We’ve all got our cleaning routines. We wash the dishes, wipe down the kitchen worktops, scrub the toilet, and hoover the floors. We feel a sense of satisfaction after a good clean, confident that our homes are hygienic and safe. But what if we told you that some of the most germ-ridden surfaces in your house are the ones you probably never even think about?
These often-overlooked areas, or “germ hotspots,” can harbour thousands of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, silently posing a threat to your family’s health. They’re the surfaces we touch multiple times a day without a second thought. This guide will uncover these hidden hotspots and provide practical advice on how to clean them, ensuring your home is truly as hygienic as you think it is.
1. The Light Switch
Think about it: every time you enter or leave a room, you flick a switch. From your morning wake-up to your evening bedtime, your hands are constantly in contact with them. Germs from outside, from food preparation, and from a sneezing child all get transferred to these small plastic surfaces.
How to Clean: A quick wipe with a disinfectant wipe is a good start. For a deeper clean, turn off the power at the fuse box and use a cloth with a mild disinfectant spray. Remember to also clean the light switch plates and the surrounding wall.
2. The Remote Control
The remote control is a universal item that’s often shared by everyone in the household. It gets passed around during movie nights, touched by sticky fingers, and sits on the coffee table collecting dust and crumbs. It’s a perfect breeding ground for germs. Studies have shown remote controls can be home to more germs than a toilet seat.
How to Clean: Remove the batteries first. Use a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean around the buttons and in the crevices. Wipe the rest of the remote with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth with a mild disinfectant spray. Ensure the remote is completely dry before putting the batteries back in.
3. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths
You use them to clean your dishes, worktops, and spills. But these damp, porous items are a moist habitat that bacteria love. In fact, a kitchen sponge can contain more bacteria than almost any other item in your house.
How to Clean: You can microwave a wet sponge on high for two minutes to kill a large number of germs, but be careful as it will be very hot. Alternatively, run them through a hot cycle in your dishwasher or washing machine with a bit of bleach. The best advice, however, is to replace them regularly, at least once a week.
4. The Kettle Handle
We all know to clean the kettle, but what about the handle? Just like the light switch, it’s a high-traffic area. Hands that have been touching raw meat, carrying shopping bags, or petting a dog all come into contact with the kettle handle before it’s used to make that comforting cup of tea.
How to Clean: Wipe the handle down daily with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth and a multi-surface disinfectant spray. Don’t forget the lid, spout, and the base where the kettle sits.
5. Your Mobile Phone
This one isn’t technically a part of your house, but it spends a lot of time in it, and it goes everywhere with you. You take it to the bathroom, you use it while cooking, and you place it on various surfaces. It’s one of the dirtiest objects you own.
How to Clean: Use a microfibre cloth and a special screen cleaner or a solution of rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Never use harsh chemicals or sprays directly on the phone. Wipe the entire surface, including the back and sides, regularly.
6. Doorknobs and Cabinet Handles
Much like light switches, these are touched countless times a day by every member of the household and any visitors. They are often sticky, grimy, and an easy way for germs to spread from room to room.
How to Clean: Use a disinfectant spray and a cloth, or a disinfectant wipe, to clean all your doorknobs and handles on a regular basis. Make it a part of your weekly routine, especially for bathroom and kitchen doors.
7. The Bathroom Floor and Taps
We tend to focus on the toilet and shower, but the bathroom floor, particularly around the toilet base, can be a major germ hotspot. Taps, too, are constantly touched with hands that may have been in contact with germs.
How to Clean: The bathroom floor needs to be mopped with a disinfectant regularly. As for taps, wipe them down daily with a multi-purpose cleaner. Pay attention to the base of the tap where grime can build up.
8. Your Cleaning Equipment Itself
This is the big one. If you’re not cleaning your cleaning tools, you’re just spreading germs around. Your hoover’s filter, the bristles of your toilet brush, and the heads of your mop can all be sources of bacteria and grime.
How to Clean:
- Hoover: Regularly empty the canister or change the bag. Clean or replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mop Head: Wash your mop head regularly. Many can be put in the washing machine on a hot cycle.
- Toilet Brush: After use, spray it with disinfectant and let it sit in the bowl for a few minutes. You can also pour some bleach into the holder to keep it sanitised.
9. Pet Toys and Bowls
Your furry friends are part of the family, but their toys and food bowls can harbour germs. Food bowls can grow bacteria from leftover food, and toys get dragged around the house and carried in their mouths.
How to Clean: Wash pet food and water bowls daily with hot, soapy water. Pet toys, particularly hard plastic ones, can be washed in the dishwasher. Soft toys can be put in the washing machine.
10. The Coffee Machine
The reservoir in your coffee machine is a warm, moist environment that is perfect for mould and bacteria to grow. This can affect the taste of your coffee and be a health hazard.
How to Clean: Descale your coffee machine regularly with a vinegar solution or a commercial descaling product. Wipe down the outside of the machine and the water reservoir with a disinfectant.
The Bigger Picture: When to Call for Professional Help
While these cleaning tips are great for maintaining a clean home, they can’t replace the benefits of a professional deep clean. Over time, germs and grime can become so deeply ingrained in carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas that a simple wipe-down isn’t enough.
This is where Token Cleaning Services can help. Our team has the specialised equipment and powerful, yet safe, cleaning solutions to truly sanitise your home from top to bottom. We can tackle the biggest germ hotspots you can’t reach, ensuring a level of cleanliness that protects your family’s health for longer.
Beyond just a general deep clean, consider our specialised services that target these hidden threats:
- Carpet Cleaning: Our powerful hot water extraction methods reach deep into the carpet fibres, removing allergens, bacteria, and dust mites that a standard hoover can’t.
- Steam Cleaning: We use high-temperature steam to sanitise and disinfect hard-to-reach surfaces, killing germs and mould without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Window Cleaning: Our service ensures sparkling clean windows, but also cleans the frames and sills, which are often overlooked germ hotspots.
- Pressure Washing: For exterior germ hotspots like your patio and driveway, our pressure washing service removes built-up grime and bacteria.
Don’t let these forgotten hotspots compromise your family’s health. By incorporating these tips into your routine and scheduling a professional deep clean with us, you can be confident that your home is not just tidy, but truly hygienic. Contact Token Cleaning Services to get a comprehensive clean that covers every nook and cranny.
