Cleaning your home is an essential part of keeping you and your family healthy and safe. But with a busy schedule, it can be hard to keep up with everything that needs to be cleaned.
You might not even be aware of how quickly some things get dirty. Here are six things you should be cleaning more often than you probably are.
Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home. All of the food particles and grease from your dishes can build up on the walls of your sink and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
And since you rely on your sink for washing your hands and preparing food, keeping it as clean as possible is important.
You should scrub your sink with soap and water at least once daily or after each use. Each day without cleaning will give the bacteria more time to grow and increase the risk of getting someone sick.
Kitchen Countertops and Dining Tables
Anywhere that food is prepared, stored, or eaten can potentially collect and spread harmful microorganisms.
That’s why cleaning your countertops and dining tables after each use is important. Wipe them down with a disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner, and clean up any spills immediately.
Towels
Microorganisms thrive in warm, damp environments. That’s why your towels are the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
To prevent this from happening, always hang your towels up to dry after each use. And be sure to wash them in hot water with laundry detergent at least once a week. Hand towels in your kitchen and bathroom may need more frequent laundering—swap them out with fresh ones daily.
Shower Curtains
The dark, wet environment of your shower or bath is ideal for mold and mildew growth.
To prevent this from happening, wash your shower curtains at least once a month. It can also help to spray them with a cleaning solution after each use.
If you notice any discoloration or mildew growth on your shower curtain, you have already waited longer than you should. Wash it immediately or throw it away if it’s beyond cleaning.
Sheets and Pillowcases
When you sleep, your body sheds dead skin cells and secretes sweat, oils, and other fluids. This can leave your bedding full of bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens.
To keep your sheets and pillowcases clean, wash them at least once a week. You may need to wash them more often if you have allergies or sensitivities or are recently sick.
Makeup Brushes and Sponges
Makeup tools can collect dirt, oil, dust, bacteria, and anything else on your skin or in the air.
Using unwashed makeup brushes and sponges can cause breakouts and skin irritation.
To keep your makeup brushes and sponges clean, wash them with soap and water or a brush cleanser at least once a week if you use wet makeup products. If you use powder products, brushes can be cleaned less often—but they should still be washed at least once a month.
