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Cleaning and disinfecting are distinct tasks, each requiring specific approaches and products. At different times, you’ll need to perform both, and various products are necessary. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, disinfecting eliminates germs left after cleaning, and they suggest using EPA-approved solutions or diluted bleach for effective results. (Always check the packaging for precise instructions, but generally, the product should remain on the surface for at least 10 minutes to ensure proper disinfection.)
While you might already disinfect countertops and high-touch areas like light switches, there are other often-overlooked spots in your home that also require regular disinfection. Below are some key areas and items that should be disinfected frequently.
Handles
AARP highlights essential areas that require disinfection. Topping the list? Handles. Consider how frequently handles are touched in your home—whether it’s drawer pulls, refrigerator doors, or bathroom cabinet knobs.
Buttons
Buttons are also highlighted on the AARP list. While you might remember to clean your remotes, other buttons around your home often go unnoticed. From your microwave and alarm clock to your garage door opener, these are touched frequently and should not be overlooked.
Your steering wheel
Disinfecting isn’t limited to your home. Consider how much time you spend in your car and how often you touch the steering wheel after coming into contact with other surfaces. Don’t forget to disinfect the wheel and other frequently touched areas like your stereo buttons.
Your tech
As previously noted, disinfecting your tech is essential to eliminate harmful germs. Your phone, for instance, is likely the most frequently touched item. Check out our guide on how to properly disinfect it.
Fabrics
We’ve previously emphasized the importance of disinfecting fabrics, particularly if someone in your household has been ill. Be sure to use the highest heat setting on your washing machine and refer to our guide on how to use bleach without damaging your clothing.
Railings
AARP highlights that railings are meant to be touched frequently, yet they often don’t appear dirty or worn. Even if they look clean, they can still harbor germs. Make sure to disinfect both the railings and their supporting posts.
Your keys
Keys are handled frequently, especially after a day of being out and touching various surfaces. Once you’ve used them, they’re often tossed into your bag, mingling with other items exposed to the outside world. Make sure to disinfect them regularly.
Bags
Your purse or backpack accompanies you everywhere, which means it comes into contact with countless surfaces. From subway floors to bathroom stall doors, your bag picks up a lot of germs. Fortunately, we’ve created a guide to help you disinfect it effectively.
Your wallet (and its contents)
While cash is often criticized for being dirty, it’s worth noting that your credit cards are likely just as germ-ridden. Regularly disinfect both your wallet and the cards inside it.
Garbage and diaper pails
Simply cleaning garbage and diaper pails isn’t always enough to eliminate odors, as we’ve previously mentioned, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee they’re free of germs. Make sure to disinfect them regularly between uses.
Glasses
The Bangor Daily News recommends disinfecting glasses and sunglasses, and we couldn’t agree more. While they protect your eyes, they also accumulate germs and debris. Show them some care by disinfecting them regularly.
Stuffed animals
Children are prone to carrying germs, and their favorite stuffed animals often bear the brunt of it. WebMD advises disinfecting these toys, especially after someone in the household has been ill.
