These areas have more bacteria than your average toilet seat, and you’ve likely already touched more than half of them today.
Kitchen sponge
Your kitchen sponge is the perfect environment for bacteria to breed… it’s always moist and there’s always some food residue. A 2017 study suggests that sponge sanitation methods (e.g. zapping sponge in microwave,etc) are not effective in the longer term to eliminate bacteria from your kitchen sponges. Since kitchen sponges are inexpensive (21 Scotchbrite for $14@ Costco), the safer option is to have them replaced regularly.
Cutting board
Raw meat, vegetables and fruits can contaminate your chopping board. Once cracks appear or the surface has turned rough, it’s time to replace your boards as bacteria can hide in even the tiniest of scratches.
Faucet and sink
The faucet and sink are often wet, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow on most surfaces. Soaking your dirty dishes for days in the sink can create a pool for bacteria to breed. Sanitize your sink and faucet occasionally with a disinfectant such as Zoflora.
Shower Curtain
Are your shower curtains a little pink? That’s pink mold! It’s a type of water-borne bacteria, Serratia marcescens. Remove pink mold by washing your shower curtain in the washer (check care instructions). To prevent pink mold from coming back, keep your bathrooms well-ventilated and curtains spread open to dry.
Remote control
Most remotes have numerous nooks and crannies that can’t be cleaned easily. Your remote gets sat on, spilled on, touched by dirty fingers, and accompanies you all-day when you need to stay home due to sickness. Spray disinfectant and let sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean.
Carpet
Vacuuming your carpets weekly is a great way to remove surface dust but to address bacteria and allergens, we recommend hiring a professional carpet cleaning service every 6-months to a year depending on your household. Why you should have a no-shoe policy in your home too.
Smartphone
Your phone is a breeding ground for germs. Whatever you hand touches in a day gets transferred over to your phone. We remember to wash our hands at the end of the day… but do we wash our phones at all…. keep your phone clean!
Don’t wait till someone gets sick. Clean all 7 areas today!
