December-19: Cover story
15 Things you are not cleaning enoughÂ
After reading this you will change your cleaning routineÂ
You spend hours in keeping your home and surroundings clean. But there might still be some places that just skip your attention. These in turn could lead to build up of bacteria, moulds and germs which would affect the family’s health. Sometimes the grime deposits will also affect the efficiency of the appliances.
Nutshell
·        From shower curtains to mattresses, germs and moulds are hidden everywhere
·        If you are prone to allergies, you may consider cleaning all the items more frequently
Daily
 1.      Smartphone
Your smart phone roams around with you everywhere. It is stashed in your bag or tucked in your pocket, kept lying on your kitchen counter. Dirt and germs from your hands, pocket stick to your phone screen. Cleaning your phone screen at least once a day would be ideal. Many experts suggest using sanitizing wipes for killing bacteria. However, check what the manufacturer of your device recommends to avoid damage. Remember to clean the phone’s case too.
Weekly
2.      Carpets
Regular maintenance of your carpet is necessary to curb allergy attacks. Vacuum the carpets every week and more often in areas that are prone to dirt. This will prolong the life of your carpet and prevent a build-up of dirt. Getting the carpet deep cleaned at a laundry twice a year is advisable.
3.      TV Remote
The gaps between the buttons on the remote control not only have dust deposits on them but are also a perfect place for germs to grow. Remove the batteries of the remote control and clean the remote with antibacterial wipes. Cotton buds or old toothbrushes can be used to reach difficult places. Ensure that the battery socket is completely dry before you insert the batteries.
4.      Makeup Brushes
Daily usage leads to makeup sponges and brushes collecting dead skin cells, dirt, dust and some oil from our skin. Thus they are the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. Clean your makeup brushes and sponges. Rinse them under running water or rub them lightly on a textured surface till the water runs clear. Let them dry on paper towel or in direct sun.
5.      Bed sheets
The bed sheets gather dead skin cell along with our perspiration, pollen, dirt and makeup. Not washing your sheets regularly puts all of this in close contact with your skin for several hours at a time while you sleep. This can lead to a variety of problems ranging from skin irritation to acne to possibly even infections in a worst-case scenario. Wash your bed sheets in hot water every week and dry them out in the sun.
6.    Computer Keyboard
Your habit of snacking while working on your computer or laptop leads to food crumps getting stuck in the gaps of the keyboard. Other than that, dust and germs from the air also settle in these gaps and then stick to your fingers when you type. Tilt the keyboard upside down and shake it to remove any loose debris. You may also use compressed air to get all the crumbs out. Then use a cotton swab dabbed in a little cleaning liquid to wipe between the keys .
7.   Wall behind the garbage can
When you dump the garbage in the can sometimes it may fall out on the floor or in the surroundings. While you immediately clean the floor, have you checked if there are any splatters there. This is a place that should be included in your weekly cleaning routine.
Monthly
8.      Shower Curtains
The damp, humid environment of the bathroom is perfect for moulds and mildews to grow. This is why the shower curtains should be washed with warm water and baking soda. You may also consider using bleach if there is heavy mildew
 9.    Bathroom décor
Any display articles in the bathroom should be wiped with disinfectant to eliminate any growth of germs.
10.    Hairbrushes and combs
The hair brush or comb that you use accumulates dead skin cells, dust mites, lint, dust, natural oils from your scalp as well as the hair products that you use. This can turn your hairbrush into a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Using such a hairbrush will lead to several hair and scalp problems. After every use, remove hair stuck in the brush or comb manually. Once every month wash the hair brush or comb with shampoo and leave it overnight to dry
11.  Furniture
Any spillage should be cleaned right away to avoid deep stains. The upholstery and all the nooks and corners should be vacuumed once a month. You may consider steam cleaning once a year to extend the life of your furniture.
12.  Dishwasher
Your dishwasher may wash all your utensils but tiny food particles and grease get trapped inside and overtime this build up will prevent the machine from cleaning your dishes well. Once every month, remove and wash the filters. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and run a cycle to clean the dishwasher.
Quarterly
13.  Refrigerator
You may be wiping the external body of the fridge every week, but how about the inside of the fridge.  All the forgotten leftovers, liquid spillage on shelves become breeding ground for moulds. Empty your fridge every 3-4 months and clean the shelves and walls with a wipe cloth. Take out all the shelves and drawers and wash it. Ensure that they are completely dry before placing them back. For cleaning the inside of the fridge, you may use a solution of baking soda and water. You may also use a cotton bud to clean difficult corners. Dry the inside of the fridge thoroughly using towels or paper napkins before keeping the food in the fridge.
Half yearly
14.  Pillows
Just like your bed sheets, the pillows are also a haven for bacteria and molds. Wash your pillows in hot water every 3-6 months to kill the bacteria. This will also ensure that the pillows remain fresh and support your head well.
15.  Mattress
Despite spreading a bed sheet, your mattress is home to allergens, dust, bacteria, dead skin cells and sweat. Vacuum cleaning it can be an easy way other than put it out in direct sun. You may then sprinkle some baking soda on the mattress and gently rub it. Leave it on the mattress for couple of minutes and then vacuum the excess powder. This will remove all the odour from the mattress and keep it fresh.
