Have you gotten to your spring cleaning yet? Now is a great time to give your home a deep clean after a long winter of being indoors. But if you lack the motivation to get started, perhaps this will help – some spots in your home are much dirtier than others. Instead of spring cleaning your entire home, you can focus on the areas that need it most. Here’s a close look at the dirtiest spots in your home that you should tackle first.
The dirtiest spots in the kitchen
Your kitchen sees a lot of action. And it can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and grime in the process. It’s also an environment that is conducive to bacteria growth. In fact, your kitchen could be teeming with E. Coli, salmonella, and other harmful bacteria. The dirtiest items in your kitchen that you should focus on include:
- Sponges and rags
- Refrigerators
- Sinks and countertops
- Coffee makers
- Cutting boards
- Knobs and drawer pulls
The dirtiest spots in the bathroom
Next up is the bathroom. No matter how diligent you are about cleaning the bathroom, bacteria can still linger and make you sick. Moisture in the bathroom can contribute to the growth of germs, mold, and mildew. The places in your bathroom most likely to contain germs include:
- Shower and bathtub
- Faucets
- Drains
- The area around the toilet
- Toothbrushes
- Towels
- Knobs and light switches
The dirtiest spots in living areas and home offices
Just because a room doesn’t have excessive moisture doesn’t mean it can’t get really dirty. In fact, there are a few places in your living areas and home offices that are breeding grounds for bacteria and allergens. These include:
- Remote controls
- Game controls
- Keyboards
- Tablets and phones
- Earbuds
- Switches
- Upholstery
- Carpet
The dirtiest spots in the bedroom
Your bedroom also isn’t safe from bacteria, fungus, insects, and allergens. We spend so much time in our beds, and unless you’re diligent about cleaning they can become a haven for dirt, grime, and even mites. Some of the places you need to pay extra attention to in your bedroom include:
- Sheets, blankets, quilts, and bedspreads
- Pillows
- Mattresses and box springs
Your pet’s dirtiest places
Let’s not forget about our other family members – our pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals can bring contaminants into the home. It’s essential that we keep pet areas clean as well. Some of the dirtiest pet items you’ll find in your home include:
- Pet bowls
- Pet toys
- Pet beds
Your dirtiest personal items
In addition to the spots outlined above, there are many of your personal items that can carry an outsize amount of bacteria and dirt. These are often found on items that you carry outside your home during the day. This means you’re bringing bacteria into your home from other places. Your dirtiest personal items include:
- Purses and wallets
- Key fobs and keys
- Backpacks and gym bags
- Lunchboxes and lunch bags
- Cell phones and tablets