While there is no way to guarantee that you will never get sick, there are ways to increase the odds of avoiding illness and one of the best ways to do so is to keep a clean house. Most people are more likely to catch a cold or flu from germs in their own house than anywhere else so cleaning regularly is an important component of maintaining good health. The entire house should be cleaned regularly but there are three main areas of the house which are special breeding grounds for germs and they are also the rooms in which we spend most of our time: the kitchen, the bathroom, and our bedrooms.
Kitchen
There are many places in the kitchen that germs can grow including sponges, sink drains, counter tops, and kitchen towels. In order to get rid of any germs that may be trying to take over your kitchen and make sure your food preparation is free of contaminants, be sure to clean it thoroughly and regularly. After preparing food, wipe down the counter area, sink, and faucet with soap and hot water. Every few days, sanitize the kitchen sponge in the dishwasher or microwave. Wash dishrags at least once a week or whenever they begin to smell funky and scrub the sink basin with a mixture of 1 tbs of bleach to 1 quart of water before pouring it down the drain to clear away built up gunk.
Bathroom
The bathroom is the most obvious source of germs in the house and will require the largest amount of upkeep to maintain. But the two biggest problem areas are not what you might think:
Tub and shower: Contrary to common belief, germs don’t just wash down the drain when you are done bathing. In fact, some thrive on wet surfaces like bathtubs and shower walls. In order to prevent the buildup of potentially harmful bacteria, dry your bathtub or shower walls with a squeegee or clean towel. Spray the surfaces with a disinfecting cleanser once a week.
Bathroom floor: In many bathrooms there are actually more germs on the bathroom floor than there are on the toilet seat. This is because microscopic fecal matter and bacteria is sprayed into the air to settle on the floor – and other surfaces – when the toilet lid is left open while flushing. The general dampness in the bathroom will help these germs grow creating an unsanitary environment. To prevent this, make sure to fully close the toilet lid before flushing each and every time. Mop the floor once a week with a bleach cleaning solution and wash and dry floor mats regularly.
Bedroom
Most people spend about 1/3 of their life in their bedroom. Because of this, it is a common breeding ground for germs. It is also very important to keep clean so we are not getting sick while we sleep. To prevent germ growth, wash your sheets in hot water once a week and dust and clean all surfaces. Don’t leave damp clothing in the clothes hamper for more than one day as it can grow mildew and harmful mold. In fact, it is best to let all fabrics dry completely before tossing them in the hamper just in case they sit there for a few days.