She Strengthens

Hidden Dangers: 21 Surprisingly Dirty Things You Need to Clean

From kitchen essentials to personal items, there are many everyday objects that harbor germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can make us sick. While we often focus on washing our hands and cleaning high-touch areas, there are many other dirty things that need our attention.

Kitchen Surfaces

• Kitchen Sponges: Moist and dark, sponges are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. Try using antibacterial sponges and dish soap, and disinfect them weekly by soaking in a bleach solution or microwaving on high for 2 minutes.
• Kitchen Knobs, Handles, and Buttons: These frequently touched surfaces can harbor bacteria from raw meat, unwashed produce, and more. Disinfect them regularly, especially before and after preparing meals.
• Cutting Boards: Cross-contamination is a major risk with cutting boards. Use separate boards for meats, seafood, and produce, and wash them regularly with hot soapy water. Consider using bamboo or glass boards, which are easier to clean and less prone to bacterial growth.

Personal Items

• Drip Coffee Maker: The water reservoir and internal piping can harbor mold and bacteria. Run a 1-to-1 mix of water and white vinegar through the machine once a month to inhibit growth.
• Bedroom Pillows: Pillows can accumulate fungi, dust mites, and other allergens. Use anti-allergen covers, wash pillowcases regularly, and replace pillows every 2-3 years.
• Sheets: Sheets can harbor germs, dust mites, and sweat. Wash them on high heat, dry on high heat, and consider using bleach to sanitize.

Bathroom Essentials

• Bath Mat: Bath mats can create a damp environment perfect for mold and bacteria growth. Launder mats weekly, and keep separate from bedding and clothes.
• Laundry Basket: The laundry basket can accumulate grime from dirty clothes. Wash the basket regularly, and use separate bags for dirty and clean clothes.

On-the-Go Items

• Headphones: Earbuds and headphones can collect germs from your ears. Clean detachable parts with a vinegar and water solution, and use electronic wipes to clean the exterior.
• Keys: Keys can harbor bacteria, especially if made of brass. Scrub keys with soap and water, or use a disinfectant occasionally.
• Handbags: Handbags can accumulate germs from being handled frequently. Regularly clean leather purses with a disinfectant wipe, and wash washable ones weekly.

Fitness Essentials

• Yoga Mats: Yoga mats can harbor fungi and bacteria from sweat. Bring your own mat to hot yoga, clean it regularly with antibacterial wipes, and hang it up to dry completely.
• Gym Bag: Gym bags can accumulate germs from sweaty clothes. Store dirty clothes in separate mesh pouches, empty and air out the bag between uses, and wash it weekly.

Miscellaneous Items

• Phone: Phones can harbor bacteria from unwashed hands. Power down your device once a week, and wipe it with a disinfectant cloth.
• TV Remote: TV remotes can accumulate germs from frequent handling. Wipe them down with a hard surface disinfectant or antibacterial wipe regularly.
• Shoes: Shoes can track bacteria indoors, infecting clean floors. Institute a no-shoes policy inside the house, and launder or wash shoes regularly.

By being aware of these hidden dangers, you can take steps to keep your environment cleaner and reduce the risk of illness. Remember to wash your hands frequently, especially after handling suspect items or using public facilities.