Yuck! Are You Cleaning These Things in Your House?

It’s easy for any busy homeowner to miss a few spots or forget about wiping all of the appliances when cleaning the house. The following is a look at some items that tend to get pretty grubby due to the fact that most people simply overlook cleaning these items in spite of the fact they are used on a regular basis.

Remote Control

A recent study found that the remote control is one of the germiest appliances in the home because most people tend to use it while eating and/or pick it up right after getting home. Thankfully, the device isn’t hard to clean with a damp cloth and some disinfectant.

Make-up Brushes

Make-up brushes can easily accumulate dirt, germs, and bacteria due to regular contact with your skin. Scrub these items regularly with shampoo or soak them in vinegar before rinsing them off. Dry them out completely before using them again.

Toothbrush Holder

Toothbrushes and their holders can harbor bacteria, especially during flu season. Soaking the holders in hot, soapy water or running them through the dishwasher will sanitize them. Toothbrushes can be boiled in water for 2 minutes or thrown out and replaced.

Light Switches

Wipe all light switches in your house and garage with a damp cloth and disinfectant at least once a week. Switches, like remote controls, are often touched with dirty hands, providing a great breeding ground for bacteria and other germs.

Vents

Vents have a big impact on the air quality in your home, so be sure to give them a wipe regularly to ensure they are clean and free from dirt, grime, and allergens. You should clean your vents both during the summer and winter; however, it’s important to pay special attention to your heater vents when the weather gets chilly, as dusty, grimy vents and heating equipment can cause house fires.

Washing Machine

Washing machines need cleaning every so often in order to prevent mildew and mold growth. The good news is that cleaning your machine is neither time consuming or complicated. You simply need to run a hot water cycle without clothing. Add vinegar in place of detergent to get rid of germs and to leave your machine smelling nice and fresh.

You may need to adjust your cleaning schedule to ensure that these items are tackled on a regular basis. However, once you incorporate them into your normal cleaning routine, not only will your home be cleaner, but you will feel happier and more confident inviting friends and family into your home knowing you’ve tackled the grime on these common household items.

Related Read: The Art of Creating the Perfect Guest Room

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