Your home is your sanctuary, your haven; the place where you can escape to after a busy day at work or relax and unwind in after the kids have gone to bed. But what if you and your family aren’t the only ones living in your home? What if your precious home is actually a haven for bugs and bacteria too?
There are many places in your home where dirt and bacteria could be lurking, but cleaning them need not be a major drama, especially if you remember to do it regularly:
Faucets: The inside of the faucet spouts in your home are bound to be hiding some unwanted grime, often consisting of a black, mildew type substance. If you are able to, remove the faucet aerator and soak it in vinegar for around 15 minutes – do this at least once a month – then scrub it clean with an old toothbrush.
Kitchen and bathroom floors: These areas of your home can be a paradise for dirt, germs and food waste, but sweeping them regularly (ideally once a day) with a good quality brush/sweeper that will collect all of the dust and crumbs, and mopping them thoroughly with a disinfectant floor cleaner at least once or twice a week, should keep them looking spotless.
Handles and light switches: It can be easy to overlook areas of your home such as refrigerator handles, light switches, and even the toilet flush handle, as they’re small, but remember that many hands will have touched them. A light wipe with a damp cloth once a day should suffice.
Bathtubs and toilet bowls: Buy a good quality bathroom cleaning product and spray the tub and toilet bowl liberally, leaving it for a few minutes. Then, don rubber gloves, grab a toilet brush and scrub the bowl vigorously, flush and with the tap or shower running, wipe the tub thoroughly. You can then use some disinfectant spray and a cloth to wipe down the exterior of both.
Carpets: Vacuuming your carpets regularly is the only solution to eliminate pet hair, dirt from shoes and crumbs from plates. If your carpet is stained, then a good quality stain remover can be applied. If your carpet has an unpleasant odour, simply sprinkle some carpet freshener over before you begin vacuuming.
Blinds and curtains: These need to be cleaned often to avoid dust and mould spores from accumulating, and often a wet rag to blinds and a vacuum to curtains can be all it takes. Some curtains may even fit into your washer, or you could have them cleaned professionally.
Try a house cleaning service: If cleaning simply isn’t your style or your schedule doesn’t allow for scrubbing and dusting, why not hire a professional cleaner who can have your home spick and span in next to time? You’ll be safe in the knowledge that your home is dirt and bacteria free and have more time to do the things that are important to you.