Your house may never be as sterile as a hospital, but you can still take steps to minimize the amount of dust and germs that accumulate in your home. Although it’s impossible to keep all dirt and germs out of your living space, simple cleaning practices every day will go a long way toward keeping those unwelcome intruders at bay. Follow these 5 Tips to keep your home clean, germ-free, and safe for everyone who inhabits it.
1. Vacuum regularly
One overlooked source of dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens is the vacuum cleaner itself. Over time, vacuums collect debris that can trigger allergy symptoms or exacerbate asthma. A dirty vacuum also emits particles into the air as it operates, which you could be breathing in if you are located close enough to it yourself. If you have allergies or asthma, consider replacing your vacuum cleaner every 1-3 years. A new vacuum cleaner will do a good job when it comes to cleaning your surfaces, thus helping in keeping germs away.
Also, using a furnace filter will help keep dust and germs out of your home. All air conditioning filters need to be changed every month during regular seasons, but at least once per season for winter months.
2. Clean hotter surfaces first
Heat kills bacteria and viruses. Cleaning the highest-trafficked areas of your house, to begin with, will reduce the total number of germs that remain behind for you to breathe in later. Areas like a door handle, stairs, and windowsills often see a lot of traffic (and therefore contain more germs) than less frequently used portions of the home, such as corners and ceilings. Save cleaning these so-called “germ-free” zones for last, so they don’t become decontaminated during the cleaning process.
3. Clean vertical surfaces too
Most people spend extra time wiping down horizontal surfaces like tables, desks, and countertops. But you shouldn’t forget to clean vertical surfaces like walls and door frames as well, since these areas collect plenty of dirt and germs over time as well. Make sure to wipe down surfaces with a dry cloth to remove large particles before using a cleaner.
Cleaning vertical surfaces is so important because the dust and germs accumulate much more quickly on these high surfaces than on things closer to the ground. What should we use to clean these surfaces? It’s not safe to just climb up onto your furniture with a regular cleaning product, so you need an alternative. Lemon juice is an excellent solution! Just pour some lemon juice out of a bottle and rub it in with a damp cloth or sponge. The vinegar in the lemon juice will disinfect and deodorize simultaneously, making this method ideal for taking care of both problems at once!
4. Damp mop hard floors
You’ve probably heard that cleaning with disinfecting wipes or chemicals such as bleach will kill all the germs in your home. Unfortunately, this isn’t true – many types of household bacteria are relatively unaffected by disinfectants, and cleaners containing bleach aren’t good for your health if they get on your skin or into your lungs during regular use. Instead, consider using a slightly damp mop on a hard flooring like tile and laminate to pick up the bulk of dirt and debris without spreading it into the air or leaving behind a residue that can attract new dust.
5. Clean often with damp sponges
Now that you’ve finished cleaning your home and want to dry off those damp sponges don’t just toss them in the sink! Damp kitchen sponges are one of the most common causes of houseplants becoming contaminated with molds and other harmful organisms because they continue to release moisture after cleaning. If possible, keep a second sponge specifically for use on plants – ideally one that’s been soaked in diluted bleach or lemon juice – then wash it thoroughly after each use. In addition, never clean your toilet brush by rinsing it in the sink. Scrub brush bristles can spread bacteria like Salmonella and E Coli into nearby surfaces. Therefore, wash your brush with disinfectant soap after each use or clean it by tapping it against a brick or rock outside to knock off any debris that may be stuck to the bristle end.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, an effective way to keep dust and germs from accumulating in your house is by keeping your home as clean as possible with regular vacuuming. Wiping down both hot and vertical surfaces is also essential for keeping these contaminants at bay. Ensure you thoroughly dry-cleaning sponges done using them, too, so you can avoid recontamination by using a separate plant cleaning sponge and never store your toilet brush in the sink.
