It’s that time of year – lots of nasty viruses going around. We all know to wash our hands, use hand sanitizer, and clean but according the Center for Disease Control, other nasties are lurking in some unexpected areas, like…
- Kitchen sponges and dishrags. If you don’t switch them out regularly, you are basically scrubbing your dishes or counters with a petri dish. Sponges in particular harbor loads of bacteria. It is best to throw sponges away. Dishrags should be hung to dry between uses and frequently laundered in hot water.
- Cutting boards. Because we cut into a cutting board with a knife, we can force bacteria into the cutting board. Wash wood boards with hot soapy water and put plastic boards in the dishwasher. Make sure you also use separate meat and vegetable boards.
- Fridge and freezer handles. Two areas that do not get cleaned frequently. During food prep, we are often moving between touching food and opening the fridge. For non-eating surfaces like handles and light switches, clean with a disinfecting wipe or spray.
- Coffee makers. Left alone, a coffee maker can harbor mold and yeast. Regularly run vinegar through your coffee maker followed by a water only cycle. Hand-wash components with soapy water and toss the grounds immediately after brewing. Open up compartments for air drying.
- Gym equipment. If you workout at home, you might not think about cleaning your equipment. Afterall, you aren’t sharing it with that sweaty guy at the gym. Even so, make sure you wipe down your dumbells, yoga mats, and equipment regularly with a disinfectant spray.
- Purses and reusable grocery bags. We take our purses and our grocery bags into public spaces where the likelihood of picking up germs is higher. Wipe your purse down regularly and throw your reusable bags in the washer.
- Countertops. Cross contamination is always a concern in the kitchen or contamination of your counter from your grocery bags. Spray regularly with a disinfectant spray or use hot soapy water.
- Doorknobs. You can clean doorknobs with a disinfectant and the next time someone touches it, it is full of germs again. So, the best thing we can do is wash our hands.
- Phones. Called a germ box for a reason, phones are germ magnets. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on how to clean your phone. There are UV sanitizer options as well. Even just wiping the screen down can help.
- Laptops and desks. Clean your desk with a disinfectant wipe and your keyboard with rubbing alcohol.
- Remote controls. How many of us eat a snack while watching TV? Again, rubbing alcohol is a good choice. Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol, spray on a microfiber cloth and wipe.
- Toothbrush holders. First, switch out your toothbrush every few weeks and for sure after you’ve been sick. Run your toothbrush holder through the dishwasher every week to take care of any lurking germs.
- Pet dishes and toys. You wouldn’t let your kids play with a dirty toy or eat out of a dish that hasn’t been cleaned in a week, why would you let your pet? Disinfect your pet’s dishes and toys several times a week to keep you and your pet healthy.
Source: https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/clean-things-you-touch-every-day