10 Surprisingly Germiest Places at Your Home & Ways to Disinfect Them

When it comes to the germiest place in the house, we first think of the bathroom, but the study shows that the bathroom is not the dirtiest place in our house. They surprise us by lurking in unexpected corners of our home. We clean all the surfaces that are visible, but we always overlook the top germiest places where the real danger lies. If we really want to make our living space hygienic and germ-free, it is important to decipher the hidden dangers and disinfecting the house properly.

1. Kitchen sponge

The kitchen sponge appears to be uncontaminated because it is what we dip into the disinfected solution to clean the kitchen surfaces or dishes. However, we fail to thoroughly clean it after use, allowing the germ to remain within, and the damp, porous quality of the sponges provides an ideal breeding environment for bacteria, aiding in the rapid growth of bacteria.

Solution:

To disinfect, soak the sponge in a solution of hot water and white vinegar and replace it on a regular basis.

2. Kitchen Sink

The frequent use and wet environment make the kitchen sink one of the places where germs thrive. We leave used plates with food particles on them for too long, which causes germs to activate and grow faster. To that end, make sure you don't leave used dirty plates or utensils in the sink for too long, and remove food particles after every use.

Solution:

At least once a day, preferably at night, we must clean the kitchen sink with hot water and disinfectant solution.  Do not forget to clean out the washbasin strainer.

3. Cutting Boards

Cutting boards that are used specifically for meat and poultry are the notorious germ collectors. When you cut raw vegetables or fruits on the same board, cross-contamination often occurs, causing various harmful diseases, thereby increasing the health risk.

Solution:

To disinfect, wash the cutting board after using meat, seafood, or poultry. Rinse the cutting board in hot water with Dettol antiseptic liquid and try sterilizing it occasionally with diluted bleach solution.  

4. TV Remote

When it comes to cleaning, the TV remote is one of the most frequently disregarded items. We wonder how the TV remote may carry germs, yet we use it while eating food with the same hand, we throw it on a dirty surface and touch it again, and it circulates among people’s hands, causing germs to proliferate and grow.

Solution:

To avoid using wipes, soak a cotton ball with an anti-bacterial solution like Dettol to keep your remote germ-free.

5. Bathroom Faucet Handles:

We are bound to turn on the faucet with unclean hands, and after washing our dirty hands, we usually neglect to thoroughly clean them, allowing germs to thrive. Whenever we turn off the tap with the same handle, germs travel to our hands, and they might make us ill or cause other health problems.

Solution:

To keep germs at bay, wipe them down frequently with a disinfectant cleanser, solution, or Dettol disinfectant spray.

6. Toothbrush Holder

Toothbrush holders are often overlooked because we don't use them directly; instead, we use the toothpaste or brush that we keep in them, but the daily use accumulates germs from dripping water and toothpaste residue. Germs can easily enter our mouth via the toothbrush.

Solution:

The best way to keep it germ-free is to put it in the dishwasher or wash it frequently with hot soapy water.

7. Pet Bowls and Toys:

We all enjoy playing with and feeding our pets. But, in general, we don't pay as much attention to their products as we do to our pets. However, it is quite necessary because the pet also lives with you in the same house, and if your pet becomes infected, it is quite easy for the infection to spread to you or your family members.

Solution:

To keep your pet and your family healthy, wash your pet's food and water bowls daily with hot water and dish soap, and consider using a separate sponge for cleaning them. For cleaning hard pet toys, use soap, water, and a mild bleach solution; to clean soft toys, use hot water.

8. Doorknobs and Light Switches:

The doorknob, and light or fan switches are all high-touch areas within your home, used by both your family members and visiting relatives. We touch them whenever we need to and don't think about whether our hands are clean or dirty, which causes germs to spread from one person to another and from dirty to clean hands, making them hotspots for germ transmission.

Solution:

Wipe the doorknobs and switches with disinfecting wipes on a daily basis.

9. Computer Keyboard:

Because of the space under and between the keys, computer keyboards frequently harbour the most germs and dust. Keyboards can become the simplest way to transform germs to you or another family member who uses the same computer.

Solution:

Shake the keyboard upside down to remove the debris. You can thoroughly clean it with a small electric hoover or air blower then wipe it down with a disinfectant solution such as Dettol.

10. Stove Knobs:

Stove knobs are touched by oily and food-handling hands, so it is natural for them to become dirty, especially when food particles fall while we cook or liquid food glides up and lands under the stove knobs. We fail to clean it daily, allowing the germs to spread.

Solution:

Make sure to clean stove knobs at least once a week with hot, soapy water.

As a result of uncovering these places at home and paying attention to cleaning them on a regular basis, we can create a healthier and safer living environment for ourselves and our loved ones.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting home properly, as well as the use of dependable products such as Dettol, ensures that germs are effectively combated, leaving our homes clean and sanitary. So let us roll up our sleeves and fortify our homes against the unseen threats of germs!