Top 20 Items We Should Clean More Often to Protect Our Family's Health

Mold is a major enemy you want to keep out of all the rooms in your house. It's common to spot stains in the bathroom due to humidity, poor ventilation, and temperature changes. However, this doesn't mean you can't keep them clean. It's essential to clean the shower curtain after every use to remove soap scum and maintain good airflow to prevent moisture buildup. Regular cleaning will help keep mold from growing in these easily contaminated areas. Apart from regularly tidying up the bathroom, it's also crucial to thoroughly clean the shower curtain weekly. Wash it with a bit of baking soda and detergent. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for proper washing methods. Typically, this should be done on a gentle cycle at a low temperature. Once done, let it dry without exposing it to direct sunlight.

All types of towels, especially those used after showering, harbor bacteria, sweat, and dead skin cells. Moreover, if they are not properly dried after each use, they can become a breeding ground for germs. For this reason, bath towels should be replaced every two days and washed immediately. It's best to wash them at high temperatures, using a detergent with active oxygen to penetrate the fabric and eliminate bacteria. Avoid washing them with regular clothing.

Bed sheets absorb sweat and oils released by the skin during sleep. Additionally, they collect dust particles floating around the room. This creates a perfect environment for dandruff and acne to thrive. Changing or washing your bed sheets once a week is the best way to ensure your bed stays clean, free of microorganisms, and doesn't affect your skin or hair.

Typically, areas where food is stored or prepared tend to harbor more bacteria and contaminants than other parts of the house. Although it may sound surprising, scientists have found that more than 75% of kitchen sponges and dish towels show traces of infectious agents like Salmonella or E. coli. This is notably higher compared to the 9% found on faucet handles in the bathroom, so it’s something to be mindful of.

The good news is that you don’t need any special methods to fix this issue. Simply soak your sponge in boiling water for about 2 minutes or microwave it for the same time, every other day while it’s still damp. This is sufficient to kill bacteria on the surface. If the sponge starts to break apart or become too worn, replace it immediately to prevent bacteria growth. For dish towels, make sure to wash them weekly, and if they’ve been used to handle raw meat, wash them right away.

According to Natalie Barret, hygiene supervisor and expert at Nifty Cleaning Services, pillows should be washed every 3 to 6 months. Depending on the type and the amount of sweat, it's recommended to wash them at least twice a year, but in special cases, such as heavy night sweating or living in a very humid environment, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean, explains that pillows collect sweat, dead skin, dust, and germs. These factors, along with others, attract dust mites, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to allergies, itchy or watery eyes, rashes, and even increase the risk of asthma.

Refrigerators store all types of food, essentially functioning as a mini ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to organize food by category to avoid cross-contamination and keep everything hygienic. Experts recommend thoroughly cleaning the fridge four times a year, with weekly maintenance to ensure a clean environment inside.

Dr. Philip Tierno Jr., a clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University School of Medicine, emphasizes that we often neglect to clean our gas stoves. Leftover crumbs and food spills, if not promptly cleaned, can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

In contrast, cleaning expert Melissa Maker advises wiping down the stove after each use. She suggests using a general-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth for a quick clean. For ovens, both the interior and exterior should be cleaned every three months or when you notice food burning or smoke emanating during use.

A study revealed that washing machines, especially regular ones, often harbor a significant amount of bacteria. Since bleach isn't used frequently with laundry due to its harsh nature, it's recommended to run a cycle with just water and one cup of bleach weekly, or even twice a week. If your machine has a dedicated sanitation cycle, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal cleaning.

Food residues and leftover soap can build up over time, creating a layer of grime that, if left unchecked, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Since sinks are frequently exposed to food and debris, it's important to clean them weekly using a mild cleaning solution to prevent this buildup and maintain hygiene.

The refrigerator door seal is often overlooked during cleaning, but it can be a major source of moisture and dirt buildup. This seal helps maintain the internal temperature by preventing cold air from escaping, but if not cleaned regularly, it can affect food preservation and cause spoilage. It's recommended to clean the refrigerator door seal twice a year using a sponge with a mix of water and dish soap.

Blenders can easily contribute to cross-contamination in the kitchen. Their unusual shapes make it difficult to clean all areas properly, leaving behind food residue. To prevent this, always clean your blender with a disinfectant cleaner and plenty of water after each use. Additionally, after the third or fourth use, thoroughly clean each part of the blender to remove any lingering odors. To do this, blend a mixture of vinegar, water, and dish soap, then run the blender for five minutes. Afterward, simply rinse it clean and let it dry completely.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people lose between 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. Of course, you don't walk around with a tangled mess because most people brush their hair. This makes cleaning your hairbrush essential. If not properly cleaned, it can become a breeding ground for dust, bacteria, and mold.

There are no hard and fast rules for how often you should clean your hairbrush, but it generally depends on how often you use it and the products you apply to your hair. If you use conditioners, hair gel, or hairspray, cleaning your brush weekly should suffice. However, if you don't use any hair products, cleaning it every 2-3 weeks is fine. Additionally, make sure to remove tangled hair from the bristles every 2 days or so.

These accessories are typically with you almost everywhere you go. However, it's important to note that they often rest on various surfaces and are frequently touched by others. If you don't wash your hands before touching them, your hands could become carriers of germs, and without proper cleaning, these germs will spread to everything the items come into contact with, including your face and mouth. For this reason, it's essential to clean these items at least once a day or after each use.

For coffee enthusiasts, the coffee maker has become an essential appliance in their homes. However, cleaning the filter and carafe is an important routine that must be followed to ensure everyone in the house stays as healthy as possible. Therefore, it's essential to clean your coffee maker after each use, removing the filters and cleaning the brew basket. Additionally, the mineral buildup in the water lines should be addressed by cleaning the chrome coating every three months.

Pets are always a delightful presence in any home. They are loyal and affectionate companions who are there when you need them most. However, it's important to remember that they can carry and transmit diseases to humans, so establishing a cleaning routine for the items they use, such as food bowls and water containers, is crucial. These should be washed after every meal and cleaned every two days. The frequency of cleaning these items may vary depending on the manufacturer's guidelines.

Rugs are a common decorative item in many homes, offering a sense of warmth and comfort in key areas. However, depending on the number of people sharing the space and how often the rug is used, you should consider how frequently it needs washing. In any case, remember that rugs are great at trapping dust, mites, and germs—most of which come from the soles of your shoes. That’s why regular vacuuming is a must. Aim to vacuum at least once a week, and more often if you have pets, to avoid dirt buildup and allergens.

A study conducted by Aston University revealed that 9 out of 10 makeup bags harbor potentially harmful bacteria. In fact, this research found that bacteria capable of causing skin infections can thrive on makeup bags, particularly when products are used near sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your makeup bag clean and sanitize it regularly to prevent any infections.

The study also emphasized the importance of educating consumers and the makeup industry on the need to frequently clean makeup sponges and thoroughly dry them, as well as the risks of using expired cosmetics. The American Academy of Dermatology advises washing makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days to protect your skin from bacteria and fungal exposure.

Source: BRIGHTSIDE

Cutting boards are essential in every kitchen. However, if not cleaned properly, they can pose a health risk to your family, as they often come into contact with both raw and cooked foods. It’s advisable to have different cutting boards for various types of food, such as one for fruits and vegetables, and another for raw and cooked meats. After each use, clean them with a disinfectant cleaner and hot water to eliminate any leftover food particles that could contaminate fresh ingredients for your next meal. Additionally, make sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup, which can encourage bacterial growth.

Beyond basic cleaning, it's important to disinfect cutting boards thoroughly to ensure that all bacteria are removed from the surface. To do this, scrub the board with lemon and salt for at least 5 minutes. Afterward, wipe it down with paper towels. Replace your cutting boards when they become worn out or develop cracks that make cleaning difficult.

Wood is a porous material, which allows it to absorb various substances, including food particles and moisture. For this reason, wooden utensils should be cleaned immediately after use. It's also essential to dry them thoroughly before storing, as this prevents food contamination and the growth of harmful bacteria.

Your bathroom, particularly the toilet area, is a prime breeding ground for a harmful bacteria called Escherichia coli, which is known to cause infections. Unfortunately, E. coli can spread as far as 2 meters (nearly 7 feet) from the toilet and sink. Therefore, it's essential to clean regularly, at least once a week, to ensure your bathroom and toilet are free from E. coli. Additionally, bathtubs should be cleaned at least every two weeks, or more frequently if used often.