When it comes to cleaning the house, it’s easy to get sidetracked and miss out on some grubby spots. However, there are some commonly forgotten surfaces that are highly susceptible to bacteria and germs. In this article, we’ll explore the common germ hotspots you’re probably missing when cleaning and provide you with tips on how to ensure they never get overlooked again.
Commonly Forgotten Surfaces
- Light switches
- Door handles
- Toilet flush buttons
- Door mats
- Pet toys
- Cupboard or drawer handles
These surfaces are often overlooked when cleaning, but they can be a major culprit for spreading bacteria and germs amongst your household. In a recent Instagram reel, cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie shared some common cleaning mistakes she says homeowners tend to make, including forgetting to clean high-touch areas.
Why High-Touch Areas Are Important
“Ignoring high-touch areas like light switches, remotes, and door handles often gets missed – but they’re germ hotspots. It comes down to habit and invisibility. We’re often focused on cleaning the visibly dirty parts of our home, floors, worktops, and sinks, while the smaller, more frequently touched items fade into the background. Out of sight, out of mind. Items like light switches, remote controls, and door handles may not look dirty, but they collect oils from our skin, bacteria, and viruses through daily use,” — Lynsey Crombie
Light switches and door handles are some of the dirtiest items in your home and can be a major culprit for spreading bacteria and germs amongst your household. Others include toilet flush buttons, door mats, pet toys and cupboard or drawer handles.
How to Clean High-Touch Areas
- For most high-touch areas, warm soapy water is sufficient if you’re cleaning regularly. It breaks down grime and washes away bacteria without the need for harsher chemicals.
- If the area hasn’t been cleaned in a while or if someone in your household is unwell, it’s a good idea to follow up with a disinfectant spray.
- When using disinfectants, technique matters. Spray the cloth, not the surface. For items like door handles, cupboard doors, and wall-mounted switches, spraying directly can damage paint or cause discolouration over time.
Lynsey recommends using a microfiber cloth to clean high-touch areas, as they are effective at picking up dirt and grime without leaving streaks or marks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not reading cleaning product labels correctly
- Rushing through your clean to-do list too quickly
- Forgetting to clean high-touch areas
Most of Lynsey’s followers were quick to own up about how often they forget to clean these spaces, too. “I always forget the light switches,” says one user. “They are going on my to-do list today,” adds another.
Get the Job Done Right
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Microfiber cloth | A microfiber cloth is a must-have for cleaning high-touch areas. It is effective at picking up dirt and grime without leaving streaks or marks. |
| Disinfectant spray | A disinfectant spray is a must-have for cleaning high-touch areas when someone in your household is unwell. It breaks down grime and washes away bacteria and viruses. |
Don’t let high-touch areas become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
news is a contributor at BlissClean. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
