Most people have a normal routine they follow when it comes to cleaning their homes. Now that we’re living in a new normal, it’s important to update your cleaning routine. You may be wondering if you are covering all the necessary areas and if you are cleaning them often enough. Read on to learn how often these home surfaces really need to be cleaned.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are probably one of the first places you think of when cleaning your home. Do you know which surfaces should be cleaned more often than others? To start, the following surfaces should be cleaned daily. Toilet flusher, sink handles and soap dispenser are the top 3 areas that are touched numerous times a day and should be cleaned thoroughly.
Your bathtub and shower surfaces, toilet bowl, floors, walls, and countertops should also be cleaned fairly regularly, but around once a week will do. Finally, your bathroom exhaust vents, cabinets, shelves, and toothbrush holder come in third and can get away with cleaning only once a month. If your toothbrush holder can go in the dishwasher, try to throw it in bi-weekly, if possible.
Kitchen
Your kitchen is used for the preparation of your meals, sometimes eating them, and where you clean up after them. This space can collect a lot of build-up and should be regularly cleaned. The high-touch areas are cabinet knobs, fridge doors, and both oven and microwave control boards, which should be cleaned a couple times a week. Your countertops and kitchen table should be cleaned daily, but refrain from cutting any foods, or eating off of them.
Dishwasher, fridge, and over handles can get away with once a week deep clean as long as you wipe down frequently. However, the interior of the fridge, microwave, stove, and dishwasher can go a little longer with bi-weekly cleanings.
Bedroom
Some people only use their bedroom to sleep in, however, this does not mean it can be neglected. Surfaces like your dresser and nightstand should be cleaned once a week, as they collect a lot of dust. Your ceiling fan can be cleaned once a week or bi-weekly, but no longer, since dust forms quickly on this surface. Your bed sheets are non-negotiable and must be cleaned every week.
High Touch Surfaces
High touch surfaces all over the house should be cleaned regularly, and possibly daily depending on how many individuals are under the same roof. Light switches, door handles and railings are all commonly touched areas by all household members. To keep these high touch surfaces free from dirt build-up and the transfer of bacteria, they must be attended to multiple times a week, or daily if possible.
Electronics are another area that can go unnoticed but will transfer germs rapidly. Phones, computers, TV remotes and accessories should be unplugged, where applicable, and disinfected weekly. Again, using your own discretion and depending on your individual household, these items may need to be cleaned more often.
To keep a household clean it takes every member pitching in. Wash your hands after touching surfaces that accumulate high amounts of bacteria and disinfect often. Try to keep a regular cleaning schedule on how often your household surfaces need to be cleaned, to ensure you prevent the collecting and spreading of dust and germs.
