of mind” is perfectly applicable. So, add the top of the refrigerator in the Spring Cleaning list of chores!
Tip: When you are doing the handles and sides, never forget to wipe them down.
9. Ceiling Fan
The same saying as with the top of the fridge applies to the ceiling fan(s). Take a ladder and see for yourself the piles of dust and debris that accumulate atop of the blades. Every time you switch on the fan, all that dust swirls around the air and eventually gets breathed in by you and your loved one. For someone allergic to dust, it could be a real pain in the neck.
Tip: You can collect dust with the help of the Lambswool Ceiling Fan Duster by Wool Shop that doesn’t scatter dust or any other similar product.
10. Credit & Debit Cards
Just imagine all the dirty and filthy hands that handle these everyday essentials. No wonder germs lurk in every inch, especially the crevices around the numbers. Give them a quick cleaning with the help of an alcohol wipe. Make sure they are completely dry before you put them in your purse or wallet again.
11. Vacuum Cleaner’s Attachments & Brushes
Yes, you replace the bag frequently and clean out the dust container occasionally. However, have you ever cleaned the vacuum brush roll or upholstery tool? Think about it. You vacuum the entire house from carpets and sofas to bathroom tiles. You’d be surprised by how much of the hair and carpet fibers you vacuum get entangled around the brush!