Living in a clean and clutter-free space can be therapeutic and beneficial to your health. Regularly cleaning your home can eliminate allergies, protect you from breathing problems, and prevent you from getting sick. A recent study also linked several mental health benefits to a clean home. However, you could still have some bacteria lurking in some places in your home as you may often miss these areas where dirt gathers, and bacteria grow over time. Below are four surprisingly dirty spots in your home that could harbor bacteria. 

1. Handles, knobs, and switches

Your light switches, countertops, and handles are among a few places you think of when it comes to germs. Although many often perceive the bathroom doorknobs as the dirtiest, research has ranked other areas like refrigerator handles, microwave handles, stove knobs, and bathroom light switches with the most bacteria. It is important to clean these areas at least once weekly using disinfecting wipes, which can also remove any bacteria lurking on your steel and plastic surfaces. It is also best to use fresh wipes for each spot instead of the same wipes for multiple areas or items when cleaning those dirty spots in your home. 

2. Your makeup bag

The makeup applicators’ bristles, nooks, and crannies are hidden spots for germs, particularly if you often carry your bags outside. Unfortunately, germs on makeup applicators may cause eye and skin infections. Having these bacteria and viruses transported from your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth can lead to respiratory problems. Learning how to properly and safely keep your markup items is vital. Regularly clean your products and store them in a clean and dry place. You may wash the brushes at least once weekly using a soapy solution or get an alcohol-based spray. Experts also advise replacing your cosmetics after six months and disposing of your eye makeup products if there is any eye infection. 

3. The bathroom 

The bathroom is where you clean up after a long day or before you head out. It is crucial to your personal hygiene routine. However, elements like faucets, drains, shower tubs, bath towels, and toothbrushes could be breeding grounds for germs. Therefore you should pay closer attention to them to prevent this. Use a disinfectant to clean the handles and surfaces daily and thoroughly scrub the area weekly. You can also use your old toothbrush to clean small spaces around your faucets and drains. Remember to replace your bathroom towels and toothbrushes every three months at least. You may also hire professional hot tub services for a thorough cleaning and to eliminate the stubborn dirt and bacteria lurking in your tubs. 

4. Electronics and remote control 

It is almost impossible to go through a day without coming across dirty spots in your home. For instance, your kids will like to watch TV after school, and you’ll likely relax on your sofa to catch the evening news before bed. You may also require your HVAC to keep your home comfortable during the cold or hot weather. These electronics usually require a remote control, which quickly accumulates dirt as it passes from one hand to another. With bacteria on your remotes, you may use a non-toxic disinfectant spray and a soft cloth to clean it. Also, don’t forget other personal items like your cell phone. 

Locate the dirty spots in your home

In conclusion, maintaining a clean and sanitary living space is essential for our overall well-being. While regular cleaning can help eliminate many germs and bacteria from our homes, there are still some hidden dirty spots that often go unnoticed. From frequently-touched surfaces like handles, knobs, and switches to unexpected areas such as makeup bags, bathrooms, and electronics, these spots can harbor harmful bacteria and compromise our health.

It is crucial to be diligent in cleaning and disinfecting these often-neglected areas to create a truly healthy environment. By taking proactive measures and paying attention to these surprising dirty spots in your home, you can ensure a cleaner, safer, and healthier living space for yourself and your family. So, don’t overlook these critical areas and make regular cleaning a priority to keep your home free from potential health hazards caused by lurking bacteria.