TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD CLEAN BUT DON'T
You touch it. Other people touch it. But do you ever clean it? We're talking about everyday items that most people never think to swab down, such as credit cards, ceiling fans and toilet paper holders. Start with this list of the top 10 most dirty, dusty and germy places in your home and how to clean them.
1. Credit/Debit Cards
You're not the only one handling your credit and debit cards. Other people touch them, too -- and who knows when they last washed their hands or what they touched five minutes ago. Even if you only swipe your card and never hand it over, what is lurking inside that card-swipe machine or ATM? Grab some disinfectant wipes and take a minute or two to clean your credit cards. Do let them dry completely before returning them to your wallet.
2. Electronics
Your electronics -- from your cell phone to your e-reader--are coated in germs and the level of contamination is horrible. Some studies show cell phones contain 18 times more germs than toilet handles. Swab them down with disinfectant wipes.
3. Toothbrush Holders
Want to see something gross? Take your toothbrush out of the holder and peer inside. Do you see mold? Discoloration? Grime? That could end up in your mouth! Pour a solution of one part bleach and three parts water into the toothbrush holder and let it soak for an hour. Rinse and dry upside down on a dish rack.
4. The Bottom of Throw Rugs
This is easy and fast to do and will help keep your wood floors cleaner for a longer time. When vacuuming, turn over the throw rugs and vacuum the underside.
5. The Top of Large Appliances
They're too tall for you to see it with a step stool, but the top of your refrigerator, stove vents and other big appliances are dusty and grimy on top. Wipe down the surfaces with white vinegar and rinse with a water-lemon mixture. Dry it with a clean cloth. If you can move them, do the same thing with the bottom of the appliances.
6. Ceiling Fans
Pull out a ladder and look at the top of your ceiling fans. Chances are, there is a thick layer of dust on them, which could contain residue particles that resemble mold on ripe fruit. Turn on the fan, and those particles are dispersed throughout the room. To clean the top of the ceiling fan, put two tablespoons of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution into an old pillowcase. Insert the pillowcase around the fan blade and drag the bag along the bag's surface. This will collect and clean the dust. Use a clean cloth to clean up anything that remains on the blades.
7. Toilet Roll Holders
When you flush the commode, water inside the toilet bowl is sprayed around the area--including the toilet roll holder. Disinfect it once a month with a sanitizing wipe or clean it with a bleach and water solution.
8. Box Springs
Ever look underneath your bed? Chances are the box spring is covered in dust. It's easy to clean with a vacuum hose.
9. Light Switches
Bacteria is easily and quickly transferred from person to person in your home just by touching the light switches. Spray rubbing alcohol or an all-purpose cleaner into a clean cloth and wipe the switch and plate until they are clean and grease-free.
10. Salt and Pepper Shakers
When the salt and pepper shakers are empty, clean them in the dishwasher before refilling them. These common household items are known to contain the highest concentrations of germs that cause cold and flu viruses. Between washings, use disinfectant wipes to sanitize the outside surface.
