The dirtiest places in the house
We spend most of the time at home, so it is important that the apartment is not only comfortable, but also safe. What things can potentially cause the spread of infections and how to do the cleaning correctly, we were told by an expert of the cleaning company “My City”.
The smallest particles of human waste on clothes and bed linen remain if you wash them at temperatures below 65 degrees. Bacteria begin to multiply in a humid and warm environment already inside the washing machine. When you take out the laundry to hang it up to dry, germs can get on your hands, and from there – anywhere. When washing, do not mix underwear with bedding and outerwear – as a rule, it is the primary source of the spread of germs.
This is perhaps one of the main pockets of potential infection in the home. It is known that microbes actively reproduce even at elevated temperatures. One of their favorite places in the refrigerator is the drawers for vegetables and fruits. The main reason lies in the fact that often a mold appears here, and even if you immediately throw away its source, the vapors of the fungus are already spreading to other products.
Salmonella, listeria, staphylococcus and other guests can also lie in wait in the refrigerator. They eat melted ice cream, improperly pasteurized or raw milk, raw meat, and spoiled soft cheeses. Wiping down the interior surfaces with warm soapy water and rinsing the drawers will save yourself a lot of problems. The shelf life of products should be strictly observed. But above all, don’t buy expired foods and cook them properly. And immediately sort the products after purchase, avoiding the contact of vegetables, meat, fish, cottage cheese in the bag and in the refrigerator.
Up to 80 thousand bacteria live and actively multiply around and inside the kitchen sink drain, where moisture and food debris are always present. Unfortunately, these bacteria are not easily washed off with water and dishwashing detergents, so it is recommended to thoroughly treat the sink with a special detergent at least once a week, and ideally every other day. Of course, the kitchen faucet and faucet handles should be included in this procedure. Damp sponges and rags are also a source of infection, they must be changed as often as possible or washed at 65 degrees, naturally, separately from clothes and linen.
It is better to purchase ceramic or plastic – on them, unlike wooden ones, microorganisms do not get along so actively. Wooden boards, especially if they have served you for a long time or have cracks, are a real breeding ground for germs that appear when cutting meat, vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc. 200 times more germs live on them than on a toilet seat!
Ideally, it is better to have separate boards for different products and wash them thoroughly with soap after use or rub with alcohol (or 5% vinegar).
This is where the real breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria is due to its increased importance. Microorganisms thrive on shower heads, corners, tile crevices, shelf joints, sinks, and other difficult-to-clean areas. It is fundamentally important to wash your bath with disinfectants once a week and ventilate it constantly by opening the door, or take care of a good exhaust, ideally with a small built-in fan. And, of course, what is always forgotten is the bath curtain! A fungus appears on it. Change the curtain as soon as you notice a black coating.
There are more bacteria on the floor and walls of the washroom than on the toilet seat. Micro-splashes of water that form during flushing contain fecal particles and fly to the sides, onto the floor and even the walls of the toilet. Microbes get there along with them. To prevent this from happening, close the toilet lid before pressing the drain handle. Wash the toilet floor at least once a week using any cleaning agent. Wash the toilet mat frequently in hot water and dry thoroughly before putting it back in place.
Doorknobs and light switch surfaces need to be wiped clean with alcohol during normal wet cleaning because they are also very germ-rich.
We touch gadgets hundreds of times a day, and naturally they become attractive to influenza viruses, staphylococcus bacteria and other nasty microorganisms. Wipe pipes, mice, screen and all other items that you often use with special wet wipes, and shake out the keyboard at least once a month. It is advisable not to eat while sitting at the computer and wash your hands before starting work.
Heat and moisture enable germs to multiply easily and quickly in our beds. Plus, microparticles of our skin and, oddly enough, food leftovers become food for microorganisms (admit, at least once anyone allowed himself to eat right in bed). The population of so-called house ticks also remains a common problem: they cause allergies with symptoms similar to a severe cold and even asthma. To prevent all this, bed linen should be washed once a week. House mites die at around 50 degrees without additional cleaning or disinfecting agents. I recommend not storing used home clothes in the bedroom, as germs multiply in them no worse than in spoiled foods.
Dust accumulations are often hotbeds of dust mites, which are very hazardous to health. There should be no places in the house that you can’t reach. Try at least once a month or every few months to clean the floor under beds and wardrobes, clean curtain rods, wash curtains, clean furniture, etc. Ideally, contact a cleaning company and arrange for periodic general cleaning on an ongoing basis. This will save you time, which you can spend with loved ones, as well as bring freshness and health to the space of your home.