10 Places Germs & Bacteria Thrive in Your Home

Although not all bacteria cause harm to human beings, some lethal ones can make you sick. According to some microbiologists, the most contaminated spots in the home can harbour more than 340 germs and bacteria. The most harmful household germs and bacteria are yeast, mould, E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella and fecal matter. To maintain a clean and healthy home, you need to focus on every nook and cranny. Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces can help you prevent the spread of germs and hazardous viruses, like COVID-19. Make sure you use approved disinfectants and safe cleaning products that can help you achieve desired outcomes. You can also book experts for a detailed end of lease cleaning in Melbourne if you are at the end of your tenancy. They can remove stains, dust, grime and bacteria using tried and tested products. Here are some great tips and tricks to help you clean and disinfect 10 germ-laden places in your home like a pro:

1. Kitchen Sink

The kitchen harbours more lethal germs and bacteria than the toilet seat, and the kitchen skin is one of the dirtiest places in your home. From dirty dishes to leftover food and debris, all these things can invite unwanted guests to make you fall sick. According to experts, more than 45 per cent of the sink contains E. Coli bacteria and 27 per cent of mould. It is good to do dishes or place them in the dishwasher whenever you see dirty utensils in the sink. Make sure you deep clean the smelly drains to keep the germs at bay. Make sure you clean and disinfect the sink using baking soda and a warm water solution. Apply the solution and leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing the surface. White vinegar can also help you remove grime and mould with ease. Tip: Clean and disinfect your sink twice a week to prevent the spread of germs.

2. Kitchen Sponges

Believe it or not! A dirty kitchen sponge contains thousands of germs and bacteria, such as E. Coli, salmonella, etc. The sponge stays moist and can harbour various germs when you clean contaminated surfaces and stained appliances with it. These bacteria can lead to diarrhea, stomach pain and other foodborne illnesses. You can clean and disinfect a sponge by microwaving it for a few minutes. It is good to toss dirty rags and towels in the dishwasher every week and change them every two weeks. Hire professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne if you are moving out of your rental property. They can clean all rooms, including your kitchen using proper tools.

3. Bathroom Faucets

Faucet handles in your bathroom hold lethal germs, such as staph and coliform, that can lead to various health hazards. So, it is good to remove stains from taps using white vinegar solution. Instead of using chemically-laden disinfectants, you can sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and leave it for a few minutes before wiping it with a damp cloth.

4. The Coffee Maker

The coffee maker machine is not only moist but also dark-making it a perfect place for mould and germs growth. To clean the coffee maker, pour four cups of vinegar and leave it for half an hour. After that, brew the vinegar for a few minutes and rinse the solution out.

5. Cutting Board

It is one of the most contaminated things in your kitchen. Germs and bacteria can thrive deep inside the wooden cutting board if you don’t disinfect it regularly. For example, if you cut up raw meat and then use the same board to slice any fruit, you risk cross-contamination. So, it is good to use a separate cutting board for raw meat and vegetables/fruit. Make sure you disinfect the surface by rubbing lemon and baking soda. This will kill potential germs and bacteria with ease.

6. Handles, Knobs and Switches

These are high touch areas or spots of any home. From light switches to door handles, all can harbour harmful germs and bacteria, especially COVID-19. It is good to clean the following spots with disinfecting wipes:

• Stove knobs
• Door handles
• Light switches
• Refrigerator and microwave handles
• Cabinet handles

Regular cleaning is needed if someone is sick in your family. You can also buy safe and sound cleaning products to spruce up your home. Make sure you know what green cleaning product labels really mean before spending money on them. You can also use white vinegar, baking soda and lemon to disinfect contaminated surfaces.

7. Soap Dispensers

People often pay attention to the toilet while sprucing up their bathrooms. However, the dirtiest spot is a soap dispenser because it harbours fecal bacteria. It is because people don’t clean these containers, which allows soap scum to build up and produce germs. Make sure you clean your soap dispensers once a week using a white vinegar solution.

8. Computer Keyboard or Laptop

The bacteria that thrive on human skin, hands, and fingernails are likely to spread new bacteria over to the laptop and the keyboard. Eating above the laptop can also produce germs. All you need to do is simply wipe the laptop and computer keyboard down with a disinfecting wipe. You can also use a cleaning solution that has at least 70 per cent of alcohol. Wet and squeeze out the extra solution before wiping the surface.

9. Pet Bowl and Toys

Do you have a furry friend at home? According to a study, pet bowls carry yeast, mould, and staph germs. The pet can also invite germs and bacteria into your abode. Pet toys also harbour germs and bacteria and can transfer the virus to your hands and face. Make sure you wash pet bowls daily using warm, soapy water. Soap toys in bleach once a week.

10. Kitchen Countertop

Everything is placed on your kitchen countertop, from food spills to splatters, raw chicken to vegetables. Around 32 per cent of countertops reside in coliform bacteria and 18 per cent of mould. It is good to wipe down your countertop using baking soda and warm water paste after preparing your meal.

Endnote

It is good to pay attention to germ-infested places to maintain a clean and healthy home. Make sure you deep clean and disinfect your abode to keep the germs and bacteria at bay. Book professionals for the best end-of-lease cleaning in Melbourne and secure your full bond money if you are preparing a rental property.