Most people love a clean home, but it can be time consuming and once it is all said and done, how much do you really need to do?
Two experts, one a microbiologist who wrote a book, called The Germ Code and The Germ Files, and another a cleaning expert who wrote Simply Clean and The Organically Clean Home have laid out some guidleines that may help you out with your cleaning chores. So here goes…
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU…DISINFECT THE SINKS?
Daily say the experts. Even if they look clean they are not and the bathroom sink accumulates fecal matter (from washing your hands after you use the bathroom). Also, bacteria from food, like E.Coli and Salmonella, can contaminate the kitchen sink, especially if you’ve been handling raw meat.
When water splashes back up onto your hands, they’re contaminated, too. To stay on the safe side, wipe down your sinks daily.
CHANGE THE SHEETS? Once a week and two at the most. Though most bacteria on sheets is mostly harmless, the bacteria and fungi, along with the dirt and oils that come off of your body during sleep can cling to sheets and your skin, adding to the chances of acne and dandruff. To keep your bed clean, change your sheets once a week or a minimum of every two weeks and wash them in hot water.
VACUUM RUGS AND WASH FLOORS?
Every one to two weeks Rugs should be vacuumed weekly (more often if you have pets) to keep dust, dirt and allergens away and floors need a good wash or steam once every couple of weeks, although it is recommended to do kitchen floors more often, due to food bacteria that can spread around.
DEEP CLEAN BATHROOM?
Once a week. Experts say the bathroom is the ultimate bacteria host; E.coli can be found within six feet of the toilet and in the sink. To keep it at bay, disinfect the toilet and sink at least once weekly, and the bathtub every two weeks — more if you shower often. Also do not forget the shower curtains as they can get mildew.
CHANGE TOWELS?Depends where they are. Bath towels become filled with bacteria (including staph and fecal) and if your towel doesn’t fully dry, that bacteria can grow so they should get a daily change. Kitchen towels collect bacteria every time you handle food and wash your hands so wash those on a per week basis. If you handle raw meat, wash it right away.
CHANGE SPONGES?
Every few days. Kitchen sponges get lots of bacteria on them and because washing sponges with soap and water doesn’t really work, a recommendation is to put them into boiling water for 2 minutes, or put them in the microwave for 2 minutes while damp every couple of days, and replacing them when they deteriorate.
CLEAN DOORKNOBS?
Once a week in bathrooms and kitchens, but for the rest it is not something that needs to be regularly done unless someone is sick in the household.
BOTTOM LINE: Germs and dirt are unavoidable but some areas need more attention than others. Also every household has a different tolerance rate for mess so keep these tips in mind and use what works for you best. Happy cleaning!
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