Banish bacteria, dust, and grime on common household objects with these quick and clever cleaning tips.
Certain areas of your home (such as thebathroom floorandkitchen countertops) make a good scrub-down obvious.
Get yourfavorite cleaning solutionordisinfecting productready: youre going to need it.
Credit:Jeff Herr
Kitchen Handles
Jeff Herr
Need a hand during dinner prep?
Youre likely using one to kick off the refrigerator dooreven if you just finished handling raw meat.
If left uncleaned, kitchen handles become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Toothbrush Holder
Keep your pearly whites clean and your toothbrush holder cleaner.
Its also a good idea to regularly clean toothbrushes,especially during flu season.
Boil brushes in water for two to three minutes.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Now venture to remember the last time you cleaned your mouse and keyboard.
(check that its damp, not dripping wet.)
Placemats
Placematsare great at protecting wood finishes from food stains, but they can get filthy fast.
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Rinse plastic or vinyl placemats with warm water and soap and let dry completely.
Fabric mats can be thrown in the laundry machine with like-color linens, but be sure tohand-wash anythingembroidered.
Handrails and Doorknobs
Keep your balance without picking up any pathogens by regularly wiping down railings.
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Wipe dry with a polishing cloth.
Treat door knobs to the same cleaning routine.
you’re able to also use disinfecting wipes on metal ones.
Credit: David Tsay
Light Switches
Grimy hands touch light switches every single day.
Luckily, you probably already havewhat it’s crucial that you clean them well.
Clean the switch plate with a disinfectant or a slightly damp cloth soaked in hot water and vinegar.
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Wipe dry with a polishing cloth.
Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable shopping bags hold heavy items and provide an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic.
Its smart to clean plastic ice cube trays on a regular basis.
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Each time theyre empty, give the trays a thorough wash with hot water and dish soap.
Many can also be placed in thetop rack of your dishwasher.
Water Bottles
Put down your reusable water bottle.
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Let soak for five to 10 minutes.
Between uses, disinfect your kitchen sponge with one ofour recommended cleaning methods.
For a natural kitchen sponge cleaning solution, opt for boiling water or vinegar.
For a deep clean, wash with bleach, or pop your sponge into the microwave or dishwasher.
Spray disinfectant on a cloth (lightly, don’t soak it) and give them a good washing.
Keep it clean by regularly vacuuming between the cushions with a smallhandheld vacuumor the narrow attachment on anupright vacuum.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
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