The surfaces of your home, once sparkling and clean, are now coated in a thin layer of dust and grime. The trash bins overflow with tissues and discarded medicine packaging, adding to the cluttered and chaotic appearance.
The list is scrawled on a crumpled, yellowing sheet of paper, covered in smudges and stains from previous use. It’s a jumble of words and crossed-out items, evidence of the constant battle against germs and illness.
The hit list includes every nook and cranny of the house – the door knobs, light switches, countertops, and even the couch. The white surfaces shine as they have been scrubbed and disinfected, while the carpet looks fluffed and freshly vacuumed.
Clean High Touch Surfaces Frequently
In today’s world, where germs and illnesses can spread quickly and easily, it is crucial to arm ourselves with the most effective weapons of defense. One of these weapons is simply maintaining a clean and disinfected living space, especially when it comes to high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas. These key areas include doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, banisters, and counter tops, just to name a few. It may come as a surprise that viruses can survive on these surfaces for up to 48 hours! To properly combat this threat, it is important to use an antibacterial disinfectant and carefully follow the product’s instructions to ensure all germs are effectively eliminated. By doing so, you are not only protecting yourself but also those around you from potential harm and illness.
Sanitize Your Toothbrush Holder
The simple act of brushing our teeth is a daily routine, but it’s easy to overlook the potential breeding ground for harmful bacteria within our toothbrush holders. To ensure a thorough clean, start by rinsing the holder with hot water. Then, use a small bristle brush or rag to carefully scrub the inside of each slot, removing any build-up or residue. For added effectiveness, fill the holder with a disinfecting solution or opt for a more eco-friendly approach with antibacterial mouthwash. Allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes, thoroughly sanitizing the holder and ensuring a fresh, bacteria-free environment for your toothbrushes.
Schedule a Regular Deep Cleaning
As the bright holiday lights twinkle and the air grows colder, it can be easy to get swept up in the festivities and forget about the hygiene of your home. With school vacations and winter activities filling up schedules, deep cleaning may fall by the wayside. But fear not, for with a little planning and organization, your home can stay fresh and tidy all winter long. Take a few moments at the start of each month to schedule dedicated time for a thorough deep clean. Hit those often-neglected nooks and crannies that accumulate dust and grime over time. And if you simply can’t tear yourself away from cozy blankets and hot cocoa, leave the deep cleaning to professional services so you can fully enjoy the comforts of winter.
Clean and Disinfect Your Humidifier
With the arrival of winter comes the need for humidifiers, a savior for dry skin and chapped lips. However, these devices can quickly become a haven for mold and bacteria if not properly maintained. To ensure safe and effective replenishment of moisture in your home, especially when dealing with respiratory symptoms, it is crucial to regularly clean and sanitize your humidifier. Start by filling the base with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar, known for its non-toxic cleaning capabilities and potent disinfectant properties. Allow the solution to sit for an hour while you meticulously hand-clean the rest of the machine. And don’t forget to unplug your humidifier before beginning this important task!