There’s loads of bacteria and germs hiding in our home, and they proliferate when we get too busy to keep an eye on them. Nope, we’re not just talking about the obvious dirty areas like dustbins, unwashed dishes or dirty laundry. We’re talking about the stuff we think are clean – the things we touch, put in our mouths and rub our faces with every day!
It’s the less conspicuous areas that can really be harmful, because we may leave all those germs and bugs sitting there for days, weeks and even months without knowing. In this article, we give you our top 5 germiest places in your home that you probably never knew. The dirtiest places at home may just surprise you!
1. Bed Sheets
From body sweat, drool and bacteria that comes into contact with your bedsheets every day, it’ll probably turn into a germy wasteland in no time. And who has time to make the bed regularly when we’re rushing to work or tired from a long day of activities?
If you’re guilty of the above, you might want to tweak your daily routine to include bed hygiene. Bedsheets and pillow cases should be washed at least once a week, and avoid slumping onto it at the end of the day without taking a nice hot shower.
2. Kitchen Sponge
Many of the germiest places in your house are found in the kitchen, and it’s no surprise, considering it’s where all the food is. But have you ever thought that the dirtiest item would be the one you use to clean things? Your kitchen sponge probably contains a whole heap of bacteria, yeast and mould, accumulated overtime with all that washing and scrubbing of dirty plates.
The next time you do your dishes, remember to microwave your wet sponge for at least two minutes and make it a daily affair. Do also replace your sponge every two weeks.
3. Cutting Boards
Most of us keep one cutting board, which causes a whole load of cross-contamination between the different foods that we cut. Additionally, using wooden boards can cause bacteria to seep, allowing them to accumulate if it’s not washed properly.
To avoid these risks, it’s best to keep two or more cutting boards, each designed for a different type of food (e.g. vegetables, raw meats). Plastic boards can be easier to clean, but if you’re using wooden boards, consider microwaving them to kill all the bacteria before using them again.
4. Bath Mat
When was the last time you washed your bathmat? It’s usually left there soaked in many cycles of showers and footprints, causing a build-up of dirt and grime overtime. To add, the dark, moist environment is a perfect home for bacteria to live and grow. Make sure you wash your bathmat at least once a week or sooner, if you feel it’s used more often that week.
5. Make-Up Brushes
For all the girls out there, your make-up brushes and bags may be a cosy place for germs to dwell, especially if you bring them along for dinners and parties. You might want to think twice before you line your eyelashes with old, dirty mascara!
Wash your brushes and bags regularly with soap or cleansers and try to keep it away from damp and warm places. Instead, store them in a clean, dry place at room temperature. Apart from that, remember to replace your make-up every six months, especially if they are used for your eyes.
With all that said, there’s still a copious number of places in your home that house stubborn germs and bacteria, all within those nooks and crannies. Remember to clean the top 5 dirtiest places at home regularly, but also keep a close eye on other areas that could potentially be germy wastelands. If you suspect an eye or skin infection, allergic reaction or find yourself getting sick often, don’t hesitate to consult our doctors and get help within minutes. Click here if you’d like to speak to a doctor today.